“EuroTech offers a very diverse profile for trainees”

Why did you decide to do this traineeship at the EuroTech Brussels Office?

During my second semester at TUM, I was searching for internships in policy areas, and I came across the opportunity to intern at EuroTech Universities Alliance in Brussels. It immediately checked all the points on my checklist. First of all, EuroTech offers a very diverse profile for the trainee to be trained in multiple fields and gives the opportunity to work with excellent European universities. The team at EuroTech is diverse, dynamic, and multinational with extensive experience in multiple disciplines. Being in Brussels would also give me the perfect opportunity to be close to the EU institutions and learn about EU policy. As an international student from India and doing a master’s in Germany, I also wanted to work a semester abroad where I could experience a different culture. The great thing about Brussels is that it is very cosmopolitan and a multilingual place. Finally, Brussels is known for Belgian waffles, beer, and chocolates, which finally tipped the scale for me in favor of EuroTech.

Can you tell us a bit more about the tasks you had as a trainee?

As a trainee at the EuroTech Universities Alliance, I was assigned a specific task at the start of my internship that involved in-depth research on a particular topic under the guidance of my supervisor and support from the staff members. For this task, I used many tools, including qualitative and quantitative analysis. In addition to this, I mainly worked with the Head of the Brussels Office, Tatiana Panteli and the Communications Manager, Anita Schneider, on high-level events, policy analysis, communications strategy, media monitoring and analysis, community management, research, and many on the spot assignments. I also participated in relevant meetings on EU funding opportunities for researchers, EU policy updates on focus areas, activities, or projects for EuroTech members and the organization of EuroTech events. As a trainee, I was also given the opportunity to network and attend many seminars, webinars, and events in Brussels.

What did you like best about your stay in Brussels?

I had the most wonderful time at EuroTech. The best part of the traineeship were my EuroTech colleagues, who welcomed me warmly, supported me and I learnt a lot from them at every step of the way. The discussions in the office ranging from international relations, policy initiatives, beautiful places to visit, covid situations, were interesting, fun, and enlightening. In addition to this, I got the first-hand opportunity to organize a significant high-level event, which also honed my organizational and digital media skills. The traineeship also gave me the opportunity to understand the working of the EU, which includes the research and innovation aspect of the EU policy, especially about Horizon Europe, the European Green Deal, European Research Area, ERASMUS, and so many other policies. It was inspiring to meet many remarkable people who are working towards building a sustainable future. Moreover, Brussels is a very vibrant and a multicultural place. The museums, the Belgian beer, the fries, waffles and of course, the Belgian chocolates is something that I will miss when I move back to Germany.

On the other hand, which challenges did you encounter?

I got the opportunity to work at the EuroTech office, which has a beautiful premise and is located right in front of the European Parliament. Unfortunately, due to the covid pandemic, I had to work from home for some time. The Brussels weather is very unpredictable. Never leave without an umbrella! Finding suitable accommodation is a bit of a challenge and time-consuming. Hence, start looking for a suitable accommodation as soon as you accept the internship.

Do you have any tips to share with future trainees?

If you want to experience the EU bubble and work with wonderful colleagues, then the traineeship at EuroTech is the perfect place to be. I am grateful to spend my semester abroad in Brussels working with EuroTech. The traineeship helped me to grow professionally and personally. Also, you will benefit from the Erasmus+ scholarship and being part of the ESN networks has a lot of benefits. I would recommend the EuroTech traineeship to anyone looking for a rewarding place to do their internship.

Now that your traineeship is coming to an end – what are your plans?

Being a student of Sustainability from the Technical University of Munich, I will continue my studies in Munich and start a new internship in sustainability in Germany in summer. I will incorporate the skills and knowledge that I have gained through my traineeship at EuroTech in my work. In the future, I want to focus my career in sustainability consulting, to guide companies to be more sustainable by changing their environmental practices and investing in social change management.