1. Build a network

The biggest advantage of a study association is that it makes it easy to build a network of fellow students, alumni and professionals. ‘It helped me to get to know people,’ says Stella. ‘Then you have a buddy if you have questions about study group assignments or want to learn together over coffee.’ During office visits, get-togethers and activities, you meet law firms, judges and other lawyers informally. ‘You not only learn more about the different areas of law,’ Stella says. ‘You also make connections that will come in handy later in your career for an internship or at your first job.’

2. Balance between studies and social activities

‘Student life can be demanding, and it is sometimes difficult to find a good balance between academic commitments and social activities,’ Stella explains. ‘A study association helps with this because it organises educational and informal activities. From lectures and workshops to get-togethers and sports activities.’ Being a member of an association creates a healthy balance, and you always have the opportunity to escape from the study books for a while. ‘For example, you sit together in a working group in the morning and have drinks in the evening,’ Stella says with a laugh.

3. Developing your interests further

‘Through the activities of JFAS, I found out what I liked about my studies and what suits me less. The programme is theoretical, and by visiting an office, for example, you see how things work in practice,’ Stella says. During office visits, you hear people talk about their cases and areas of law. ‘That's how I found out that the field of administrative law is exciting in practice, whereas that didn’t appeal to me very much during my studies.’

4. Gain practical experience

For example, you can also become active in a study association by joining the board or a committee. ‘As a board or committee member, you develop important skills such as organising, planning and cooperating. A committee only costs you an hour a week, and you can choose from, for example, the Diversity Committee, Graphics Committee, and Travel Committee,’ Stella says enthusiastically. ‘This practical experience is not only a valuable addition to your CV but also gives you more insight into what you can do after your studies.’

Questions?

If you have questions about study associations, walk past the Student Square (A0.01). Here, you can find all the study associations. There are associations for all law students, especially for tax law students, but also associations that focus on specific Master’s.