What can I do with a degree in European and European Union Studies?

Through their European and European Union Studies degree, graduates develop a valuable set of skills that includes:

• Developing attitudes of intellectual curiosity
• Written expression and sound logic in the development of a written argument
• Presentation and clarity in oral expression
• Research, analytical and critical thinking
• Bibliographical referencing
• Discussion of ideas and listening to others
• Information management.

Practise your skills at work or in Europe

Opportunities to apply your learning are available:

• An internship can deepen your skillset, working knowledge, and employability
• UC offers a number of options to immerse yourself in European languages and cultures, including study exchange partnership programmes with universities in France, Germany, Russia and Spain.

Graduates with knowledge of Europe and the European Union have globally relevant skills and are well placed to work in such fields as:

• Foreign affairs, international trade and development
• Government service
• Business, tourism, law
• Not-for-profit
• Private multinationals with European interests.

UC alumni have been employed by:

• Governance bodies including: regional councils; the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Primary Industries, Justice
• International organisations eg, Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty, other countries’ embassies
• Non-governmental organisations
• Media eg, communications agencies
• Defence forces
• Research eg, UC National Centre for Research on Europe, Government Research and Communications Unit, universities abroad
• Education at all levels including universities in Europe, New Zealand and around the world.

 Graduates with this degree are employed in a range of jobs — see some examples below.

Note: Some of the jobs listed may require postgraduate study. See the ‘Further study’ section.

Ministerial coordinator

• Prepares and coordinates correspondence for government ministers
• Drafts official information requests
• Completes project work to help design and streamline processes and procedures

Project coordinator / assistant, programme administrator

• Coordinates, tracks and reports on projects or programmes
• Manages project/programme documentation and budgets
• Understands project or programme plans and manages work streams

Policy analyst / advisor

• Identifies and investigates issues and opportunities eg, in society, law or governance
• Interprets and consults on existing policies
• Prepares reports and recommends changes

Communications advisor

• Researches, writes, edits and produces content for various audiences and mediums
• Develops communication strategies
• Advises on media relations and PR budgets

Iwi relations, international partnerships coordinator, relationship manager

• Liaises between organisations or groups of people eg iwi and regional councils, universities
• Supports a partnership or aligned systems for mutual or broader benefit
• Influences decision-makers, policy or strategy discussions and brokers solutions

Journalist / reporter

• Researches and gathers information
• Interviews relevant people
• Writes reports/stories across media platforms

Research advisor / coordinator / assistant

• Organises and conducts research
• Tests theories and interprets the results
• Writes reports and makes recommendations

Tertiary lecturer

• Prepares and gives lectures and tutorials
• Sets and marks assignments and exams
• Conducts research, writes and publishes articles

Primary school teacher

• Prepares learning activities for 5–13 year olds
• Teaches and marks subjects like social studies
• Develops children’s social skills and behaviours

Tutor

• Plans lessons according to individual ability or a group's study level
• Teaches students subject knowledge and skills
• Encourages interaction and practical application

Entrepreneur and CEO

• Develops an idea, product or service
• Gets involved in a start-up

Get started with Entrepreneurship here

As they progress, students and graduates often join professional bodies relevant to their area of interest. These organisations can provide regular communications and offer the chance to network.

• United Nations Association of New Zealand
• Export New Zealand
• New Zealand Institute of International Affairs
• Public Relations Institute of New Zealand
• Project Management Institute New Zealand

Social media networks such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter can provide avenues to keep upto-date with industry knowledge, networking opportunities, events and job vacancies