Careers after the European Studies program

European Studies is an internationally oriented program for people who want to look beyond their own borders and because it is interdisciplinary, it opens the door up to a variety of career options. Thanks to the knowledge and skills you acquire during your studies, you will be highly employable in the constantly evolving European job market.  

View the European Studies program

Engaging with major issues

Every institution and organisation that is active in Europe must deal with European regulations and legislation and in many cases, they try to influence them. At European Studies, you learn the ins and outs of Europe and the European Union, so that you are fully at home in this world. European Studies is the gateway to a challenging job, where you might engage with political processes, polices and regulations, or where you might help your employer deal with the significant issues and challenges Europe is facing. These include Europe’s security, sustainability, prosperity and progress in a climate of constant political and economic change.  

Expertise in European regulations and multi-lingual communication

Once you have successfully earned your Bachelor of Arts in European Studies, you will be ready to look for a job at government agencies and NGOs in the public sector, or companies in the private sector. These organisations are all looking for professionals like you, to help them stay in line with European Regulations, or to work in public affairs to try and influence them. In such a job, you can demonstrate your expertise in European regulations and perhaps even influence them. The same organisations, institutions and businesses are also looking for skilled communicators target groups, so your job after European Studies may involve marketing, public relation, initiating international partnerships or opening up new markets, all of which you will learn about at European Studies.

After completing European Studies, you will also be a valuable candidate for any job requiring fluency in a foreign language. You will be able to connect with different cultures to create an inclusive and efficient workplace. These are all skills you develop in European Studies. You will be capable of providing advice and assistance to government agencies, organizations, and businesses—both small and large—that operate within 21st-century Europe.

Career paths after European Studies

Most jobs after European Studies fall within one of the following areas: policy advising, marketing, communication and public relations, fundraising, export, and international trade. Your role after European Studies could be as a compliance officer, ensuring the application of European regulations. As a public affairs officer or lobbyist, you could work on influencing legislation. If you prefer marketing, communication, or public relations, you will represent your organization and communicate with various target audiences. The same knowledge and skills are valuable in roles such as fundraiser or grant officer. Your expertise in European regulations, marketing, communication, and language skills make you an attractive candidate for future employers. This could be the start of a promising career in export or international trade.

Working with people

Whatever career path you choose after completing HBO European Studies, you will likely work with people rather than numbers. Your job will involve tackling issues that matter. A European Studies career is not just about generating profit or achieving goals; it is about helping Europe and its organizations move towards a better future. You will consistently use the same tools: your knowledge of Europe, the EU, and the organizations operating within it, as well as the management and marketing strategies they use to achieve their objectives.

European Studies also teaches you research skills, critical thinking, and project management. These skills are in high demand across the European job market, making it easier to switch jobs, employers, and even countries.

Discovering your options

If you are just starting European Studies, you might not yet know which career path to choose. Through modules and projects, you will be exposed to various disciplines, gradually helping you understand your options. We provide coaching to assist in this process. You can partially customize your education with electives, minors, and a free choice of courses during the mandatory international exchange. You will also select a focus for your internship and final project. During the final phase of your studies, you will work professionally for a real employer, giving you the opportunity to find your path and prepare for an exciting future and you will conduct real research for professional purposes instead of producing a theoretical thesis.

Job or master’s degree?

After completing European Studies, about half of the students immediately start looking for a job. Thanks to the many career options, this search is usually short. Each year, approximately one in three European Studies students receives a job offer from their internship company. The other half of our graduates typically chooses to pursue a master’s degree, which is becoming an increasingly popular option. Most European Studies graduates  who continue their studies choose a Master’s in Public Management, International Relations, International Business or Marketing, as well as a number of other specific studies within these broad fields. Many graduates apply for master’s at research universities in Dutch cities like Leiden, Amsterdam and Utrecht, but is important to know that if you graduate from a University of Applied Sciences like THUAS, you may be asked to do a pre-master programme before starting a Dutch master’s programme. These requirements are rare in other countries, so many graduates choose to do their master abroad, in Europe and elsewhere.   

Starting salary after graduation

Curious about your salary in your first job after European Studies? Salaries vary greatly due to the many career paths available. According to the Keuzegids, the average gross starting salary for graduates is €2,767. If you pursue a master’s degree, your starting salary will likely be higher.

Plenty of job opportunities after European Studies

Because of the abundance of career options after graduating from the European Studies programme, finding a job is relatively easy. In principle, you can work in all sectors. Research shows that unemployment among graduates is low, with 88% securing a job at their level. Students who continue with a master’s degree have even more opportunities.

Whatever you decide to do and whichever job you aspire to, European Studies equips you with tools that can be applied in all organisations and sectors. You can go anywhere and work in virtually any organization, on almost any topic.