Bachelor 3

Test yourself: What are you good at? What is important to you?

When looking for the right job it’s important to know the following about yourself:

• What are your best qualities
• What are you good at
• What do you like to do
• What are you looking for and what is important to you in a new job

If you know yourself well you’ll be able to make the right choices during your studies, which in turn will help you on your way to the ideal job.

Find the right Master programme

A Master programme that matches your interests is a good start in terms of your career. Start your search for the right Master programme as early as you can.

• Check out Master programmes in Leiden on the Master site and in the e-prospectus.
• Read about how to choose a Master programme.
• Look into the career options for graduates of specific (Leiden) Master programmes.
• Visit Master open days
• Ask a study advisor for advice.
• Visit the Career Service for advice in choosing and applying for a Master programme.

Visit job fairs and job market conferences

Your study association, faculty and/or study programme organises job fairs and job market conferences every year. During these events, you can start gathering information about career options and get in touch with employers. You can also have your CV checked, follow challenging workshops and perhaps even speed date with companies about future job opportunities.

• Take a look in your faculty or study programme agenda
• Visit the websites of study associations / job market organisations.

Talk to professionals

Talking to professionals is the best way to gain information about interesting employers and positions.

• Networking, how do you do that? 
• Use the Mentor Network to request free job market tips and advice from Leiden University alumni.
• Request career advice from Leiden University alumni via Leiden University’s LinkedIn page.

Search for interesting companies and positions

• What sector and area would you like to work in?
• What type of organisations appeal to you? For example consider products and services, atmosphere and scope of the organisation.
• What duties and tasks would you enjoy doing?

Develop your job skills

Be an active member of your study/student/sport/volunteer association by getting involved in committees or on boards. Look for a position or role that appeals to you, for example organising a study trip, congress or social event. This  can help you develop your job skills, for example team work, planning, problem solving and communication.

Gain extra work experience

A part-time time job or volunteer work, in an area relevant to your studies, is a good idea. You’ll gain practical experience which will be a great asset when you come to look for a job.

Do an internship!

By doing an internship you can gain work experience and learn more about the job market. Work experience is highly valued by employers, so it’s a good idea to find out whether an internship can be included in your study schedule.

• Ask your study advisor or internship coordinator for advice on finding an internships and what you need to arrange.
• Enroll in the blackboard course on internships of your study program.
• Take a look at job vacancies via the LU Job Portal.

Spend time abroad and develop your international skills

Studying or doing an internship abroad is a valuable experiences and a great asset to your CV.

• Take a look at the Country Career Guides on this website for advise on tips per country.
• Read more about studying abroad
• Ask your study advisor or internship coordinator for advice on finding an internship and what you need to arrange.
• Take a look at job vacancies via the LU Job Portal.

Develop job application skills

Develop job application skills in order to increase your chances of getting an internship, part-time job, volunteer work, place on a Master programme or your first job.

• How can you attract an employer’s attention with your CV and cover letter?
• How can you effectively make use of LinkedIn?
• What questions can you expect during a job interview?
• How can you prepare for assessments?

You can find tips and advice on how to develop these skills on the Career Zone.

• Update your CV
• Update your LinkedIn profile
• Write a cover letter
• Make a Personal Pitch
• Prepare for a job interview
• Prepare for an assessment
• Increase your network

Develop work and life skills

Work & life skills (also known as 21st century skills or transferable skills) are skills that you can use in various (work) situations.  Because these skills can be used in many types of job, employers find them extremely important.

Work and life skills include leadership, team work, communication, problem solving, creativity, analytical abilities and technical abilities
 

Discover your leadership qualities

Leiden University offers the International Leiden Leadership Programme (ILLP), an honours programme of 5 ECs that you can follow alongside your Leiden, The Hague or Delft Master programme. During the ILLP you will develop your personal leadership skills through assessments, training, seminars and a practical assignment at an organisation.