Employability

GEMMA Employer-bility Guide

This employability guide is intended for GEMMA students as well as prospective applicants who wish to better understand the career opportunities available after completing the program.

The GEMMA Master’s Program (Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree in Women’s and Gender Studies) is an international academic program supported by the European Commission. The program emphasizes multilingual education, with courses available in English, Spanish, and Italian depending on the host institution, fostering intercultural dialogue and critical thinking.

Participants study at two consortium universities, which allows them to engage with diverse academic traditions and institutional perspectives on gender issues. Graduates receive a double degree recognized across partner universities, preparing them for careers in academia, public administration, NGOs, or corporate sectors. While many alumni pursue PhD research and academic positions in both European and non-European universities, others work outside academia in various fields.

THESE GUIDELINES MAY CHANGE OVER TIME. ALWAYS DOUBLE-CHECK THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY WEBSITE OR THE LINKS PROVIDED.

During your studies

Internships as Student

Currently, the only consortium university offering a curricular internship (6 credits) is the University of Oviedo, as part of the programme. The internship offers practical experience in gender and diversity through placements in organizations, focusing on equality and social transformation. Students participate in group tutorials and field work, applying their skills in real professional setting.

The University of Oviedo collaborates with Quiquiricu, a social innovation consultancy that promotes equality and diversity through services such as urban planning, sustainability initiatives, and workshops. The University of Oviedo also partners with other organizations where students may undertake internships, including Xega, KRK, Ayuntamiento de Mieres, Ayuntamiento de San Martín del Rey Aurelio, Fundación Mujeres, and Centro Niemeyer. Because it is a mandatory component of the programme, it does not fall under “extracurricular internships”, which are optional and pursued independently by students.

However, there is the possibility of accessing extracurricular internships at all GEMMA partner universities. Since these are extracurricular practices, we strongly recommend starting to explore these options in your first year to ensure you have the necessary time to decide where and when to undertake them.

Remember that you can access Erasmus+ Traineeships. BUT REMEMBER: As a self-funded student, you may be eligible for an Erasmus mobility grant during the mandatory mobility period of the second year. This could influence your possibility to access this opportunity, so we strongly recommend reaching out to the international or Erasmus+ office of your home institution for detailed information regarding mobility options.

Here you will find various contacts and information about extracurricular internships divided by university.

  • Extracurricular internships at the University of Granada are tailored for university students, including undergraduates, master's students, and recent graduates. It is crucial to note that you must still be officially enrolled as a student to access these internships, which may impact the timeline of your academic journey. Interns are typically registered in the social security system for coverage. International participants, whether EU or non-EU citizens, may require a valid NIE for administrative purposes. For further information, you can contact the UGR Employment and Internship Center, Centro de Empleo y Prácticas UGR.

You can also do an extracurricular internship at the Gemma Coordination Office in Granada. Conditions, deadlines, and how to apply vary by year. Contact the Gemma Office for details at the start of the semester.

  • You can do an extra-curricular internship at the University of Bologna, but the University is only the host, not the promoter. To start the internship, you must apply through an authorized body (like the Emilia-Romagna Region or other regional promoters). Check the regional website for details and rules. Graduates can use the Online Internship Service to find opportunities.
  • Although internships are not part of the CEU’s GEMMA programme, students may participate in them as an addition to regular studies, provided they do not replace compulsory coursework. For further details, please contact the Career Services Office. 
  • Students at the University of Łódź can take advantage of a dedicated platform to find extracurricular internships across various fields. The main tool for this is the Career Development Portal, Portal Rozwoju Kariery, managed by the university’s Career Office. Here you can access to current internship offers, specifically including extracurricular placements and opportunities published by companies interested in students from diverse academic backgrounds in both Polish and English. Internships listed on the portal can be local, national, or international, and often include both short-term and long-term opportunities. MAY REQUIRE certificate of tax residence, language certificates, depending on the employer.
  • Internships are not part of the GEMMA programme at Utrecht University, but students may include one if it fits their regular studies as an extra, not replacing required courses; finding an internship is mainly your responsibility, so check the Faculty of Humanities internship manual and consult your programme coordinator or Careers Orientation Coordinator for help, and always start early and ensure the internship meets your programme’s requirements, including for international options. 

Employer-bility Events

The 1st GEMMA Employability Event held on April 7-8, 2025, marked an important step in the GEMMA Master’s commitment to supporting the employability of its graduates. This event is organized as part of a broader initiative designed to provide students across all participating GEMMA universities with valuable resources for entering the job market after completing the Master’s program. The primary objective is to create a space where students could gain insights into various career paths and receive practical tools to enhance their employability.

The event aim to give students the opportunity to learn about different professional fields, including academia, public institutions, private companies, and NGOs. In addition to this, participants engaged in workshops focused on improving their soft skills, which are essential for any career. This combination of career-focused sessions and skill-building activities aimed to ensure that GEMMA students are well-prepared for the challenges of the labor market.

Other career-related events targeting students from all academic backgrounds—not only those enrolled in the GEMMA Master—are also offered by our universities:

  • The University of Granada (UGR) offers a variety of events, workshops, and activities throughout the year to support students in their transition to the job market. One of the most important is the International Employment Fair, held once a year. NOT all the services and workshops are available in English – specific information can be obtained on webpages or directly at the registration.
  • Central European University (CEU) organizes careers events, employer presentations, and other opportunities for students to connect with representatives of partner organizations. Many of these events are accessible virtually to encourage alumni participation. Make sure to read Alumni E-News, follow our social media, and watch the Career Services Events on the CEU Events Hub to be sure you know what’s going on.
  • University of Bologna (Unibo) organizes special events to prepare for career fairs like Career Day and Recruiting Day. Students can register for these activities through Studenti Online. NOT all the services and workshops are available in English – specific information can be obtained on webpages or directly at the registration.
  • The University of Łódź (UniLodz) offers a range of annual initiatives and workshops aimed at supporting students in their career development. These include sessions on CV writing, job interview simulations, and design thinking. Students can also book one-on-one career consultations through the UŁ Careers Office. NOT all the services and workshops are available in English – specific information can be obtained on webpages or directly at the registration.
  • The University of Oviedo (Uniovi) organizes various events, such as the Employment Forum, to allow companies and job seekers to meet, exchange information, and create opportunities for employment and/or collaboration. TalentUO is the professional guidance platform of the University of Oviedo. On this platform, you can find information, training, and personalized advice to enhance your skills, prepare for today’s job market, and ease your transition into the workforce. It includes tools for writing a CV, preparing for interviews, defining professional goals, and much more.
  • Every year, Utrecht University (UU)’s Career Services organises the Career Day. Meet various companies and organisations, have your CV checked and a professional LinkedIn photo taken, and improve your career skills with one of our workshops. Participation is free for all students and PhD candidates of Utrecht University.

After your studies

This section is aimed at students who are finishing or have already completed their studies. It is important to ensure you have all the necessary documentation, visas, and permits required to apply for study programs, internships, or work opportunities, depending on the country where you are studying and your country of origin.

Academia

The GEMMA program provides a strong academic foundation, making graduates highly competitive for careers in higher education and research. The first recommended step is pursuing a PhD.  Staying updated on emerging opportunities, attending academic events, and networking with visiting professors and phd students are essential strategies to identify suitable paths. 

AGE, DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS, AND TIMING MAY INFLUENCE YOUR DECISION. WE RECOMMEND VISITING THE RELEVANT WEBSITES IN ADVANCE AND REVIEWING THE INFORMATION DIRECTLY THROUGH THE PROVIDED LINKS TO ENSURE YOU HAVE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE DETAILS.

  • For funding opportunities, the EURAXESS platform is a critical resource, aggregating research positions, fellowships, and grants across Europe. Its "Find Funding" section lists programs like the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), which support interdisciplinary doctoral networks. 

Among these, the EUTERPE Project (funded under MSCA) stands out as a relevant initiative. Coordinated by CEU PU Vienna, it focuses on transnational women’s literature, gender studies, and decolonial pedagogies, offering structured PhD training with dual supervision, secondments, and non-academic internships. Outputs include digital catalogues, podcasts, and open-access dictionaries, aligning with modern demands for public engagement and open science. 

  • The Spanish academic context, particularly at universities such as Granada and Oviedo, offers various structured opportunities for PhD research and academic development. Among the most notable programs are the FPU (Formación de Profesorado Universitario) and FPI (Formación de Personal Investigador), which are ministerial initiatives designed to foster academic talent. The FPU requires applicants to hold EU citizenship or a Spanish residency permit, be enrolled in a doctoral program at a Spanish university, and demonstrate an outstanding academic record. Similarly, the FPI grants are typically tied to specific ministerial calls aligned with thematic research priorities, providing funding for doctoral candidates engaged in projects of national or regional relevance. Beyond these national programs, universities and autonomous communities often administer their own funding schemes. For instance, individual institutions may offer scholarships or grants to attract doctoral candidates, sometimes in collaboration with regional governments. Autonomous communities occasionally launch localized funding initiatives to support research aligned with their strategic priorities.

The UGR’s “Women’s Studies: Discourses and Practices of Gender” PhD program offers interdisciplinary research tools for studying women and gender in the Humanities and Social Sciences. Students use gender and feminist perspectives to analyse and rethink traditional views, aiming for social change and equality. The program emphasizes women’s experiences, their undervaluation, and their contributions to society.

The Doctoral Program in Gender and Diversity is an interdepartmental and interdisciplinary initiative at the University of Oviedo, based on the epistemologies and methodologies of the Humanities and Social Sciences. It aims to train researchers to the highest standards, integrating advanced gender knowledge and know-how into professional fields such as administration, education, social work, and culture.

  • At the University of Bologna, each PhD program offers different types of scholarships. There are open-theme positions, where you can propose your own research, and fixed-theme positions, which focus on a specific topic. Some scholarships are reserved for candidates with special qualifications or for international students. The amount of the scholarship is between about €16,243 and €19,367 per year. Scholarships can be funded by the university, external organizations, or through national and international programs.

At UniBo, the EDGES curriculum is part of a PhD in Women’s and Gender Studies. You will study literature, cultures, methodologies, and theories of gender studies to promote equality, value diversity, and foster inclusion. The program develops advanced research and critical skills from a gender perspective, encourages international collaboration, and offers the chance to earn a joint PhD with a partner university. It includes a research period abroad (6 months) and requires your final thesis to be written and defended in English.

  • CEU offers internationally recognized PhDs with full tuition and a €1,880/month stipend for 48 months. Stipends are taxable in Austria; students must register as self-employed. The PhD in Comparative Gender Studies is a 4-6 year program for students with substantial MA-level background in gender studies theory and methodologies who wish to specialize in interdisciplinary research and teaching in an academic setting. Accredited in both the US and Austria, the program combines elements of North American and European style degrees with coursework, research proposal development, and a Comprehensive Exam in the first year, followed by research and dissertation writing alongside professional development in subsequent years. The program is geared towards preparation for the academic job market, but skills and knowledge attained are also transferable to a number of non-academic careers. Apply by the financial aid deadline to be considered for a scholarship.
  • The University of Łódź provides a structured doctoral programme that includes a monthly scholarship for doctoral candidates lasting up to four years. During the initial period, students receive 37% of a professor’s salary, roughly PLN 3,467 gross per month, which increases to 57% (about PLN 5,341 gross) after successfully passing their mid-term evaluation. In addition to this base funding, doctoral students have opportunities to secure extra financial support by applying to various university funding programmes. These include doctoral grants that encourage students to carry out original research projects across all scientific disciplines, promoting both basic and applied research as well as scientific mobility. There are also interdisciplinary research grants aimed at fostering cooperation between researchers from different fields, where the project is led by the most relevant scientific discipline. Moreover, the university offers bonuses for research teams that efficiently obtain funding from external sources, motivating scholars to pursue prestigious national and international grants. For more information about admission rules, deadlines, and funding opportunities, you can visit the Doctoral School’s official website.
  • For information about pursuing a PhD at Utrecht University, please consult the PhD Manual. Please note that doctoral scholarships specifically in Gender Studies are very limited. If you are interested in a PhD, we recommend checking the university website regularly for available vacancies and opportunities.

Regarding national funding, the Dutch Research Council (NWO) funds the call 'PhDs in the Humanities'. 'PhDs in the Humanities' provides talented researchers with a paid PhD position. The aim of the programme is to offer research talent the opportunity to obtain a doctorate and to gain promotion to academic staff positions. Interested researchers are advised to contact the humanities faculties at Dutch universities. This is because the humanities faculties of the Dutch universities involved organise the preselection for this programme. The programme runs until 2029. The call for proposals will be published every fall.

Interships and job opportunities post-Gemma

We recommend keeping an eye on the EURAXESS platform, specifically the “Find jobs and Opportunities” section. EURAXESS offers a wide range of free services, including practical information, personalized assistance, job vacancies, funding opportunities, and career development tools. In the “Find jobs and Opportunities” section, you can search for job offers, research fellowships, and funding opportunities published by research institutions, universities, and companies from across Europe and beyond.

Please also check the Traineeships section of the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE). EIGE is the European Union’s agency dedicated to promoting gender equality and eliminating discrimination based on gender, located in Vilnius, Lithuania. In the traineeships section, you can view various opportunities—some currently open for applications and others closed—to better understand the types of traineeships offered and the profiles sought. For open positions, you can apply directly through the EIGE website; deadlines and application procedures vary depending on the specific traineeship.

One initiative worth considering, though not a traditional internship, is the European Solidarity Corps. Funded by the EU, it offers young people aged 18–30 (up to 35 for humanitarian aid) the chance to join meaningful projects in areas like environment, education, social inclusion, and crisis response. Opportunities include short-term volunteering (2 weeks–2 months), youth-led solidarity projects addressing local needs, and humanitarian missions in crisis zones. The program covers accommodation, food, insurance, and a small allowance. While not a classic internship, it’s a great way to gain skills, experience international teamwork, and boost your CV with a recognized European program. You must be a legal resident of an EU member state or one of the eligible partner countries.

Outside Academia

The field of gender studies, while fascinating and rich in theoretical opportunities, presents significant challenges for employment, especially outside academia. GEMMA, with its international prestige, provides a strong interdisciplinary theoretical foundation that can be applied in areas such as the private sector, NGOs, and cultural institutions. However, it is essential to complement this preparation with practical strategies to enhance employability. Clearly identify and communicate your skills, finding a balance between personal aspirations and material conditions. Remember to reach out to your university to utilize support tools like workshops or placement agencies.

  • The University of Granada Placement Agency is a public service connecting university talent with job opportunities. It offers transparent, free, and data-protected management. To access job listings, you need to register on the ÍCARO Portal and provide the required documentation. For more information, you can contact them directly.
  • University of Bologna Job Placement offers career services aimed at helping graduates smoothly transition into the job market. By partnering with companies and the business community, the university supports students in realizing their full potential and contributing to the local job market. The Career Guidance Service provides practical support for students and recent graduates, offering workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, job search strategies, and developing professional skills. While most activities are in Italian, one-on-one career guidance and CV feedback in English are available by appointment, along with regular English workshops for international students.
  • The Career Services Office (CSO) at CEU helps students and alumni set career goals and build skills to improve employability and academic success. It provides support with career research, networking, applications, interviews, and salary negotiations. Students can access career workshops, employer events, individual advising, internship support, and use CareerNext, CEU’s job and internship portal.
  • The Career Office of the University of Lodz offers a wide range of services for students and graduates. Its goal is to strengthen students and support them in finding their professional path. After logging to the portal, you can find ongoing calls for internships, companies can post recruitment ads aimed at students of various fields. The website publishes offers for internships, apprenticeships, and jobs - in both Polish and English. The portal also allows to use the language version adapted to the user.
  • TalentUO is the professional guidance platform of the University of Oviedo. Through the "Employment Tools TalentUO" space, the university provides resources to help students and graduates in their job search and career development. The Placement Agency at the University of Oviedo helps unemployed individuals, especially graduates, access employment opportunities. The service is free for both job seekers and companies looking for talent.
  • Regarding Utrecht University, Career Services helps you plan your future after studies. They offer guidance on career choices, CV and cover letter reviews, interview preparation, and access to job and internship listings. You can also join training sessions, career tests, and events like Career Days to get ready for your professional life.
  • There are several valuable platforms that one can also consult when looking for job opportunities related to social impact and equality. For example, GenderJobs.org is a dedicated platform that focuses specifically on careers advancing gender equality and LGBTQI+ rights. It offers curated job listings that connect candidates with organizations committed to these important causes.

In Spain, the platform Up me Up operates within the social and solidarity economy. It serves as a bridge between candidates and organizations by emphasizing shared values and fostering meaningful connections in the nonprofit and social sectors.

Within the Italian context, portals such as Job4Good specialize in recruiting for nonprofit roles where the impact of the work can be clearly measured and appreciated. This platform is particularly useful for those seeking positions that contribute to social good and community development.

In Austria, there are a few portals that are helpful for locating both English- and German-speaking jobs such as Karriere or Stepstone.

Successful stories and employability after GEMMA

You can read some of our graduates' experiences after GEMMA.

GEMMA LinkedIn

GEMMA students and alumni can use LinkedIn to connect with an international network of academics and professionals in gender studies. They can also showcase their skills and stay informed about events and career opportunities through GEMMA's LinkedIn presence.

Partners

Expanded GEMMA Consortium (not included in the mandatory mobility estructure)

  • University of Buenos Aires (Argentina)
  • State University of Campinas in Sao Paulo (Brazil)
  • University of Chile (Chile)
  • Florida International University (USA)
  • Technological Institute of Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) 
  • National University of Colombia (Colombia)
  • National Autonomous University of Mexico (Mexico)
  • Rutgers University (USA)
  • Columbia University (USA)
  • University of Redlands (USA)
  • the UNESCO Chair of Culture and Education for Peace Universidad Técnica Particular of Loja (Ecuador)
  • the Women's Chair of the University of Havana (Cuba) 
  • the Center for Women's Studies Zagreb (Croatia)
  • Goldsmiths College, University of London (United Kingdom) 
  • Gender Equality Studies and Training Program (GEST) at the University of Iceland (Iceland) 

Women’s studies research and institutions collaborating with GEMMA

  • Associazione Orlando (Bologna)
  • Atria. Institute on Gender Equality Women‘s History (Netherlands)
  • Equality Unit of the University of Granada (Spain)

Public institutions:

  • Instituto Asturiano de la Mujer (Spain)
  • Diputación de Granada (Spain)
  • City Council of Granada (Spain)
  • Gender Equality and Human Rights Commission of the Legislative Asembly of Emilia Romagna Region (Italy)

Companies and business associations

  • AIDDA, Associazione Imprenditrici e Donne Dirigenti di Azienda (Italy)
  • HERA (Italy)
  • CNA Impresa Donne di Bologna (Italy)
  • Espora – Consultoría de Género (Spain) 
  • Agora-Espacio de Formación Feminista (Spain)

Feminist organizations and NGO’s

  • Acción en Red (Spain)
  • Hombres por la Igualdad (Spain)
  • Equal Opportunities’ Office of ASC InSieme, Azienda Speciale Interventi Sociali Valli dal Reno Lavino e Samoggia (Italy)
  • Casco – Office for Art, Design and Theory (Netherlands)
  •  Kyra Women’s Project (United Kingdom) 
  • Lodz Women’s Trail Foundation (Fundacja Lodzki Szak Kobiet) (Poland)

Academic and professional networks

  • ATGENDER - The European Association for Gender Research (the Netherlands)
  • Fundación IES Granada (Spain)
  • EWA, European Women’s Audiovisual Network (France)
  • Inter-America Organization for Higher Education (OUI-IOHE) (Colombia)

Academic publishers

  • Peter Lang AG International Academic Publishers
  • KRK Ediciones (Spain)
  • Colección Feminae (Spain)
  • Nomadías journal (Chile)
  • Cuadernos PAGU journal (Brazil)
  • Mora journal (Argentina)
  • Laboratorio de Investigación en Cultura y Sociedad Digital Medialab UGR (Spain)

Prestigious experts in Women’s and Gender Studies at international level that collaborate in GEMMA

  • Marcela Lagarde
  • Chandra T. Mohanty
  • Frances Negrón Muntaner
  • Susan Stanford Friedman, who has recently passed away
  • Nawal al Saadawi, passed away in 2021

Image removed.Employability Survey

GEMMA graduates highlighted the following features of GEMMA as the strongest assets in terms of future employability:

  1. Personal and professional experience in a multilingual, multinational and multidisciplinary environment;
  2. Possibilities to develop contact networks with gender students, scholars and academic centers worldwide;
  3. Cross cultural communication and logistic coordination skills acquired with mobility together with adaptability and a global perspective and the ability to navigate between differences, essential in this ever globalizing world.;
  4. Obtaining two European official master degrees from two internationally renowned universities, with the added value of different contexts and languages, cultures and academic traditions and recognised by all consortium partners;
  5. Education of the highest standards and EM international references and recommendations for further employment;
  6. Solid theoretical basis for doing research and the acquired ability to think critically and outside-of-thebox, which proves to be an excellent background for further PhD studies;
  7. Theoretical value of gender studies and feminist theory, especially given the combination of social sciences and humanities, which come across as insightful and original for research in other fields of study;
  8. Demand from institutions for gender specialists;
  9. Its interdisciplinary curriculum helps graduates contextualise their knowledge in the presence of various types of audiences, a very valuable skill on the labour market. It helps seek employment with various types of organizations - public, private, government and non-profit, while job opportunities include arts, public health, education, government, communications and media, law, public relations, international relations or further research.