Quite some time ago I found out about the traineeships that the European Commission organises two times a year in Brussels and Luxembourg. The chances of every applicant are slim: only about 6-7% of all applicants are given a chance each period. The European Commission is strict in its selection procedure, the Traineeships Office meticulously looks for the exact profiles it wants and it only wants the most “interesting” candidates.
The reward, however, is worth the trouble! A challenging internship in an open-minded and multi-cultural surrounding at one of the most important and prestigious institutions in Europe. Learning so much about the subject of your job, the European Union, other cultures, the European internal market and opportunities through practice and experience. A chance to see the most advanced example of economic and political integration function up close whilst contributing to it. For me personally, a chance to work for something that really matters to me and which I believe in.
At least, that is what I would expect from such an opportunity.
My chances are no more than any other applicant. I have one or two “trump cards” which I hope they will like, but other than that I am just a very young and inexperienced Bachelor student. But “trying will do anything in this world” (Theocritus), so 6-7% suffices. I applied!
My application file, finished and sent!