Career prospects

There are a number of job market segments where there is a need for people who can tie together the past, present, and future: employees who help shape the future by providing insight into the origins of contemporary society.

Here are some examples of jobs:

  • Policy makers in the public sector (national government and lower levels) or at semi-public organisations: employees who can advise on issues such as political structures, social relationships, and economic developments.
  • Researchers and consultants at important consultation bureaus in these fields, such as the Netherlands Institute for Social Research or the Scientific Council for Government Policy, or parliamentary assistants for political parties.
  • Research journalists and consultants in media- or business communities, with an eye to social issues and socially responsible entrepreneurship.

Towards the jobmarket

Alumni of the programme have found employment in a variety of organisations that require them to use their expertise. For example:

  • Dutch Ministery of the Interior and Kingdom Relations
  • Transitiepartners, an organisation that supports municipalities with changes in the social domain
  • External Affairs Directorate of the Scottish government
  • Wallaart & Kusse Public Affairs, a company that helps organisations to set up a lobby
  • Municipality of Amsterdam
  • CBI, UK’s largest business membership organisation

Alumni on LinkedIn

  • Calvin Curry

    Growth Marketeer, Netherlands Mission to CES 2021

    History of Politics and Society: 2017-2018

  • Robert Keenan

    Lecturer & PhD Candidate at Wageningen University

    History of Politics and Society: 2018-2019

Academic careers

In principle, graduates of the Master’s programme History of Politics and Society are eligible to apply for a PhD position at a Dutch or foreign university, but the programme does not train candidates specifically for this purpose. Students who aim for such a career may be better off choosing the Research Master’s in History.

Career development

Career Services

Career Services offers events, tests, coaching and training in and outside your Master's programme, related to professional self-analysis, career orientation and job application skills. You can find more information about career services on Career Services for Dutch students or Career Services for international students.

Other career events

  • Your Perspective is a monthly career orientation meeting for students and alumni of the Faculty of Humanities at Utrecht University. Each month we explore a different workfield or theme that is relevant for students of various disciplines within the humanities. 
  • The Faculty of Humanities organises a Career Night Humanities with interesting partners who will illustrate the diversity in career opportunities for humanities graduates and give you possibilities to develop yourself by joining their projects or attending their services. 
  • Once a year Utrecht University organises a Careers Day. This Careers Day offers the opportunity to sign up for workshops and trainings, and to meet recruiters at the careers fair. It’s also possible to participate in a job application training or have your résumé checked.