With its international reputation of excellence, Leiden University offers its graduates a
first-class starting position on the job market. In addition, we are committed to supporting
you in building the skills needed to take your career in the right direction.
Our study and career counsellors provide advice and information on planning the next steps in your career. You will have access to our workshops and web-based resources, which include career step plans, job seeking strategies and self-assessment tools. If you prefer a personalised approach, you can make an appointment for an individual counselling session with your departmental career counsellor. Additionally, each of Leiden’s seven faculties has its own career services department, which embody specific expertise and resources related to the faculties’ programmes. These services are open to students and to alumni for a maximum of one year after graduation.
Leiden University’s lecturers and professors have an extensive network in their field of expertise. Their connections may range from international or national corporations and organisations to international universities and research institutes. Access to this network can prove useful when you are ready to take your next career step.
An internship can be a good way to explore the job market and to get an insight into a specific organisation or job. Also, working as an intern can help you to expand your professional network. Our career counsellors can support you in applying for internships and jobs and can provide you with information about pursuing a career both in and outside the Netherlands.
Did you know that after obtaining your master’s degree, you are able to stay in the Netherlands to explore your options on the Dutch labour market? This is possible through a special one-year permit called the Orientation Year. Knowledge and talent are welcome in the Netherlands to strengthen our competitive position and knowledge-based economy. All candidates have three years after graduation or finishing research to apply for the Orientation Year.
After graduating and participating in the centuries-old tradition of signing ‘het Zweetkamertje’ (the Sweat Room) wall, you will become an alumnus. Leiden University is proud of her alumni. They contribute in many different ways to the growth and development of the university. The university also offers several services to contribute to its alumni’s ongoing personal and professional development. For example, our alumni have lifetime access to the Leiden University Libraries free of charge, providing you with access from home to the newest studies and publications to keep your knowledge up-to-date or to dive into completely new subjects.
Leiden University’s alumni hold positions in a vast range of sectors, all over the world. As such they are good resources for graduates who are just starting out on the job market. Through the Leiden Alumni Mentor Network you can contact Leiden alumni online and ask them for advice.
The university organises events for alumni all over the world. Leiden professors and other representatives meet up with alumni to catch up, to discuss developments in Leiden and to network. Around 26 November, Cleveringa Meetings take place at more than 40 locations throughout the world and are a great way for alumni to strengthen the connection with their alma mater and meet other alumni who work and live in their country.
More information on our alumni services can be found here:
My parents and friends weren’t surprised when I chose the Master’s in Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law. I’ve always been someone who thinks deeply and I love reading and writing. Whatever you end up doing, the master’s always has something to add. It deepens the way you look at issues, In my ideal future, I'm going to do a PhD after my master’s. But I'm going to take two years for my master’s degree anyway because I’m doing a year on the board of the Lipsius study association. Studying is important, but I think it’s also important to get involved and develop alongside my studies. Obviously, it looks good on your CV, but for me, that’s never the most important reason. Everything I do is because I like it. You shouldn’t build a CV that doesn’t suit you; then you put yourself on a pathway in life that won’t make you happy. Honesty towards myself and the outside world is very important to me.
I specifically chose Leiden for my bachelor’s degree already. Leiden University was founded in 1575 and is therefore the oldest university in the Netherlands. I think that’s an interesting extra but the good atmosphere is what appeals to me most. Both the university and the city are friendly and personal. Leiden is like a village among cities. I myself come from a village, so it feels good here. Maybe I’d like to teach at the University myself later. Who knows what the future will bring?
Joep de Rijk
Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law
