International Studies (BA)
Career prospects
In this time of globalisation, the job market offers plenty of opportunities for people with intercultural competences and a global outlook. Graduates of our International Studies programme not only have expert knowledge of a specific world region, but also possess professional and consultancy skills that are much sought after. With your International Studies diploma you are fully equipped to either continue your studies with a master’s or to start your career in the public or private sector.
Labour market
You’ve completed your degree – you’re now a graduate in International Studies. What’s next? The possibilities are wide open! Many graduates go on to roles that focus on advising, policy-making, research or coordination of work. What do you enjoy doing? Your options may be broader than you expect.
Nassim Abba
Alumnus
"I am currently working as a policy advisor at the Vereniging van Samenwerkende Nederlandse Universiteiten (VSNU), a Dutch association of cooperating universities. During my bachelor I discovered that within the spectrum of history, culture, economy and politics, I found politics very interesting. That is one of the strengths of this study: you have the opportunity to focus more and more during three years. In this bachelor you learn what your strengths and interests are. During my thesis I did a project to prepare pre-university students for university. That was voluntary work, but I already came into contact with higher education and policy issues. I noticed that I found that very interesting. After completing my thesis, I started applying for jobs that touched those subjects."
Martina Carlucci
Alumna
"I work at a think tank in International Affairs, Chatham House, in London. Undertaking a career in International Affairs is not straightforward, but my time at Leiden University contributed to creating a solid foundation. I was amazed by how each tutorial during my BA aimed at making us students reflect, contrast, and compare, pushing us to form our own opinions while understanding different ones – which I soon realised is exactly what think tankers do. Following graduation, I continued my education with the MSc Emerging Economies and International Development at King’s College London, keen to improve my understanding of the Global South."
Pim Teeuwisse
Alumnus
“I graduated in 2015 and in less than a month I found a job as a consultant in the financial sector. In my first job interview I was able to tell them about the consultancy experience I obtained during my study and that proved very useful. The presentation and intercultural communication skills that I acquired were also a big advantage. Alongside my current job, I’m now following a part-time MBA programme.”
Why employers find you interesting
With a degree in International Studies, you have a strong starting position on the job market. In addition to knowledge about the dynamics of globalisation and your region of choice, you’ve developed academic skills that are highly valued across many sectors. Alumni report that they benefit most from skills such as oral and written communication, independent and solution-oriented working, analytical thinking and social awareness. An internship or international experience alongside your studies can further strengthen your profile.
Research among alumni shows that 55% of International Studies graduates found a job within two months of graduating, and 84% within six months. For 72%, their first job was at higher professional or academic level.
Where can you work after graduating?
After completing your degree, you can work in a wide range of sectors, both in the Netherlands and abroad. Your knowledge of a world region and your versatile skill set open doors to diverse fields, from government or semi-government and Financial and professional services to education and nonprofit (for example a charity or humanitarian organisation).
Source: Labour Market Survey 2025 among International Studies graduates from 2020 to 2024.
Many graduates continue with a master’s degree after their bachelor’s. Further study pays off: those with a master’s degree are more likely to secure higher-level positions.
Graduates at work
A glimpse of workplaces where recent International Studies graduates have started their careers:
- Various ministries, both Dutch and international
- KPMG
- Banks
- Several research universities
- BMW
- Dutch Council for Refugees