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Connect with the Team: Meet Mark van der Velden
We’ve told you all about U-Connect—how it works, the benefits of freelancing, and tips for success. But now, it’s time to introduce you to the people behind the platform! In our Connect with the Team interviews, we’re giving you a closer look at the faces that make U-Connect what it is.
This week, we’re excited to introduce Mark, a key member of our team. From brainstorming to operations Mark has been with U-Connect since the beginning. Get to know him, his best tips for freelance work, and more about his day-to-day work as our Operational Manager in this interview.
Ready to connect? Let’s dive in!
1. Hi Mark! Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hey everyone! I’m Mark, 36 years young (and feeling it). I grew up in the Netherlands near Rotterdam, but I also had a brief London adventure—cheeky pint, anyone? These days, I’ve settled into a tiny town near Utrecht with my partner. Big city vibes, small-town life—best of both worlds!
I’m all about connecting over good food. Fancy restaurants? Count me in. Hosting friends and family? Even better—especially when I get to whip up a four-course feast. So yeah, if you love food, we should totally connect.
2. How did you end up at U-Connect and what is your role here?
After years of living the hospitality life—think restaurants and swanky 5-star hotels—I decided to shake things up and dive into recruitment. That’s how I landed at Undutchables Recruitment Agency. Fast forward over 7 years, and I’ve climbed the ranks to manage the Eindhoven branch.
In recent years, I kept hearing the same thing from clients and candidates: flexible contracts, freelancing dreams of internationals, and all that jazz. That got me thinking—why not connect international freelancers with Dutch companies? So, after some serious brainstorming (aka coffee-fueled chitchat) with my colleagues, I discovered Kirsten (now our Marketing Manager at U-Connect) had been noodling on the same idea. And there was the lightbulb moment!
We got to work, talked to more candidates and clients, and within just 5 months, boom! Our self-service platform was up and running.
Now, as the Operations Manager, I’m the go-to person for all things operations—connecting clients and freelancers, guiding them through the platform, and breaking down the rules and regulations like it’s no big deal. Honestly, it’s been a wild ride, and I’m loving every minute of it!
3. From your experience in recruitment, what do you see as the main advantages of working on a freelance project basis?
For companies, bringing in a freelancer is like getting a specialist on demand. Need a specific skill set for a project? Boom—they’ve got you covered. Plus, the flexibility is a game-changer. Think the project will take 5 months? If it wraps up in 4, you save money. If it stretches to 7, no stress—you can easily extend the contract. No need for a permanent hire when you just need someone for this one gig. It’s a win-win: you get top-notch expertise without long-term commitment.
And for freelancers, it’s like getting a backstage pass to different “kitchens.” They get to use their specialized skills to help clients and work on their own terms. Flexibility? Absolutely. Variety? Even better. Instead of sticking with the same employer for years, freelancers love the freedom to work with different organizations and share their expertise wherever it’s needed. Everybody wins!
4. What do you think is key for creating a strong freelance project?
Know what you want from the project! Start by creating a clear game plan: outline the assignment, set some solid goals, and nail down what you expect. Make sure you and the freelancer are on the same page about what needs to be delivered and when. Clear agreements = smooth sailing!
5. What makes a freelancing assignment irresistible?
Flexible hours, great hourly pay, and a super cool project (preferably for a longer period (8 months +) to dive into—what’s not to love?
6. What are some of the current freelance market trends in the Netherlands that are good to keep in mind?
AI-powered tools are shaking things up for freelancers across industries. Sure, building your tech and AI skills is key, but don’t forget the human touch—critical thinking and empathy are just as important.
While IT-related freelance gigs are popping up everywhere, there’s also a big demand for top-notch financial freelancers. Whether you’re coding or crunching numbers, there’s plenty of opportunity to shine!
7. Any advice for companies wanting to get started working with freelancers?
Have a clear idea of what you want from the project, but stay open-minded. Trust your freelancer—they’re here to collaborate and bring their expertise to the table. Teamwork makes the dream work!
8 . Any advice for freelancers wanting to get to work in the Netherlands?
Get familiar with the Dutch way of working! Even in international companies, Dutch work culture is alive and kicking. Expect people to be direct and straightforward—no beating around the bush here. They also love keeping communication short and to the point, so be ready for clear, no-nonsense conversations.
Quickfire questions
Q: Which languages do you speak?
A: Dutch and English are my go-to languages. I pretend to speak German, French, and Spanish (and all other languages), but let’s just say my international colleagues would strongly disagree with that claim.:)
Q: If you had to describe your working style in three words, what would they be?
A: Fast-paced, communicative, and determined—let’s get things done!
Q: What’s your favorite productivity hack or tool?
A: Lists, always lists! There’s something so satisfying about crossing off your to-dos throughout the day. For tools, I’m all about OneNote for quick notes on the fly, or AI-powered tools to tackle that dreaded admin work. Less stress, more done!
Q: If you could go any where in the world where would you go and why?
A: New Zealand—visited 9 years ago, and it’s a total mix of everything! You can start your day at the beach, grab lunch on a snowy mountain, and end it by sleeping in a lush green forest next to a waterfall. It’s like nature’s playground! Planning to go back in 2026 for an epic road trip in a campervan. Can’t wait!
Curious about what Mark and U-Connect can mean for you? Contact Mark for more information and register on the platform to get started. Plus, follow the U-Connect LinkedIn page to stay up to date on the latest tips and tricks in the industry.
Undutchables
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