(At the moment, I’m not providing career advice – I’m on a break until March 2025)
Many people have helped me in the past with work-related challenges, so I like to return the favor and help others who are struggling with their career. I work in the dynamic world of Data Science and AI, so I focus my efforts on people from that field (for instance, data engineers, machine learning engineers, data scientists, data analysts), or people wanting to get into it.
I usually advise starters, young professionals, mid-career seniors, and expats. In one short session of about one hour, I give valuable tips on networking, the use of LinkedIn, and playing to your strengths. And I ask a lot of questions. My aim is to enable you to find a suitable job by yourself, now and in the future.
If you’re interested, then reach out at martijn@martijn-onderwater.nl, or connect via LinkedIn. I’m looking forward to it!
Did I mention that it is free? I only ask that you also help others when you get the chance.
Common questions I encounter
- Can I switch to another expertise in the data domain?
- I’d like to focus more on my Python skills, but my job does not allow that. What can I do?
- What is a normal ratio for data cleaning vs applying ML?
- Where can I use other types of ML techniques?
- Should I work for a big of small company?
- Should I go for inhouse or consultancy?
- How is data science maturity in other industries?
- Is my experience with ML/DL strong enough?
- What should be my next role?
- Do I need extra education?
- What can I do to improve hard skills beside formal education?
- Can I improve my interviewing skills?
- I’m tired of all this IT stuff. How can I do more analytical / algorithmic work?
- Is it usefull to do Kaggle?
- What should be my next role?
- How can I find a job that matches my preferences
- What is more important: tools, methods, or problem solving skills?
- How is AI impacting Data Science?
- What companies are active in my area of expertise?
- I want to work with algorithms, but I’m mostly making dashboards. What can I do?
- Should I focus on technology, or move towards a business-oriented role?
Expats
Expats typically approach me with specific questions regarding the Dutch job-market in data:
- Where do I look for vacancies in The Netherlands?
- What is the maturity level of company X?
- What are current trends in data and AI?
- What networking events can I visit?
Testimonials
Martijn knows the Dutch data market very well and is able to understand your experience and personality in short time. What I found different from others is that he focuses on the key aspects of your experience combined with your character/personal life so he’s been able to orient my job search with a broader vision than just data scientist and increase my level of confidence in such search.
He also suggested effective methods on how to improve my network and be more visible in the market which landed a couple of good job interviews. I will recommend Martijn both to an IT/data professional looking for a new position but also for hiring managers that needs orientation for the job role they need and the possible right talents in Martijn’s network.
Q1 2024
I have been working during several years in the data science space and at some point I felt a bit unsure about some topics, like if I should consider switching industries, or even switch field completely. I needed to talk to someone experienced to get some ideas and inspiration. Martijn was very kind, took the time to talk to me at length without time pressure trying to understand my point of view on things and gave interesting feedback. It was very helpful talking to him and I definitely recommend doing it to anyone.
Q4 2023
I received valuable advices from Martijn regarding my career path on data. During our conversation, we reflected my past career so that we can conclude my strong and weak points. I start to see a clear career path in front of me. Really recommend if you are currently confused about your current career situation!
Q4 2023
Your expertise in the field has been incredibly helpful, and I appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge with me. You’ve not only helped me gain clarity on my goals but also provided valuable tips for job interviews, and they really made a difference. Now I enter the interviews with a better mindset and I can see the results. The talk really helped me to build my confidence again, and that led me to talk with my current boss to ask for other opportunities and now I am better in the job I currently have.
Q2 2023
Martijn, zeer veel dank voor ons gesprek. Het heeft me veel waardevolle tips, inzicht en vooral positieve motivatie opgeleverd!
Q2 2023
Martijn kindly agreed to help me with my career development. I wanted to know if I’m competitive on the Netherlands market, what median salary I can expect, and how to improve my current resume, LinkedIn, and CV. He provided all the answers during the call and thorough comments on my resume after it. Because of that, I became more confident on the interviews and reached stages that I hadn’t reached before. I really appreciate what he has done for me and wish him luck in his personal journey as well.
Q1 2023
Martijn is very easy-going and patient. He provides me with lots of resources. Meanwhile, he encourages me to try, to take the initiative to get feedback and adjust myself, which makes me more confident and motivated.
Q3 2022
Door zijn kennis en ruime werkervaring heeft Martijn mij geholpen bij het uitstippelen van een vervolgtraject. De gesprekken zijn nuttig en brengen nieuwe inzichten. Kortom: zeker aan te bevelen.
Q3 2022