Alumni & Career Day

A (Research) Master’s programme, a PhD, or a career in government: life after University College Groningen can truly take you anywhere.

That is why this session features UCG alumni sharing their personal paths after graduation. They will talk about the choices they made, what they have learned along the way, and what they wish they had known when they were still students.

Of course, there will also be plenty of time for you to ask questions and engage in discussion.

Have you ever considered a career in academia? This session is designed to help you explore whether pursuing a PhD could be the right fit for you.

Led by PhD candidates from University College Groningen, the session will address practical and often-asked questions, such as how much time a PhD takes, how funding works, what to expect during the process, what a typical day looks like, and how to apply for a PhD position.

The PhD candidates will also share their own academic journeys and experiences. In addition, an interactive component will give you the opportunity to reflect on whether a PhD aligns with your interests, skills, and future plans.

Whether you are seriously considering a PhD or simply curious about academic life, this session will offer valuable insights and plenty of room for questions.

Who are you? What is it that makes you unique? In other words: what is your professional brand? Being able to convey your personal story in a concise and convincing way can make all the difference on the job market - so let’s ensure you’ve got the perfect pitch. This session is led by Career Services of the University of Groningen and requires at least 12 participants. So make sure to share this session with friends!

These one-on-one coaching sessions offer a reflective space to explore your natural talents, values, and strengths, and to work through career-related questions. Whether you are unsure about your direction, want to better articulate your value, or are navigating the Dutch labour market as an international student, the session supports clarity and self-insight.

This session is led by Yingqing (Qing) Gong. Qing is a career coach, founder of Thrive, and a University of Groningen alumna. With over ten years of experience living and working in the Netherlands, she supports international talent in exploring career paths, building effective professional networks, and navigating the Dutch labour market. Alongside her coaching work, she is the Account Manager at Make it in the North.

These one-on-one coaching sessions offer a reflective space to explore your natural talents, values, and strengths, and to work through career-related questions. Whether you are unsure about your direction, want to better articulate your value, or are navigating the Dutch labour market as an international student, the session supports clarity and self-insight.

This session is led by Yingqing (Qing) Gong. Qing is a career coach, founder of Thrive, and a University of Groningen alumna. With over ten years of experience living and working in the Netherlands, she supports international talent in exploring career paths, building effective professional networks, and navigating the Dutch labour market. Alongside her coaching work, she is the Account Manager at Make it in the North.

These one-on-one coaching sessions offer a reflective space to explore your natural talents, values, and strengths, and to work through career-related questions. Whether you are unsure about your direction, want to better articulate your value, or are navigating the Dutch labour market as an international student, the session supports clarity and self-insight.

This session is led by Yingqing (Qing) Gong. Qing is a career coach, founder of Thrive, and a University of Groningen alumna. With over ten years of experience living and working in the Netherlands, she supports international talent in exploring career paths, building effective professional networks, and navigating the Dutch labour market. Alongside her coaching work, she is the Account Manager at Make it in the North.

These one-on-one coaching sessions offer a reflective space to explore your natural talents, values, and strengths, and to work through career-related questions. Whether you are unsure about your direction, want to better articulate your value, or are navigating the Dutch labour market as an international student, the session supports clarity and self-insight.

This session is led by Yingqing (Qing) Gong. Qing is a career coach, founder of Thrive, and a University of Groningen alumna. With over ten years of experience living and working in the Netherlands, she supports international talent in exploring career paths, building effective professional networks, and navigating the Dutch labour market. Alongside her coaching work, she is the Account Manager at Make it in the North.

In this presentation led by Make it in the North, we’ll explore key strategies to help you kickstart your career as an international in the North of the Netherlands. You’ll discover the importance of networking and how building the right connections can open doors to new opportunities. We’ll also provide practical tips for finding a job or internship, from where to look to how to stand out in a competitive market. Additionally, we’ll cover the art of sending open applications, offering advice on how to approach companies directly and craft a compelling message that showcases your strengths.

So you got an interview invite? Congrats, you’re halfway there! Now for the hardest part: being well-prepared, able to answer tough questions and ready to make a lasting first impression. We’ll make sure you know how to take control of the conversation. This session is led by Career Services and requires at leats 12 participants, so make sure to bbring along your friends!

Curious about which Master’s options are out there? At the Master’s Market, you can explore a wide range of Master’s programmes from almost all faculties of the University of Groningen.

We are also excited to welcome a special guest: a representative from Hertie School, the University of Governance in Berlin.

Drop by to talk directly with programme representatives, ask your questions, and discover which Master’s programme might be the right fit for you.

Applying for a Master’s programme or a job can be challenging. Join the Career Fair to make sure you are well prepared to impress admissions committees or hiring teams.

During the Career Fair, you can take part in:

• One-on-one pitch practice

• Walk-in CV and cover letter checks

• Walk-in LinkedIn profile checks

• A professional LinkedIn photoshoot

All activities are organised and facilitated by professionals from Career Services, who are ready to help you strengthen your profile and applications.