Universiteit Leiden

nl en

Succesful first edition of the MA International Relations Alumni Career Networking Event

Students, staff members and alumni of the MA International Relations programme gathered together on the first student-alumni career networking event to spend a sunny Friday reflecting on the programme and its career opportunities.

Looking back: MA International Relations Alumni Career Networking Event 2022

Due to the selected cookie settings, we cannot show this video here.

Watch the video on the original website or

This event was a very first attempt of the MA IR programme to build a lasting student-alumni network, which according to the alumni was missing when they were students.

Connecting with the job market

As Jake Kelley, alumnus of the MA IR Global Political Economy track mentioned, events like this can help you understand “how your education can turn into the career you want”. Annsophie Schmitt, a European Union Studies alumna, added to this that she wished there were similar events and more connection with the job market when she was a student.

Important advice

The students did not only receive important advice during the panel discussion, they also participated in various career workshops that allowed for more insightful conversations on the specific positions and areas of expertise. The discussions continued at a less formal setting over drinks at the Faculty Club, during which the alumni got to reminisce their student years.

Create your own path

Besides the career tips and tricks, the alumni also shared some insights which they only learned after graduating. Miguel Chambel pointed out that it is important to “focus less on getting that cum laude”, adding that he made good use of Leiden's wide array of courses by taking extra classes at the Law Faculty and in the Philosophy department, while Jake Kelley added “focus more on understanding what your curiosity and passion is”. What was really important during the event was the alumni’s unanimous view on getting your dream job. Stefan Pack mentioned that the period after graduating is a rather difficult one as you are suddenly lost and found in between things. To this he added that it is key to always keep an open mind, as “you cannot always have your dream job first, and you cannot start at your end goal immediately”. Annelot van Rigteren, a European Union Studies alumna, added that it is important to create your own path and take your time.

Sharing experiences

Some of the alumni suggested more networking opportunities for current students. This is the main reason all of the alumni were happy to be present at this event and share their experiences. As Jake Kelley said, reaching out to people that have lived the career you want to develop, and seeing what you can learn from them, is one of the most important steps of your career, which goes hand in hand with networking. He added that networking is a process of learning and the key to growth and success. His tip? Check out the Leiden University Mentor Network!

Looking forward to future events

The MA IR Career Networking Alumni Event reflected the initial aim and aspirations of the organisers. Both students and alumni enjoyed the event and admitted that this was a great initiative that they would like to attend again in the future. The programme is looking forward to greeting students and alumni again in the future for such an event.

By Dora Christodoulou, student MA International Relations

European Union Studies alumnus Miguel Chambel talks about his career and study

Due to the selected cookie settings, we cannot show this video here.

Watch the video on the original website or

European Union Studies alumna Pamela Mulder talks about her career and studies

Due to the selected cookie settings, we cannot show this video here.

Watch the video on the original website or

Looking for advice from former students?

Through the Leiden University Mentor Network, students and young alumni can contact more experienced alumni easily to ask them for advice.

Leiden University Mentor Network
This website uses cookies.