Global Asian Studies (MA)
Career prospects
Where do our graduates work?
Your expertise in Asia will qualify you for jobs in a variety of fields where there is demand for expertise in Asia, including journalism, publishing, international trade, marketing, business, public relations, education, development aid, and in government, non-profit and international organisations.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
- Curator at an art museum
- Account manager at a translation agency
- Editor at an academic publishing house
- Archivist at a municipality
- Social Media Specialist
- International Relations officer at a Dutch University
- Owner of a consultancy firm
- Consultant at a defence and security company
- Relations management officer at an organisation promoting internationalisation in education
- D&I Recruiter
- Executive Assistant at an Embassy
- Policy officer at the Ministry of Finance
- Regional staff member, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Sara Zellman
Graduate Politics, Society and Economy of Asia
After completing my Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, I wanted to continue my studies with a stronger regional focus on Asia. The Politics, Society, and Economy track [from 2026, this specialization can be pursued as part of the new Global Asia track - red.] of the MA Asian Studies programme was a good choice as it allowed me to build on the themes I had explored during my Bachelor’s while specialising in Asia. The wide range of electives made the programme especially appealing, as it gave me the chance to study several sub-regions and how they interact with each other.
One of the highlights of my studies was the traineeship I completed at the Embassy of Sweden in Singapore within the Department for Trade and Promotion. Working in a small team, I was involved in the Embassy’s promotional activities, events, and projects that supported Swedish interests in the region and strengthened Singapore–Sweden cooperation. My responsibilities ranged from planning and attending in-house and outreach events to engaging with Singaporean partners and the Swedish business community, supporting EU-delegation initiatives and reporting on political developments in Singapore.
Living, researching and working in Singapore was an incredible experience that truly enriched my studies. Professionally, it helped prepare me for my career and gave me more insight into which direction I want to go in upon graduation. I left Singapore with a better understanding of the city-state, the wider region and an ambition to learn more.
Humanities Career Service
Our staff can help you identify both the career that is right for you, and the necessary steps to get you there. Our team at the Humanities Career Service provides all Leiden University humanities students with professional advice and guidance on everything from internships and career planning to job applications. Humanities Career Service also organises regular workshops on topics such as effective interview skills and creating a successful CV.
Workshops and courses
The Humanities Career Service offers you various (online) workshops, webinars and info sessions. Check our overview of career activities.
LU Career Zone
The Leiden University Career Zone is an online career portal that helps you to prepare for the job market. Here you can find information, tools and tips to help you gain more personal insight, learn about the job market, develop your application skills, plan your academic and professional career, find job vacancies and discover what the Career Service can do for you.
Ask Alumni: Leiden University Mentor Network
Join the Mentor Network to contact alumni with experience on the labour market and ask them for advice. More than 1200 alumni are happy to help you!
Jelle on finding an internship via Leiden University's Mentor Network
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