| Career prospects after 1.5 years | Starting Salary (full-time) | Continue to study |
|---|---|---|
| 69% | € 2.700 bruto | 31% |
How easy is it to find a job with a European Studies degree? The odds are in your favour. On average, one in three students is offered a job during their internship and after graduation, roughly 69% of students find a job at their level within a year and a half, while the other 31% continue their studies with a master’s degree. Starting salaries are usually around 2,700 euros gross per month, according to Studiekeuze123.
Governments, organisations and businesses that operate internationally are always in need of professionals who understand Europe and know how to facilitate cross-border collaboration. A European Studies graduate – what we call a European Professional, combines knowledge of politics, business and international relations with professional research and communications skills, as well as foreign languages and intercultural skills. This interdisciplinary toolkit gives you a strong foothold on the international labour market.
What can you do with a degree in European Studies?
A European Studies degree gives you a lot of job options and you can go in different international directions in both the public and private sector. You can work in roles in European public policy or international relations, communications and public relations or even in export or international trade, and you can do these jobs in government institutions, non-governmental organisations or businesses of all shapes and sizes, in the Netherlands or abroad.
Possible careers include working as a:
- Policy Advisor
- Compliance Officer
- Sustainability Advisor
- Public Affairs Advisor
- Fundraiser (grant officer)
- Public relations Professional
- Marketing, Communications or Public Relations Officer
- International Trade Manager
Here are three detailed examples of a European Studies career.
Policy Advisor
As a Policy Advisor, you deal with the big issues affecting Europe and the world. You follow international political developments and help your organisation react to them. You might work in a ministry, a local government, an international organisation or a business, and you are the link between everything that’s happening in Brussels and everything that’s happening inside your organisation. You advise your employer on dealing with European laws and regulations, and on facing major European challenges like sustainability and digitalisation. You might be involved in helping your organisation get funding from the EU to make its projects possible, or you might even work for an EU institution or an important international agency like NATO.
Public Affairs Advisor
All organisations that operate in Europe are affected by European policies and rules and organisations that would like to change or influence those rules are looking for professionals who understand how decisions get made in Brussels and can strategise accordingly. As a Public Affairs Advisor you are in touch with politicians, policymakers and interest groups. You make sure that your organisation’s voice is heard in The Hague and/or Brussels. You also help organise meetings and events and make sure that your message is clear and persuasive.
Public Relations Professional
Organisations with international activities or ambitions need good communication. As a Public Relations Professional, you build relationships with important stakeholders. You have the language skills and cultural awareness to make contact with different target groups and know how to use different communication and marketing tools, including social media, and you’re even capable of event planning. When needed, you’re ready to stand up and represent your organisation to potential partners and the outside world.
What salary can you expect?
After European Studies, you’re ready to start a career at a government institution or political party, an international organisation or a business, especially one that’s internationally focused. Students with political ambitions (usually a little less than half) typically pursue a master’s degree after graduation, while the rest start looking for work right away. They usually find a job quickly, especially if they’re interested in working in the business world. Starting salaries tend to be around € 2,700 gross per month for a full-time job. The exact salary will, of course, depend on the specific job and organisation. Salaries for civil service positions, like at a government agency, can differ from an international organisation or institution or a private business. As you build your career with more experience and take on more coordination or management tasks, your income grows.
Why does European Studies offer strong career prospects?
The European Studies bachelor is designed to meet the needs of a labour market that is increasingly international. Governments, NGOs and businesses collaborate across borders and need people who understand how Europe works. Professionals who understand politics and business and international relations are ready to react to the latest developments and to take advantage of every opportunity. That makes you employable and deployable, in the Netherlands, in Europe and beyond.
- International cooperation is becoming more important for governments, organisations and businesses.
- European laws and regulations affect all organisations and businesses that operate in Europe, or do business with partners in Europe
- Businesses and organisation need people who understand cultural differences and can communicate effectively.
What are your options for further study after European Studies?
Would you like to continue your education after your bachelor? A lot of European Studies graduates pursue master’s degrees at universities in the Netherlands and abroad, usually in fields like International Relations, European (Union) Studies, Public Administration or International Business.
Students who want to continue their studies in the Netherlands sometimes have to complete a premaster programme before entering a university master, depending on the specific course of study. This is rarely, if ever necessary for master’s degrees abroad. Your interdisciplinary education, international focus and language skills prepare you for a wide range of degrees and can help you to specialise in public policy diplomacy, international relations or business.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there a lot of job opportunities for European Studies Graduates?
Yes. Organisations that operate internationally have a great need for professionals who understand Europe and international relations. European Studies graduates work for a wide range of government agencies (local, national and international), non-governmental organisations and businesses of all shapes and sizes.
What sectors can I work in?
You can work at ministries, local or regional governments, European institutions and companies (from small and medium enterprises to multinationals), NGOs or advisory organisations. There are options throughout the public and private sectors.
Do you need a master’s degree to get a good job?
No. You can find work quickly with a Bachelor of Arts in European Studies. A master’s is helpful if you want to specialise in public policy, diplomacy or academic research.
Can I work in other countries after graduation?
Yes. Thanks to your international focus and language skills, you can work outside of the Netherlands or outside of Europe. The knowledge and skills you’ve acquired are applicable anywhere, especially at international organisations.