' I aspired to become a policymaker who is able to tackle national and global challenges. To this end, I wanted to know more about policymaking, decision-making processes and implementation in multi-level governance systems.'

I chose to study Public Administration, and specifically the IEG track, because I aspired to become a policymaker who is able to tackle national and global challenges. To this end, I wanted to know more about policymaking, decision-making processes and implementation in multi-level governance systems. I felt that the IEG track could offer me that knowledge through its curriculum and due to its location in the administrative heart of the Netherlands. Moreover, I knew from first-hand experience how high the quality of the studies at Leiden University are, because I had done my Bachelor at Leiden University as well. This was an extra incentive for me to choose the MPA IEG.

What sets IEG apart from the other studies is that it is built upon the analysis of the political-administrative context and the organizational dimension. With an emphasis on how policymaking occurs in multi-level systems and in an international environment, IEG distinguishes itself from other study programmes such as international relations or EU studies. I would recommend this programme, because it offers a high quality of education and the opportunity to meet and learn from people all over the world. 

I learned to write policy papers for and essays about various international challenges, in which I not only take into account the involvement of different actors with varying interests, but also the deeper layer of multiple political and societal issues on the global level. Moreover, apart from the theoretical knowledge that I gained through IEG, it strengthened my ability to think analytically, critically and creatively. In addition, the MPA IEG also prepares students for the labour market by focusing both on individual and group assignments, through which students learn to work both independently as well as in a team consisting of people with various national backgrounds and ideas. All of this helped me with receiving traineeship positions at the European Parliament and Clingendael. 

I gained much knowledge, amongst other things, in decision-making processes, internal dynamics in international organizations, and the role of civil servants in policy-making processes. All this knowledge is still highly relevant for me working today as a civil servant myself.

·        What motivated you to choose this programme and specifically this track?

I was motivated to choose this programme and specifically the track 'International and European Governance' because I have been interested in international and European politics and decision-making processes for a long time. Before studying this master, I studied International Relations. Even though International Relations was interesting I wanted to shift focus from the political side of things to the more policy side of things. This programme offered me that opportunity. Moreover, it seemed to me a programme that would provide a good basis for my professional career.

·        What sets this programme apart (in terms of programme structure, course content, teaching methods, research quality, academic staff)?

What sets this programme apart is the fact that the academic staff is continuously developing their teaching methods. I followed for example the course ‘Research Methods’ in which you had to choose the classes relevant for your thesis within the course. Moreover, there is a relatively little number of lectures, but rather many seminars which means there is more time for every single student.

·        What relevant knowledge and professional skills did you acquire during this programme?

I gained much knowledge, amongst other things, in decision-making processes, internal dynamics in international organizations, and the role of civil servants in policy-making processes. All this knowledge is still highly relevant for me working today as a civil servant myself. I gained professional skills in presenting and working in teams, as there were many group exercises. Furthermore, the programme helped me in developing my (non-academic) writing skills as we had to write next to academic papers different types of texts such as policy memo’s, policy briefs and even political speeches.

·        How has the programme (think of assignments, simulations, skills training, internships, university career services) prepared you for the labour market?

The university career services organized several useful events in which you could meet potential employers. The practical nature of the assignments and the fact that there were lots of assignments for which you had to work in teams contributed also to the preparation for the labour market.

·        Why would you recommend this programme

I recommend this programme because you learn quite a lot in an international setting in a relatively short period of time. Next to that it is a great benefit that the campus is located in The Hague since there are many ministries and international organizations near the university. I think this programme offers a solid basis for entering the labour market!

'My internship at the embassy in Prague was a very useful and valuable experience. Moreover the career services provided the opportunity to have several meetings with a coach to define who you are, what you are good at and what you want to do!'

What motivated you to choose this programme and specifically this track?

I have decided to choose Public Administration and specifically the European and International Governance track, to gain more in-depth knowledge on the structures and processes within international politics and decision-making.

What sets this programme apart (in terms of programme structure, course content, teaching methods, research quality, academic staff)?

The small and interactive seminar classes, group assignments and variety of elective courses definitely sets this programme apart.

How has the programme (think of assignments, simulations, skills training, internships, university career services) prepared you for the labour market?

Besides the relevant academic skills and interesting cases, the programme helped me prepare for the labour market. My internship at the embassy in Prague was a very useful and valuable experience. Moreover the career services provided the opportunity to have several meetings with a coach to define who you are, what you are good at and what you want to do. This have been very useful in my search for a job

 Why would you recommend this programme?

Therefore, I would definitely recommend this programma where there is a lot of interaction between students and staff and to opportunity to scape your own study programme.