Master

Test yourself: what sort of person are you?

When looking for the right job it’ s important to consider what kind of positions would match your talents, knowledge and interest.

Know what you have to offer

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 will be able to focus your search better and make the right choices. This, in turn, will help you to present yourself better during the application process.

Read here how to do this.

Develop contacts with employers

It’s a good idea to start extending your network by meeting professionals.

• Go to career events organised by associations or the university.
• Read about how to network.
• Make an appointment with a Leiden University alumnus via the Mentor Network.
• Seek contact with Leiden alumni via Leiden University’s LinkedIn page.

Plan network meetings

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.

Look into continuing education or a PhD position

• Take a look at all Leiden University’s study programmes.
• Read more about doing a PhD at Leiden University.                

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 internship and what you need to arrange.
• Take a look at job vacancies via the LU Job Portal.

Gain more 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.

• 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 & 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.