Career perspectives
Career orientation
Career preparation in Advanced LLM in Law and Finance
In addition to offering you a solid university education, Leiden University aims to prepare you as well as possible for the labour market, and in doing so contribute to the development of your employability. In this way, it will become easier for you to make the transition to the labour market, to remain employable in a dynamic labour market, in a (career) job that suits your own personal values, preferences and development.
'Employability' consists of the following aspects that you will develop within your study programme, among others:
Discipline-specific knowledge and skills
Knowledge and skills specific to your study programme.
Transferable skills
These are skills that are relevant to every student and that you can use in all kinds of jobs irrespective of your study programme, for example: researching, analysing, project-based working, generating solutions, digital skills, collaborating, oral communication, written communication, presenting, societal awareness, independent learning, resilience.
But also think of job application skills: preparing a CV, formulating a cover letter, compiling a LinkedIn profile, networking, practising job interviews, preparing and holding a pitch.
Self-reflection
This involves reflecting on your own (study) career (choices), reflecting on your own profile and your personal and professional development. Gaining insight into, among other things, your competences and personality, your (work) values and motives. What can you do with your knowledge and skills on the labour market?
Who are you, what can you do well, what do you find interesting, what suits you, what do you find important, what do you want to do?
Practical experience
Gaining practical experience through practical and social internships and work placements, external research internships and projects, practical assignments, which are integrated into an elective, minor or graduation assignment, business challenges etc.
Labour market orientation
Gaining insight into the labour market, fields of work, jobs and career paths through, for example, guest speakers from the work field, alumni presentations and experiences, career events within the study programme, the use of the alumni mentor network, interviewing people from the work field, and shadowing/visiting companies in the context of a particular subject.
Employability in Advanced LLM in Law and Finance/ labour market programme
The Advanced LLM in Law and Finance addresses the growing need for legal specialists with knowledge and in-depth understanding of the various issues that drive businesses operating in the financial sector and the financial transactions they conduct. In this programme, you will be trained to address these critical issues for the financial sector and effectively apply the necessary strategic advice, drafting skills and process handling in practice. The programme is optimally designed to suit requirements for both national and international professional positions, such as
financial institutions, such as bank asset managers and market intermediaries
European and national financial supervisory authorities
other governmental and intergovernmental bodies and public administration
law firms
judiciary and arbitration courts
companies
academic and research institutes
Discipline-specific knowledge and skills
The programme has a diversified curriculum, which to equip todays financial lawyers with everything they need to know and to keep up with current developments. The programme starts with laying a solid foundation by introducing several key concepts that underly financial law. In addition, certain business topics are introduced, such as Financial Reporting and Corporate Finance, which are key to understanding the economic rationale of financial transactions. Unique to the Law and Finance programme of Leiden University is that the core courses cover both financial regulation (public law) and contractual arrangements for financial transactions (contract law). The knowledge of students is further enhanced in supplementary courses that focus on capital markets, digital finance and sustainable finance. In summary, the programme is dedicated to equip students with knowledge skills to practice financial law as it stands today and as well as tomorrow.
Shared transferable skills
The Law and Finance programme looks to develop further students' transferable skills in several ways. First of all, the programme aims for critical reflection and thinking by students via class discussions on the legal materials relevant to the topic of the lecture. We foster the ability of students to apply relevant rules and case law in professional contexts. Students will practice written and oral skills as well as research skills by taking assessments in the form of written assignments and oral presentations. This will be of benefit to students, whatever line of work they decide to go into.
Self-reflection
Self-reflection is integral to the program, encouraging students to evaluate their personal and professional development, strengths, and career aspirations. Activities such as career workshops and individualized feedback help students refine their professional identity and prepare for the evolving demands of the job market.
Practical experience
The program offers numerous opportunities to gain practical experience. As part of the courses, students engage with practice-oriented assignments, such as drafting legal advice, preparing a financial business case, presenting their findings or opinions in an oral presentation.
Some students also opt to intern at financial institutions, law firms, or international organizations, bridging the gap between theory and practice to the extent that their visa or study results allows.
Labour market orientation
You will be taught by expert faculty members at Leiden Law School's Hazelhoff Centre for Financial Law and distinguished legal practitioners specialised in specific aspects of international law and finance. Such interactions provide students valuable insights into the profession. Activities outside the curriculum allow students to build up a professional network.
Activities to prepare for the labour market outside the curriculum
The Advanced LLM in Law and Finance programme provides students with several opportunities to prepare for the labour market outside the curriculum. These are the following:
An orientation session with the career advisor of the (faculty) Career Services.
Advanced Master Career Workshops to help enhance profiles and techniques for approaching the job market.
A study trip to Paris or Frankfurt, where the students visit European Supervisory Authorities, law firms and/or other organisations active in the field of financial law.
Workshops and career events of study association FINSTAS.
A closing dinner in July where the students can meet alumni of the Law and Finance programme who work in The Netherlands.
Career Service, LU Career Zone and career workshops calendar
Faculty Career Service
The Career Service of your faculty offers information and advice on study (re)orientation and master's choice, (study) career planning, orientation on the labour market and job applications.
Leiden University Career Zone
Leiden University Career Zone is the website for students and alumni of Leiden University to support their (study) career. You can find advice, information, (career) tests and tools in the area of (study) career planning, career possibilities with your study, job market orientation, job applications, the Alumni Mentor network, job portal, workshops and events and career services.
Workshops and events
On the course calendar you will find an overview of career and application workshops, organised by the Career services.
