We of course hope that your experience with our programme lays the foundations for your next steps after graduation, be that to a Masters programme or following other directions for a career. It is always a pleasure to hear from those of you who let us know what you are up to in the years after graduation. Time moves very fast, and before you know it Campus The Hague must feel like ancient history.

The two interviews with Aisha and Boris in this edition of the newsletter point to one very relevant aspect of study and post-study life: Networking. Aisha is emphatic on this: “Go to events, network and talk to people. Chase your interests.” She adds that The Hague is an ideal place for this, given it’s the home to Dutch politics, international organisations, and countless NGOs. Boris adds an important additional factor: “Also, get your friends involved to help you find a job, this is how I found my internship.” Networks begin nearer than you might think – its not just about attending events to link with Very Important People, it can also be simply about discussing family connections with friends and seeing where they might lead.

Analysis of the career paths of alumni from Leiden Humanities faculty shows that building networks is a crucial part of time spent at university. A full 50% named ‘Network’ as the most important factor behind securing that important first job, with many mentioning internships and relevant work experience as influential when it came to applying for a position and coming out ahead of the competition. And we are always gratified to read from alumni who refer to the breadth of the International Studies programme, with its global-regional multi-disciplinarity as well as opportunities for practical experience, as an important foundation for what they went on to afterwards. Skills such as inter-cultural communication, multi-layered analysis and ethical judgement can set you apart when it comes to forging those relations with others who can play a role in your career paths.

Networking is ultimately about talking to people. We hope that International Studies, with its diversity among both students and staff, sets out the perfect ground for opening up those conversations. As our alumni tell time and time again, you just don’t know where those conversations may lead you.