Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

I work with members (sugar manufacturers) to monitor legislative and non-legislative activities in the European Union (Council, Commission and Parliament) on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), developing and delivering strategies to influence these activities.

I maintain close contact with members, organising and contributing to meetings (drafting agendas, putting together preparatory files, giving presentations, taking minutes etc.). I spend a lot of time in front of the computer researching and drafting documents (technical notes, position papers, etc.). I also attend meetings with stakeholders.

The cultural diversity, working with different people from across Europe, and the need to find compromise, because it’s a trade association and members have different interests.

Again, the cultural diversity, working with different people from across Europe, and the need to find compromise.

At first I wanted to work in Brussels because it enabled me to combine my degree, languages and politics. I fell into the food sector but enjoy it because I believe food security (the need to feed more people with fewer resources) is one of the major challenges of our time.

You need few formal qualifications (a university degree suffices) but experience in EU affairs is invaluable (i.e. internships!); oral and written communication skills, language skills, time management and organisational skills.

n/a

MSc Migration and Ethnic Studies at the University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

Six month internship at the Council of the European Union, Brussels.

Six month internship at an EU public affairs company, Brussels.

Six month internship with a British MEP, Brussels.

Working for FoodDrinkEurope, the trade association for the European food and drink industry, for two years, I was responsible for European Parliament relations.

I would like to continue to work in EU affairs.

It can take time, I did several interships, but don't give up. You should also keep an open mind, you never know what might interest you until you try it... I studied migration and now work on agricultural policy!