Master History Alumni Experiences

Study programme: Master Global History and International Relations 
Graduation year: 2024
Job: Policy Advisor at Dutch Whistleblowers Authority 

Sweet memories

One of my favorite memories of the master programme Global History and International Relations is the Thesis Conference. This is a special day when everyone from the study programme presents their Master's thesis. Apart from presenting my own thesis, I found it incredibly interesting to hear what kind of topics other students had chosen for their research. I also cherish many fond memories of the discussions held in class; especially when we delved into contemporary conflicts such as in Ukraine and Gaza. This is where it became really clear how to apply the theory of this master’s programme in practice.

Contributing to integrity

After my studies, I landed a job as Policy Advisor in the Knowledge & Prevention department of the Dutch Whistleblowers Authority (Huis voor Klokkenluiders). We provide advice and support to persons who want to report a possible wrongdoing within the context of their work-related activities, and we conduct investigations into wrongdoings within organisations. We also provide know-how for governments, semi-public institutions and corporations on how to improve their internal integrity policy. 

My role primarily involves researching how organisations can improve their integrity system, as well as giving presentations to organisations on integrity management. So, you can definitely say that the research skills and presentation skills I gained during my master's programme come in handy at work! 

Advice to prospective students

Do not worry if you have not completed a bachelor’s degree in history! I myself, for example, studied the bachelor Management of International Social Challenges. Because I was interested in contemporary conflicts and the history behind them in my spare time, I decided to apply for the master programme Global History and International Relations: a decision I am truly happy with. The master programme is at a high level, the professors are experts, as a student you learn an awful lot, and the study offers you many opportunities to kickstart your career!  

• Education: History (BA); History of Society (MA)
• Graduated in: 2015
• Current job: Policy Officer at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

"The master programme Global History and International Relations seemed like a good start for my career after pursuing my bachelor in History. At the time, I did not know which way I wanted to go. During my masters I did an internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. After that, I decided to focus on the training for starting policy offers at the Ministry – ‘diplomatenklasje’ is the popular term for it in the Netherlands."

Career

"Two months after my graduation I got a temporary job as data analyst at the Authority for Consumers & Markets. This was not related to my studies, but connected with prior work experience. After that job I did a traineeship at the European Commission, which resulted in another temporary job. In the meantime I did language courses and deepening programmes abroad on my own initiative. Subsequently, I started one and a half year after my graduation with the ‘diplomatenklasje’."

Historical basis

"Currently I work as a country desk for Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Vatican at the Europe Department. I will stay in this position for two years in total. After that, I will be placed as a diplomat in a posting abroad. My studies in history, and especially my masters, are a solid basis for my current job. Being in a position where you have to deal with recent and urgent international developments, it is very important to understand the – historical – backgrounds. Because of my educational background, I automatically take a long-term perspective when looking at emerging developments. This is an important quality in a world where the issues of the day sometimes get the upper hand."

• Education: Journalism (BA); American Studies (BA); History (MA)
• Graduated in: 2014
• Current job: Information Specialist at Rotterdamsch Leeskabinet

“After studying Journalism I wanted to deepen my knowledge. That is how I ended up at the bachelor American Studies at the University of Amsterdam. There I discovered that I found history on a meta-level really interesting. My choice for the master History was therefore purely based on the subjects that were taught. I always based my study choices on my own interests, but I thought the combination of Journalism and History would come in handy in the future.”

Lots of opportunities

“The master was interesting and challenging. The lecturers were really good and challenged you to work hard. There were a lot of opportunities for doing elective courses, internships and thesis subjects. It’s also possible to write your thesis for an interesting organization or archive. During the master, I developed a lot of skills that are beneficial at every job: thinking analytically and being critical on your own work so you keep improving it. We had to read a lot during the study and were challenged to think about that literature all the time.”

Well prepared

“During my master I worked for the bookshop Donner. When I graduated I got asked to work as a Student Assistant by supervising a Summer School from the University of California Berkeley and travelled with a group of American students through the Benelux for five weeks. Currently, I am working as an Information Specialist at Rotterdamsch Leeskabinet, that works together closely with the University Library of Erasmus University. The Leeskabinet is a library with a specialization in the humanities. That I studied the master History is definitely an advantage: I know all the subjects that matter. That comes in handy because I have to keep the collection up to date. I know which books are interesting for students. Besides that I am responsible for all communication of the Leeskabinet. As a history student I had to write a lot, which was a good preparation. “