The results are in: Technology Market Insights 2024

September 5, 2024

Welcome to the first part of our report into the technology market and salary insights for 2024.

We surveyed over 1600 developers, engineers, and tech leaders to uncover the programming languages dominating the landscape this year.

This blog will focus on the top trends we’re seeing, focusing on top languages, sectors and trends.

Stay tuned for part two, where we will explore salary trends and benefits. Can’t wait? Download the full guide now!

Who We Surveyed

Our survey reached a diverse group of over 1600 tech professionals from various backgrounds and levels of expertise. From seasoned developers to CTOs, our respondents provided valuable insights into the programming languages they use daily and their preferences for certain technologies.

This comprehensive dataset allows us to present a well-rounded view of the current state of tech in the Netherlands for 2024.

Top Programming Languages of 2024

JavaScript, Java, and Python Leading the Pack

When asked to identify the top three programming languages they use day-to-day, respondents overwhelmingly pointed to JavaScript, Java, and Python. These languages are favoured for their robustness, versatility, and wide range of applications.

JavaScript continues to be a staple in web development, powering both front-end and back-end solutions. Its adaptability makes it a go-to choice for startups and established companies alike.

Java remains a powerhouse in enterprise applications, particularly within the fintech sector. Its stability, security, and portability make it ideal for handling complex financial transactions and large-scale systems.

Python’s popularity is driven by its simplicity and effectiveness in AI and machine learning. Its versatility allows developers to use Python’s extensive libraries to create predictive models and advanced analytics tools across various fields.

The Rise of C#, C++, and TypeScript

Responses also showed, unsurprisingly, the significant popularity of C#, C++, and TypeScript, which all play pivotal roles in advancing AI, machine learning, and scalable web applications.

Why Statically Typed Languages Matter

Enhanced Security and Performance

Our results highlight that statically typed languages continue to be favored in the tech industry due to their explicit variable type declarations, which minimize runtime errors and enhance code reliability and security. These languages are crucial for applications where accuracy and robustness are paramount.

The ever-growing popularity of statically typed languages is partly due to increased funding in Fintech, as these companies prioritise security to protect sensitive financial data and transactions. Additionally, these languages perform well and scale efficiently, making them ideal for handling large transaction volumes and complex calculations.

Key Programming Languages in Fintech

Java, C++, C#, and TypeScript have shown significant growth in popularity within fintech, driven by their stability, performance, and security. We’ve observed Java’s extensive use in backend systems and transaction processing, while C++ is powering trading platforms and real-time systems. C# and TypeScript are increasingly supporting scalable front-end and backend architectures, boosting the overall reliability of fintech solutions.

Conclusion

Our findings reveal the key programming languages shaping the future of technology in 2024. JavaScript, Java, and Python are at the forefront, driving innovation. Additionally, statically typed languages such as C#, C++, and TypeScript are gaining traction, especially in the fintech industry, due to their strong security and performance features.

Stay tuned for part two of our deep-dive, where we will explore salary trends and benefits in the tech industry.

Can’t wait? Download the brochure now to get early access to the complete findings!

Data & AI Report – Data Science Trends July 2024

August 5, 2024

Trends in data science have brought a fresh wave of excitement to the data and analytics landscape this July. We’re seeing major moves towards scalability, efficient governance, and AI capabilities. Additionally, Dr. Randy Olson shows us just how far creative data use can take you—literally! Turns out, data science isn’t just about numbers, it can plan one epic road trip too!

Firstly, discord’s transition to Dagster and dbt for data orchestration

This month, Discord announced a major overhaul of their data orchestration infrastructure, moving from their in-house system, Derived, to a combination of Dagster and dbt. As their platform and user base expanded, the need for enhanced self-service capabilities and robust observability became evident. This decision was driven by the necessity for declarative automation, a modern unified interface, reliability on Kubernetes, and seamless integration with existing tools.

After evaluating open-source options like Argo and Prefect, Discord chose Dagster for orchestration and dbt for data modeling. This transition has enabled them to support over 2,000 dbt tables, enhancing their ability to deliver seamless service and insightful data analytics while scaling efficiently.

Read about it here

Meta unveils Llama 3.1

This month, Meta introduced Llama 3.1, a massive leap in open-source AI. The Llama 3.1 405B model brings unmatched flexibility and state-of-the-art capabilities, unlocking new workflows like synthetic data generation and model distillation. Additionally, Meta is enhancing the Llama ecosystem with new security tools and a reference system. Over 25 partners, including AWS and Google Cloud, will offer services from day one.

Llama 3.1 models feature expanded context lengths to 128K, multilingual support, and strong performance across benchmarks. Upgraded 8B and 70B models enhance capabilities in general knowledge, tool use, and translation.

Read Meta’s full update

Building a data-driven analytics team at DoorDash

Jessica Lachs, DoorDash’s VP of Analytics & Data Science, shares insights on what it means to be truly data-driven and how to structure an analytics team. Having joined DoorDash as the first General Manager in 2014, Lachs has built the analytics team from the ground up and now leads global analytics, including the Wolt Analytics team post-acquisition.

Not only does Lachs highlight that the term “analytics” can be ambiguous, encompassing data science, business intelligence, product analytics, machine learning, and BizOps. She also emphasizes that to build a data-driven organisation, founders should focus on desired outcomes rather than semantics. At DoorDash, the role of analytics has evolved with the company’s growth, shifting from gut instinct decisions to data-centric strategies. Initially, DoorDash used quasi-experimental methods due to limited data, but as the company matured, they invested in scalable data models and advanced experimentation capabilities, expanding their analytics scope to drive better decision-making.

Read the full post here

Databricks’ migration to unity catalog for data governance

In a recent blog post, the Data Platform team at Databricks shared insights into their migration to Unity Catalog for enhanced data governance. As the company grows, establishing secure, compliant, and cost-effective data operations has become a priority. With thousands of employees analysing data, consistent governance standards are essential, making the migration to Unity Catalog a top priority.

The blog outlines the challenges and benefits of migrating from the default Hive Metastore (HMS) to Unity Catalog. While HMS lacked fine-grained access controls, lineage support, audit logs, and effective search integration, UC provided these features out-of-the-box. Therefore, the team chose a transformational approach, selectively migrating datasets to establish a structured governance framework. This strategy required more effort initially, but enabled clear data ownership, naming conventions, and intentional access, setting the stage for future governance policies.

Read the blog

Finally, some creative Data use!

Dr. Randy Olson, a full stack data scientist and AI researcher, utilised his expertise in machine learning to develop an optimal search strategy.

He approached this task using the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) algorithm, which aims to find the shortest route that visits each city exactly once and returns to the starting point.

Dr. Olson applied three specific restrictions:

The trip must stop in all 48 contiguous U.S. states
Only visit National Natural Landmarks, National Historic Sites, National Parks, or National Monuments #
Be taken entirely by car without leaving the U.S.

Want to take the trip? The route spans 13,699 miles and requires 224 hours (or 9.33 days) of driving, assuming no traffic. You can find the full itinerary here.

Dr Randy Olsen used Data to design the optimum road trip across the U.S. Showing how useful data can be. Data science trends really are everywhere!

Olsen’s epic road trip

To conclude

July highlighted several key trends in data and analytics. The push for scalability is evident in Discord’s adoption of Dagster and dbt, and Databricks’ migration to Unity Catalog for better data governance. The importance of building effective data teams was underscored by DoorDash’s approach to analytics leadership. Another notable trend is the growing emphasis on enhanced self-service capabilities and robust observability in data platforms. These themes point towards a future focused on scalable infrastructure, efficient governance, structured teams, and innovative AI applications.

If you’re interested in how we can help scale your data team, get in touch.

A Day in the Life of a Foxtek Recruiter

July 17, 2024

Thinking about starting a career in recruitment? Or perhaps you’re considering a change and are curious about what the day-to-day life of a recruiter is really like? You’re in the right place! Step into our shoes to understand the dynamic and varied nature of this role.

07:30-08:00 – Clearing the Decks

Our day kicks off bright and early. We prepare for the day ahead by clearing our inboxes and responding to emails and messages. This helps achieve “inbox zero“, a popular productivity tactic that ensures nothing important slips through the cracks.

Next, we review our targets and the day’s goals. This planning phase sets the tone for a productive day ahead.

08:00-09:00 – Making Connections

Manager calls form a crucial part of our early morning routine. This is the golden hour for speaking to hiring managers before they start their busy days. You’ll use a blend of sales and relationship building techniques to help stay top-of-mind for upcoming roles.

09:00 – Team Scrum Meetings

After the flurry of morning calls, it’s time for a scrum meeting. We check in as a team to discuss progress, address any roadblocks, and confirm priorities for the day. It’s a short but essential meeting that keeps everyone aligned and motivated.

09:30-10:00 – Follow Ups

Following the scrum meeting, we get back to manager calls. This time is dedicated to following up on any active opportunities. Building and maintaining relationships is key, as regular interaction keeps the momentum going.

10:00-10:15 – Break Time

Even high-energy recruiters like us need a break. A brief pause helps recharge and refocus, making the rest of the day more productive. Grab a coffee, take a walk, get away from your screens for a while!

Gif as a joke talking about taking a break and how important it is to take a break from your busy day as a Foxtek recruiter

10:15-12:00 – Building Relationships

Late morning is dedicated to networking and business development. This involves purposeful conversations with hiring managers and sending marketing materials to prospective clients. Building these relationships is essential for your long-term success in recruitment.

12:00-13:00 – Keeping in Touch

We spend this time checking in with our candidate network. Regular communication helps maintain a strong talent pool and ensures candidates feel valued and informed. These check-ins can make all the difference in a competitive market.

13:00-14:00 – Lunch Time

Lunch is a time to relax, chat with colleagues, or catch up on any pending work. On Fridays, we put on a delicious lunch spread for the whole team.

A selection of photos from our Friday lunches, a reason to work for foxtek in itself!

Foxtek’s famous Friday lunches make us the envy of everyone else in our building!

14:00 – Afternoon Roundup

Our daily team roundup happens just after lunch. We reassess goals and adjust strategies for the afternoon. This ensures everyone stays focused and on track as the day progresses.

14:00-15:30 – Networking and Pitching

The afternoon continues with more business development. We focus on key networking tasks, pitching Foxtek’s services, and building relationships with hiring managers. This is crucial for generating new business opportunities.

15:30-17:00 – Building the Talent Pool

Late afternoon is all about candidate engagement. We connect with both new and existing candidates to maintain a robust talent pool. These interactions help ensure that when a job opening comes up, we have the perfect candidate ready.

17:00 Onwards – Training and Wrapping Up

The day concludes with final tasks and planning for the next day. Following Jim Rohn’s advice, “Don’t start the day until it is finished on paper” we ensure tomorrow’s activities are well-organised.

Training sessions with senior team members like Matt are usually scheduled during this time, providing an opportunity for continuous learning and development. On Fridays, we leave early to socialise and unwind, celebrating the week’s achievements.

Conclusion

A day at Foxtek is packed with a variety of tasks that require analytical, interpersonal, and strategic skills. Organisation and proactivity are essential to managing the demands of the job. Despite the fast-paced nature of recruitment, there’s always time for learning, bonding and socialising!

Well, what do you think? We offer a dynamic and supportive environment where you can thrive. Like what you see and ready to take the next step?

Apply here

How Fractional Freelancing can help bridge the tech skills gap

July 3, 2024

According to research, more than two-thirds of companies (70%) report hiring challenges when it comes to roles requiring digital skills (AWS).

With the EU’s focus on digital infrastructure, the skills shortage is becoming more apparent than ever.

But what if businesses chose a less traditional route to bridging those gaps?

$A Gif of Popeye stopping a leak by tying it a knot. Making a joke about businesses using a less traditional route to bridge their talent gaps... using fractional freelancers!$

Enter: Fractional Freelancing

Also known as Part-Time Consulting, Gig Work, Temporary Contracting, Multi-Role Freelancing; Fractional Freelancing isn’t a new concept. Freelancers have been working part-time across multiple companies for years. More and more freelancers are opting for this model, drawn to the variety and flexibility it offers.

According to research, 70% of freelancers are dedicated to two or four projects at any given time. We’re seeing this trend gaining momentum as developers seek diverse experiences, variety and opportunities to expand their skill sets.

Permanent vs. Freelance vs. Fractional Freelancing

When addressing skills gaps, companies typically consider hiring permanent team members, or full time freelancers. This approach can be costly and not always the most effective.

We recently walked a client through this exact

dilemma. A small scaleup, developing a new app and facing some challenges, specifically in the time being taken to get the MVP developed and launched. As a small team of 5, they had some knowledge gaps, particularly in React Native and UI/UX, that meant progress was slowing up and decision-making was difficult due to lack of experience and believability.

We walked them through a few scenarios, outlining the pros and cons for each…

Permanent Hire:

Pros: Long-term commitment, deep integration into company culture.
Cons: High cost, potential underutilisation, and risk of disengagement once specific project needs are met.

Given their size and budget constraints, they felt hiring a permanent team was out of the question. The risks—high costs and possible underutilisation—were too great.

Freelance Hire:

Pros: Flexibility, access to specialised skills, lower commitment.
Cons: Can be expensive if engaged full-time, varying availability.

Our client liked the idea of taking on a freelancer, but their concerns were around fixed contract lengths. After the initial MVP project finished, there wouldn’t be enough work to fulfill many freelancers’ expectations of 4-5 days per week.

This is where the option of Fractional Freelancers came into play:

Pros: Cost-effective, highly specialised expertise and flexible.
Cons: Requires effective management to coordinate part-time schedules and integrate knowledge.

Our client decided to opt for a fractional freelance team specialising in React Native and UI/UX. The arrangement was perfect for them: 3 days per week for 3 months, followed by 1 day per week from Month 4. This provided the exact expertise needed without the financial burden of full-time hires.

Benefits Beyond Just Cost Savings

Specialised Expertise

Fractional freelancers bring niche skills that might not be available in-house. Our client benefited from the freelance team’s extensive experience and understanding of React Native and UI/UX design, which helped expedite the development and launch of their MVP.

A recent Deloitte study found that nearly half (49%) of full-time employees upskilled over a year ago or never have, while 60% of freelancers upskilled within six months. This shows that fractional freelancers are not only flexible but also highly skilled and current with the latest trends.

Flexible Commitment

Fractional arrangements mean you get the right expertise for the precise amount of time you need it, avoiding long-term commitments, and only receiving support when it’s needed.

For our client, this meant having their engineer work 3 days per week during the critical initial phase of the migration and then transition to 1 day per week for ongoing support—effectively balancing expertise and budget.

Innovative Perspectives

Fractional Freelancers often work with various clients across different industries, bringing innovative ideas and fresh perspectives. In one of our client’s cases, they were dealing with a time-consuming manual data entry process: our fractional freelance systems engineer, experienced in process optimisation, introduced automated solutions learned from another project. This resulted in over 20 hours saved per week, allowing the team to focus on strategic tasks.

Is fractional freelancing the future?

We’d certainly say that it’s up-trending right now, with high demand from our freelance candidate community.

While some clients are apprehensive, those who have embraced fractional freelancing have seen great success, especially in digital transformation projects, AI/ML implementations, and large migrations.

$Meme of oprah winfrey saying 'you do digital transformation' over and over. Linked to the part of the blog that talks about companies using fractional freelancers to help their digital transformations.$

With the EU’s Digital Decade Policy aiming for 75% of EU companies to use Cloud, AI, or Big Data, we anticipate an increase in the use of fractional freelancers.

To conclude

As well as being cost effective, fractional freelancers bring fresh perspectives and skills, keeping your company competitive and agile. As the demand for flexible talent grows, embracing fractional freelancing can trim costs, save time, and enhance your product or service. It’s a smart move for any forward-thinking business.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how a fractional freelancer can help your team, get in touch.

Data & AI Report – June 2024

July 2, 2024

Welcome to our June Data & AI report!

We’re covering some exciting news this month… who knew data catalogs could be so competitive? We’ve also got some interesting updates from NVIDIA and Netflix.

Let’s get stuck in!

Open Source battles: Databricks open sources Unity Catalog…

…live at the Data & AI summit

Following Snowflake’s announcement to open source their Polaris Catalog “within the next 90 days”, Matei Zaharia, Databricks’ CTO & Cofounder, went one up and opened the repo on his laptop during his Keynote speech at the Data & AI summit, navigated to the “danger zone” and in front of everyone, made the repo public there and then. Making Databricks the first to go open source in the industry.

Gif of someone eating popcorn wearing 3d glasses. A joke referencing the drama Databricks opensourcing their data catalogs Data & AI Summit before Snowflake launched theirs.

Watch a video of the moment it went live here.

In Databricks’ announcement, they shared the reasoning behind their decision to make this public, explaining that “most data platforms today are walled gardens” going on to say “By open-sourcing Unity Catalog, we are giving organisations an open foundation for their current and future workloads.”

NVIDIA Releases Open Synthetic Data Generation Pipeline for Training LLMs

NVIDIA has launched an open synthetic data generation pipeline for training large language models. The Nemotron-4 340B family offers advanced instruct and reward models, along with a dataset for generative AI training.

NVIDIA's Synthetic Response Data diagram

This system provides developers with a free and scalable solution to create synthetic data for building powerful LLMs, enhancing performance and accuracy. The models are designed to work seamlessly with NVIDIA NeMo and TensorRT-LLM for efficient model training and inference.

Read NVIDIA’s full blog here.

Netflix share a recap of their Data Engineering Open Forum

Netflix released a summary this month of the sessions from their Data Engineering Open Forum back in April. (along with recordings of all the talks!)

One session introduced Netflix’s “Auto Remediation” feature, which uses machine learning to handle job errors more efficiently. Jide Ogunjobi talked about using generative AI to help organizations easily manage and query their large data systems.

Tulika Bhatt explained how Netflix manages 18 billion daily impressions and the importance of real-time data for recommendations. We found Tulika’s talk particularly interesting as it highlighted the creative solutions Netflix employs to balance scalability and cost while delivering real-time data.

Jessica Larson shared her experience building a new data platform after GDPR, focusing on data protection and compliance. Clark Wright from Airbnb discussed their new Data Quality Score to improve data quality.

You can read about, and watch all of the talks here

How Machine Learning is transforming Online Banking security

Zachary Amos’ recent blog explores how behavioral biometrics can drastically reduce online banking fraud. This ML-driven technology works in the background, monitoring user behavior like mouse movements and keystrokes to spot anything unusual. It processes data in real-time, handling multiple users at once, making it a more streamlined and user-friendly security solution than traditional Multi-Factor Authentication.

Zachary’s insights show the power of machine learning in boosting security. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, using technology like this ensures accounts stay secure and protected.

To conclude

June has been a month full of exciting open-source updates. Databricks made waves by open-sourcing Unity Catalog live on stage, while NVIDIA launched a synthetic data generation pipeline for training large language models.

We’re especially interested in these open-source developments. They represent a move towards greater collaboration and accessibility in the tech world.

Want to discuss how we can help you or your data team? Get in touch, or check out our open roles.

Working at Foxtek in 2024

July 1, 2024

If you’re here, it’s probably because you’re considering working for Foxtek – great! This blog will help you understand what it’s like to work here and what you can expect from joining our team.

We’re Foxtek, based in the heart of Bristol, and we specialise in the Dutch tech market.

Our mission: To be a leading, tech-first, community-focused recruitment company providing an unrivaled customer experience.

What’s It Like to Work Here?

Working at Foxtek is fast-paced, fun, and sometimes intense. Recruitment is one of the few industries where the harder you work, the more you can earn. For the right person, this competitive environment can be incredibly motivating, driving you to achieve your best.

We’re a very sociable bunch and regularly host social activities. Food plays a big role in these (we’re all BIG foodies!), but we also love a bit of competition: bowling, Padel, and a personal highlight, ‘Foxy Bingo’. Our values are at the core of everything we do.

Curious about a day in the life at Foxtek? Read more here.

The Only Way Is Up

We’re massive on professional growth and development here. To succeed at Foxtek, you have to be driven to continuously learn and better yourself.

Here are a few ways we support your growth:

Personalised Training

From day one, our Head of Learning & Development, Matt, will be there to support you. With 25 years of recruitment experience, he offers tailored training throughout your journey and additional 1-on-1 sessions whenever you need them.

A joke image created of Matt teaching in the I'm a Celebrity jungle, with a sign that says 'camp wells' which is what Matt calls his training programme. Working at Foxtek.

You’ll get regular training and development in ‘Camp Wells’

Direct Access to Founders

You’ll have the unique opportunity to work directly with our founders, Tom and Tom. With 30 years’ combined experience in recruitment, they’ve generated millions in revenue and are always on hand to offer advice and guidance.

Marketing Support

Our Marketing Specialist, Jess, will help you build your digital brand, advising you on LinkedIn content and creating branded brochures.

Management Development Programme

Ready to take the next step? Matt can guide you through our tailored Management Development Training Programme, helping you develop the skills needed to become an effective manager.

What’s In It for Me?

A big reason people get into recruitment is for the financial perks. It can be an incredibly lucrative career choice if you’re willing to put in the hard work and follow what you’ve been taught. Here are a few things we offer as standard:

25 Days Holiday

Plus your birthday off and all bank holidays. We also close over the Christmas period.

The Dutch Way of Life

As well as regular work trips to Amsterdam, we adopt some of the dutch ways of life too. On Fridays, we put on a delicious lunch buffet, so that the whole team can sit and eat together and get a chance to catch up.

Health and Wellbeing Platform

You’ll get access to Heka, with a monthly allowance for gym memberships, health and wellbeing products & experiences, and even food subscriptions like HelloFresh!

For those who excel, we offer fantastic incentives: holiday trips and lunch clubs for top performers. It’s our way of celebrating your achievements and commitment.

Once you’ve established your business, you’ll have the chance to travel for work to meet clients and host/attend events, helping building stronger relationships.

“If you’re willing to work hard, be ambitious, and want more for yourself, then this is the company for you!” – Will

How Are We Different?

We’re working hard to disrupt a frankly outdated industry. Using top technology and automation tools, we aim to become the best, fastest, most impactful recruiter out there.

We’re always on the lookout for new tech and solutions to problems, so if you have ideas for ways we can improve, we’d love to hear them.

Conclusion

If you want to work for a company that values hard work, continuous learning, and having fun along the way, then you’re in the right place. We appreciate our fast-paced and collaborative environment, isn’t for everyone, but if you align with our values, you’ll find yourself growing both professionally and personally.

Have we convinced you to work at Foxtek? Apply here!

An Engineer’s Guide to Relocating to the Netherlands

June 18, 2024

Are you an engineer considering a move to the Netherlands? This guide is here to help you every step of the way!

From understanding the cost of living to sorting out visas and finding a place to stay, discover everything you need to know for a seamless transition and make your relocation as smooth as possible.

Part One: Starting Your Search

Research Cost of Living

Before you start packing your bags, it’s a good idea to check out the cost of living in the Netherlands. You can use a cost of living calculator to compare what you’re currently spending with what you might need in Dutch cities. This will give you a better idea of the salary you should aim for to match the lifestyle you have in mind.

Fred Flintstone counting up on an abacus. A joke to reference working out the cost of living related to relocating to the Netherlands.

Consider the 30% Ruling

As a highly skilled worker moving to the Netherlands, you might qualify for the 30% ruling, a tax reduction benefit that lasts for the first five years of your work.

Under the new guidelines, you receive the full 30% reduction for the first 20 months. After that, the reduction drops to 20% for the next 20 months and finally to 10% for the last 20 months of the five-year period. You can check how this might affect your income here.

Check Visa Requirements

If you’re planning to move to the Netherlands for work, you’ll need an MVV (long-stay visa) to get started. You can pick this up from any country with a Dutch consulate where you’ve been legally staying for at least 90 days.

Once you’re in the Netherlands, you’ll get your Highly Skilled Migrant Visa (HSMV). Both of these applications will be handled together with your future employer. The HSMV is a great option for highly skilled workers, but remember to check if you meet the minimum salary requirements, as they vary depending on your age.

Prepare for Fixed Term Contracts

Fixed-term contracts are common in the Netherlands, but don’t worry—they’re usually extended or renewed. It’s just a different way of doing things here!

Know Your Holiday Allowance

By law, Dutch employees are entitled to an 8% holiday allowance on top of their base salary. Sometimes job ads include this in the base salary, so be sure to clarify.

Part Two: After Securing a Position

Visas

If you need a visa, your employer will help with the application process. It might take around six weeks, and sometimes, you might need to collect it from the Dutch embassy in your home country.

Travel Arrangements

Once your start date and visa are confirmed, it’s time to book your travel!

Some employers might help out with relocation costs, so it’s worth asking. Make sure to check travel expenses properly before you decide on anything.

Finding Accommodation

Your company may offer temporary housing or help to find a place to live. If not, consider temporary solutions like Airbnb. Local contacts can also give you great tips on the best places to live.

Setting Up Banking

It’s essential to have a Dutch bank account to be able to rent an apartment or sort out other essentials. Check out what different banks have to offer in terms of options and perks to find the one that suits you best.

Preparing for Onboarding

Check whether your onboarding will be remote or in person. Get any materials you need from your new employer and prep by reading up on the company’s tech, processes, and rules.

Part Three: Preparing to Move

You’re almost there! As you prepare for your big move, a reminder of these tips:

Alexis Rose from Schitt's Creek attempting to close her suitcase to close it. GIF is a joke about having to pack to relocate to the Netherlands.

Double-check your visa and travel arrangements.
Confirm your first accommodation and banking setup.
Get ready for onboarding and familiarise yourself with your new job’s requirements.

With these steps in mind, you’ll be well on your way to a smooth and enjoyable transition!

You can find a checklist to keep track of your progress here, alternatively, get in touch & find out how we can help you.

Data & AI Report – May 2024

June 7, 2024

Welcome to our May Data & AI report! This month, we explore developments in data, AI, and machine learning. From transforming data warehouses to pioneering AI/ML applications.

Discover how industry leaders are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible⤵️

Are data warehouses evolving beyond analytics?

Mikkel Dengsøe, founder of Synq released some interesting research about the evolving role of data warehouses this month. Once the domain of reporting and analytics, we’re increasingly seeing them underpin crucial functions like AI/ML, automated marketing, and regulatory reporting. This evolution ups the stakes significantly and means that data accuracy is a top concern for most companies.

Mikkel also points out how data teams and their stacks are growing rapidly. Companies today manage thousands of models and juggle numerous daily jobs to keep things running smoothly. With more business-critical data and a surge in data assets, effective testing approaches are more vital than ever. It seems that basic tests won’t cut it anymore and that niche solutions will be essential to maintain data reliability.

Chart from Mikkel's blog that shows companies using data warehouses more and more for business critical operations, like AI, ML, Business ops and Reporting.

Data warehouses now have to support business-critical uses like AI/ML, automated marketing, and regulatory reporting.

You can check out Mikkel’s full blog here.

What’s next for Uber’s ML platform, Michelangelo?

In a recent blog from Uber, the company shares the strides it’s made so far in machine learning (ML). Since 2016, Michelangelo, Uber’s centralised ML platform, is leveraging data to drive key functions like ETA predictions, rider-driver matching, rankings, and fraud detection. With around 400 active ML projects and over 5K models in production, Michelangelo manages 20K model training jobs monthly and delivers up to 10 million real-time predictions per second.

Screenshot from Uber's Blog, showing how real-time Machine Learning underpins the UberEats app's core user flow.

Real-time ML underpins Eater app core user flow.

The blog goes on to explain Uber’s plans to use generative AI and large language models (LLMs), with the Gen AI Gateway is at the forefront of its mission. With the aim to aid security, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Read the full blog here.

LinkedIn launches LakeChime

This month, LinkedIn introduced LakeChime, a powerful data trigger service designed to enhance the efficiency of their extensive data lake. Handling billions of data points daily, LakeChime streamlines data processing by unifying data trigger semantics across both modern and traditional table formats like Hive and Iceberg.

Central to LakeChime is the Data Change Event (DCE), which captures updates within data tables and triggers downstream workflows via platforms like dbt or Airflow. This innovation ensures timely data availability and enhances pipeline efficiency.

Looking forward, LinkedIn plans to integrate LakeChime with dbt and Coral to automate incremental view maintenance, simplifying the creation of high-performance data pipelines.

Discover more about LakeChime in LinkedIn’s full blog post.

Comic Strip by Todd Comics, making a joke about data lakes that look well constructed and organised above the surface, but underneath the surface is an angry octopus with the Excel for a head, with the file name 'orders_final.xlsx'.

Spotlight on Slack’s female data engineers

Slack shared a blog last month highlighting the incredible work of their female data engineers across their various data teams.

By optimising data workflows with Apache Airflow and Apache Pinot, ensuring sub-second query latency. Senior Software Engineer, Jessica’s team is migrating from virtual machines to Kubernetes, using custom Python tools and automated deployments to boost efficiency.

Senior Software Engineer, Ramya talks about leading the migration from Spark 2 to Spark 3 on AWS EMR6, explaining how it enhances performance and reduces reliance on legacy systems.

Shrushti, another Senior Software Engineer transitioned Slack’s data ingestion from Secor to Bedrock and is now moving to Kafka Connect for real-time streaming. A shift that aligns with industry standards and improves system adaptability.

It’s a really interesting read and shines a light on Slack’s dedication to diversity and inclusion, as well as some of the incredible ways they’re using data. Read the full blog post to meet more inspiring engineers and discover the innovative projects shaping the future at Slack.

In conclusion…

As data continues to grow in volume and complexity, the strategies and technologies we employ must evolve. How will these innovations from Synq, Uber, LinkedIn, and Slack shape your business?

To stay ahead, organisations must keep pace with technological advancements with a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.

Want to discuss how we can help you or your data team? Get in touch, or check out our open roles.

Dutch Recruitment Trends and Skills to Watch 👀

May 21, 2024

If you’ve had anything to do with recruitment in the Netherlands over the past year, you’re probably well aware that it’s been a bumpy ride.

However, it looks like the clouds are parting (finally!), we’re seeing more roles on the market, and lots of highly-qualified candidates to fill them! We’re on the brink of some very exciting times, with lots of new roles and exciting developments coming this year. Read on for our take on the dutch recruitment trends and skills you need to watch for the second half of the year. ⬇️

What are the key trends?

We’re seeing a major shift in the Dutch labour market, fueled by automation, artificial intelligence (AI), and data analytics.

Data and AI are being increasingly integrated into daily business operations, and only the companies that act fast will be able to get ahead.

GIF of Patrick Swayze's character, Johnny Castle in Dirty Dancing, with the caption 'nobody puts baby in the corner' - the word 'baby' is covered and replaced by the word 'data'. Nobody put's data in the corner. Relating to the fact that data used to be separate within companies, but it's being increasingly included in business operations.

Gone are the days of data being a secluded department in the shadows.

What Does This Mean for the Dutch IT Market?

DATA TRENDS

In an effort to keep up with technological advancements and shifts towards more data-driven practices, we’re seeing more and more companies focusing on digital transformation projects, modernisation and streamlining of outdated processes.

AI/ML TRENDS

Obviously, AI and ML technologies are taking over the world and it seems like companies are starting to realise that AI isn’t just a ‘fad’. It’s no longer about just keeping up with trends – for businesses that want to stay competitive and innovative, they’ve got to get ahead of their competitors and make use of all the technology available. There’s also huge potential for companies to boost team productivity, innovate and elevate customer experiences.

In particular, we’re seeing companies in the FinTech, EdTech and EnviroTech spaces leaning into AI/ML. As a result, it’s likely that earlier adopters, who invest in this technology now, could end up being the unicorns of the future.

CYBERSECURITY TRENDS

Given that The Netherlands is home to almost a third of Europe’s data centres (and Google starting work on a new data centre in Groningen this year!) clients recognise huge opportunities for growth.

On the flipside, with so much more of our data being processed online, the target for hackers is getting bigger and bigger. With this in mind, clients are expressing concerns around needs for improvement and investment in protection from cyber-terrorism.

The Netherlands’ cybersecurity market is projected to continue increasing, from USD 2.16 billion in 2024 to USD 3.27 billion by 2029 (Security Insight).

Does this mean we need to adopt a load of new languages or frameworks?

Don’t panic!

Python continues to reign supreme across all these areas, making it indispensable for most tasks. Candidates with a strong Python background often excel due to its simplicity and versatility, supported by over 135,000 libraries.

Python’s role in data science, AI, ML, and cybersecurity is significant: with essential libraries like NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scapy driving advancements.

Candidates and clients we’ve spoken to recently highlight the importance of proficiency in C, Bash, and PowerShell for cybersecurity roles. They provide the low-level access and automation capabilities necessary for system programming, exploit development, and managing security operations.

Hiring managers frequently emphasise the value of candidates skilled in these areas to ensure teams are equipped to handle challenges effectively.

However, staying ahead means being aware of other key players gaining traction:

Data:

Apache Spark, Snowflake, DBT for data transformation.
Emerging tools like Polars and DuckDB.

AI/ML:

Hugging Face Transformers for NLP work.
Julia for high-performance numerical tasks.
Ray for scaling Python applications.

Cybersecurity:

Rust for secure application development.
Tools like Darktrace and Cylance are leading in AI-driven threat detection.
Burp Suite remains essential for web app security testing.
Swift for system programming and security applications.

What’s our advice?

For candidates:

We’re advising Data candidates to focus on building skills in essential libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and TensorFlow. Also, engaging in data-centric projects helps build a strong portfolio while staying updated through online courses.

As AI/Machine Learning are particularly sought after areas. As a result, we recommend enhancing your visibility by participating in competitions and contributing to open-source projects.

For cybersecurity, focus on the tools we listed above, using these in personal projects where possible. What’s more, we’ve found that obtaining certifications like CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) or CEH (Certified Ethical Hacker) can be beneficial.

For clients:

Promote a culture of knowledge sharing through internal workshops and encourage team participation in industry events and conferences. This approach ensures your engineering team remains competitive and well-equipped to handle emerging challenges.

Investing in continuous learning and development not only keeps your team at the forefront of industry standards. It also aids in team collaboration and idea sharing helping keep staff engaged, crucial for retention.

Finally, we recommend leveraging consultative recruiters (like Foxtek) to navigate technological advancements and avoid hiring mistakes. We focus our search on candidates familiar with key tools relevant to upcoming trends in each industry.

Wrapping up

GIF of Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story with the caption 'you might want to buckle up, baby'. The gif is a joke referencing a line in the blog about how this is going to be a wild ride. We're expecting to see trends in the dutch market.

In conclusion, the next year is shaping up to be a wild ride. For tech professionals, the opportunities are vast and varied, with a strong push towards innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. Expect to see a load more companies looking to hire roles related to Data, AI, Machine Learning and Cybersecurity.

On the other hand, for companies, adapting to these trends early will ensure you attract the right talent and stay competitive.

Want to get ahead of the curve? Reach out to discuss your requirements, or check out our open roles.

Data & AI Report – April 2024

May 1, 2024

Welcome to our first monthly update on data and AI. No need to scroll endlessly through news sites, we’ve compiled the month’s must-know developments right here!

April saw important developments in technology, highlighting investments and partnerships that emphasize the Netherlands’ involvement in the tech sector.

Google’s €640 Million Dutch Data Centre Project

Google announced a €640 million investment in a new data centre in Groningen, creating 125 jobs. This adds to Google’s total investment of over €3.8 billion in Dutch digital infrastructure since 2014. Read more

KLM Partners with Utrect University AI Labs

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is collaborating with Utrecht University’s AI Labs to refine operational efficiency and minimize disruptions.

PhD students are developing algorithms to optimize crew and aircraft scheduling, and improve ground processes like baggage handling and passenger boarding. This partnership aims to enhance KLM’s ability to quickly adapt to changes, ensuring smoother operations and prioritising flights effectively through data. Read more

Google Launches Training Programs for AI, Cybersecurity, and Data Analytics

The U.S. Treasury and Google Cloud are partnering to boost data analytics and cybersecurity hiring, aligning with President Biden’s AI Executive Order.

New training programs, accessible via YouTube and Google Cloud Skills Boost, include courses on generative AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics, will equip individuals with the skills needed for digital transformation in the public sector.

Learners also get free access to generative AI tools, including Google’s interview prep tool, Interview Warmup. Read more

Gif showing Google Cloud's new Generative AI Interview Warmup tool.

Source: Google Cloud

AI Breakthrough in Breast Cancer Risk Assessment

Danish and Dutch researchers have advanced breast cancer risk assessment by combining an AI diagnostic tool with a mammographic texture model, under the leadership of Dr. Andreas D. Lauritzen.

This integrated approach improves the prediction of both short- and long-term breast cancer risks, identifying high-risk women more effectively. The innovation promises earlier cancer detection and could alleviate the strain on healthcare systems caused by a shortage of specialist breast radiologists. Read more

These developments underscore a growing need for expert Data, AI, and ML talent. Reach out to discuss how we can help to drive your innovation forward.