Young Graduates Encouraged To Explore Careers In EU Affairs

Irish graduates are being encouraged to explore careers in European affairs, with the application window for the March 2018 intake of European Commission traineeship now open.

Encouraging young graduates to apply, Fine Gael Senator and spokesman on EU Affairs, Neale Richmond, said: "A traineeship with any EU institution is an excellent way to experience first-hand the workings of the EU and to prepare yourself for a fulfilling career in a range of industries.

"The traineeship with the European Commission is one of the best possible ways of kicking off a career in European public affairs or for gaining an insight into various sectors at the highest possible level.

"Trainees work all over the European Commission. The job description largely depends on the service you are assigned to. You may, for example, work in the field of competition law, human resources, environmental policy or beyond.

"Trainees receive a monthly grant of €1,159.40 and reimbursement of travel expenses. Accident and health insurance can also be provided.

"As a young graduate, I had the opportunity to take up a traineeship in Brussels that led to a full time job within months and followed on to a career working in the European public affairs fields.

"Being a small Member State, it is vital for Ireland to send some of its best people to Brussels, Luxembourg, Strasbourg and beyond to work in the EU institutions and to provide an important Irish voice in this vital legislative forum."

Senator Richmond said that Ireland has a rich history of having top individuals taking up the most important roles within the European Union, such as former European Commission Secretaries General, David O'Sullivan and Catherine Day; former European Parliament President Pat Cox; current EU ombudsman Emily O'Reilly; and current European Parliament Vice President, Mairead McGuinness MEP.

Applications for the March – July 2018 traineeship with the European Commission are open from now until the 31st August.

(MH/LM)