Politics, Society and Economy of Asia (MA) (60EC)
Career prospects
Where do our graduates work?
Graduates of the MA in Politics, Society and Economy of Asia can offer expertise that is highly relevant to many organisations today. A selection of roles in which expertise on Asia is desirable include professions in journalism, publishing, international trade, marketing, business, public relations, education, development aid, and in government, multinationals and NGOs.
Examples of the diverse roles of our graduates include:
- Owner of a consultancy firm
- Consultant at a defence and security company
- Relations management officer at an organisation promoting internationalisation in education
- Editor at an academic publishing house
- Policy officer at the Dutch embassy in Tokyo
- Social Media Specialist
- D&I Recruiter
- Executive Assistant at an Embassy
- Policy officer at the Ministry of Finance
- Regional staff member, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Research Master
If you aspire to pursue a PhD position or career as a researcher outside of academia you can apply for the two-year Research Master's in Asian Studies on completion of the programme.
Yu Kai Tan
Analyst Sanctions at Rabobank
"After my BA I leaped back into my studies with Asian Studies, I just wanted to learn more about Asia. The program didn’t disappoint, far from it, Asian Studies turned out to be the natural next step for my academic interests and personal growth. During the program I not only learned about the ever-changing politics, societies and economics of Asia, I also learned more about their international relations, developed my own critical view and met many interesting people with backgrounds in various different disciplines. All that while living in one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the Netherlands, what more can you want? In my current job I am both a researcher and an analyst, and Asian Studies has given me the tools to not only succeed but thrive. The skills and lessons I learned during the study program continue to be of great value in both my personal life and my career."
Omid Anwari
Dutch teacher
"I didn’t want to limit myself during my studies. So alongside my BA programme I followed courses in journalism and business studies. During my master’s programme in Asian Studies I did a communication internship at the Municipality of Almere and I also did the Leiden Leadership Programme. I learned about how to lead, motivate and reward people, and how to stand in front of a group. And these skills are precisely what I need now."
Understanding various cultures, traditions and languages
"I really enjoy teaching Dutch to children in the international access class at the Da Vinci College. They have just arrived in the Netherlands and can’t yet attend the regular classes. My degree helps me understand the various cultures, traditions and languages of my pupils – the majority of them come from the Middle East. I myself came from Afghanistan to the Netherlands at the age of 13, so I know what if feels like to be in their shoes. And they in mine. So the circle is complete."
In which sector do students find jobs?
- 17 % Government and semi-government
- 11 % Education
- 11 % Communication and marketing
- 11 % Consultancy
- 6 % IT
- 6 % Research
- 6 % Business services
- 6 % Financial institutions
- 6 % Wholesale and retail
- 6 % Travel agency / aviation
- 17 % Other
This graph is based on alumni data from the MA Politics, Society and Economy 2020 through 2024.
Career preparation
Find out how this programme exactly prepares you for your future career and check our career preparation activities.
Launch your career with a master’s degree
Continuing your studies after your bachelor's degree pays off. Graduates with a master's degree are more likely to find higher-level positions: 77% start at a university of applied sciences (hbo) or university level, compared to 63% of graduates who only hold a bachelor's degree. This difference remains visible in the long term. After more than two years of work experience, 87% of master's alumni work at a university of applied sciences or university level, compared to 76% of bachelor's alumni.
A unique strength on the job market
As a Humanities graduate, you have developed talents that are in high demand on the job market. Intercultural skills, written communication, and social awareness are qualities that clearly distinguish Humanities graduates on the job market. Your ability to think analytically and creatively also gives you an edge.
Do you consider to put your knowledge into practice during your studies? Determine whether an internship could be an option for you. Start orientating your possibilities by visiting an internship information session. This way you can receive information about the internship procedure and listen to tips of former interns.
Notice that you will search for an internship yourself to find a place of your interest. Do you need some help with this or the application process? Do not hesitate to contact the Career Service. When you have found an internship, inform us. Then, the internship coordinator advises you how to proceed and provides your internship plan with feedback so it can be submitted for approval to the board of examiners.
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.
The Humanities Career Service offers you various (online) workshops, webinars and info sessions. Check our overview of career activities.
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.
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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