Westcliff Alumnus Transforms Job Opportunities for International Students
Building a business often starts with personal ambition, but for Geert Bijl, it was about something bigger. His journey from international student to entrepreneur is rooted in a desire to solve a problem he knew all too well—helping fellow international students navigate the hurdles of finding jobs in the U.S. As a former Westcliff University international student navigating the challenges of finding employment in the U.S., Geert knew firsthand how difficult it was to secure a job after graduation. This struggle ultimately led him to create Northbridge, a platform aimed at connecting international students with job opportunities and simplifying the hiring process for them in the U.S.
The Gradual Approach to Change
Originally from the Netherlands, Geert didn’t have a single “lightbulb” moment that made him want to start his company. Instead, his journey was a slow realization shaped by personal experience and deep conversations with fellow students. Reflecting on his time at Westcliff University and Point Park University in Pittsburgh, Geert saw how widespread the struggle was for international students like himself. “I applied to a ton of jobs in California and all over the U.S.,” he recalls. “Every time the conversation shifted to the visa part, employers just weren’t familiar with the process.”
That’s when Geert’s wheels started turning. What began as personal frustration with the job search process became a deeper understanding of the problem. It wasn’t just Geert who was being rejected because of his visa status—countless other international students were experiencing the same thing. Many employers didn’t understand the specifics of an OPT (Optional Practical Training) visa and assumed that hiring an international graduate would come with hefty costs. The truth was far different, but without clear information, students were left in a never-ending cycle of job rejections.
“I realized that employers simply didn’t have enough information. They thought hiring an international student required endless paperwork and high costs, when in reality, it’s just a few forms and a couple hundred dollars,” Geert explained. This gap in understanding—on both the employer and student sides—became the driving force behind his entrepreneurial mission. “These students spend years in the U.S., sometimes five or six, yet they still face rejection after rejection when applying for jobs. I want to change that,” he added.
The Springboard from Westcliff
While Geert’s academic journey was unique, it was his time at Westcliff University that truly pushed him to take action. Westcliff offered the opportunity to complete an MBA in just one year while playing soccer. “I knew I wanted a new environment and a challenge,” Geert says. “Westcliff allowed me to play soccer for one more year while also finishing my MBA quickly. The university really helped me set the foundation for what came next.”
That foundation wasn’t just built on classroom theory either. Westcliff’s professors, many of whom had real-world business experience, provided practical, hands-on knowledge that Geert could apply directly to his career. After earning his MBA, he moved to Florida to work as a consultant, helping international athletes secure scholarships to U.S. colleges. It was a rewarding role that allowed him to share his own journey with new student-athletes, but he still felt something was missing.
Taking Matters Into His Own Hands with Northbridge
Months after his consulting role, Geert decided to create the solution himself. With Northbridge, students can create profiles that highlight their skills and apply for jobs specifically posted by employers who understand the OPT process. “We’re building a platform where international students have a real competitive advantage,” Geert explains. “It’s not about guaranteeing them a job, but at least they won’t get rejected simply because employers don’t understand their visa situation.” While the platform is still in its early stages, the vision is clear.
SMART MBA Collaboration: A Full-Circle Experience
Geert’s connection to Westcliff didn’t end with his MBA. Recently, he’s had the opportunity to collaborate with Westcliff’s SMART™ MBA Consulting capstone, a program he was once part of, which has been instrumental in the development of Northbridge. Geert shares, “My partner and I aren’t very technical guys, so being able to collaborate with Westcliff’s computer science students who are helping us build the platform, develop the databases, and create the matching software has been a huge help.”
Each week, Geert and his team meet with the students to review progress. “Every week we see huge improvements,” he says. “The students show us how the website is developing, where the data will be stored, and how the matching software is evolving. It’s super exciting to watch it all come together.”
This collaboration not only provides much-needed technical expertise for Northbridge but also offers Westcliff students real-world experience. Many of the students involved in the project are international students themselves, making the partnership even more meaningful. “They’re excited about the platform because they know the challenges we’re trying to solve,” Geert explains.
Geert’s Book: A Guide for International Students and Athletes
In addition to launching Northbridge, Geert has also taken his passion for helping international students one step further by writing a book. Titled Amerikaans Voetbalgras, or American Football Grass, the book chronicles Geert’s journey as a student-athlete in the United States. The book is not only a collection of personal experiences and insights but also serves as a practical guide for other students and athletes considering studying in America.
With his book and Northbridge, Geert is empowering international students by providing both inspiration and actionable resources to navigate the U.S. job market and achieve their career goals. His efforts not only address the challenges international students face but also create a pathway for long-term success. By bridging the gap between education and employment, Geert is helping to ensure that these students can build rewarding careers and make the most of their time in the U.S.