Internships – European Economic and Social Committee – Brussels

Would you like to gain professional experience at a European institution and gain an insight into the work of organised civil society in the European Union?

The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) offers paid work placements in Brussels, where you will be able to familiarise yourself with how its departments operate and contribute to its activities. During your placement, you’ll be able to work in an international and multicultural environment, put what you’ve learnt during your studies into practice, develop new skills and connect with young people and professionals from across Europe. An ideal opportunity to discover how your ideas can contribute to the future of the EU.

Twice a year, the EESC organises long-term (five months) and short-term (one to three months) work placements , aimed primarily at university students for whom such placements are compulsory to complete their studies.

The programme enables participants to gain practical experience, learn about the workings of the European institutions and develop professional skills, as well as to build a network of contacts in an international setting.

Benefits:

• A grant of €1,538.88 per month for long-term placements;
• For short-term placements, a grant equivalent to 50 per cent of that awarded to long-term trainees;
• Possibility of receiving a mobility allowance and travel allowance, where applicable;
• Opportunity to gain professional experience within a European Union institution;
• Gain an insight into how the various departments of the EESC operate;
• Work in a multicultural and international environment in Brussels;
• Establish professional contacts with people from different fields and nationalities;
• Apply and develop the knowledge acquired during your studies or professional experience.

Your role:

As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work in various departments of the EESC and familiarise yourself with their roles and activities.

During your placement, you will be able to:

• gain first-hand insight into how the EESC’s various departments operate;
• help with the day-to-day activities of the departments;
• apply the knowledge you have acquired during your studies;
• gain practical professional experience under the supervision of the Committee’s staff;
• build professional networks in a European and multicultural environment;
• contribute to the activities of a body that represents the interests of different sectors of organised civil society in Europe.

Long-term placements:

These are aimed at university graduates who have obtained their degree before the application deadline.

The placements last five months and are organised into two sessions per year:

• 16 February – 15 July: spring session;
• 16 September – 15 February: autumn session.

The work placements take place at the EESC’s offices in Brussels.

The grant amounts to €1,538.88 per month.

• • Candidates who are already in paid employment may not be eligible for financial support from the EESC.

Basic Requirements:

• be a national of a Member State of the European Union;
• a limited number of candidates from non-EU countries may be accepted;
• hold a university degree by the application deadline;
• have a thorough knowledge of an official EU language;
• have a satisfactory knowledge of another official EU language;
• one of these languages must be English or French, for operational reasons.

Short-term work placements:

These work placements are aimed at university students or students at higher education institutions for whom the placement is compulsory to complete their studies.

They last for one, two or three months and can take place throughout the year, except in July and August.

Applicants must:

• be enrolled at a university or higher education institution;
• provide evidence that the work placement is compulsory for the completion of their studies;
• have a thorough knowledge of one EU language and a satisfactory knowledge of another;
• have a knowledge of English or French;
• be nationals of an EU Member State, although a limited number of third-country nationals who meet the legal requirements for work and residence in Belgium may be accepted.

Conditions for short-term work placements:

Trainees receive:

• a monthly grant equivalent to 50 per cent of that for long-term work placements;
• a travel allowance;
• a travel allowance, where applicable.

There is no fixed deadline for submitting an application, but there must be a minimum of two months between the application and the start of the placement.

Internships may only commence on the 1st or the 16th of each month, except during July and August.

Application process:

Applications must be submitted via the EESC’s online application form.

For long-term placements, the general application periods are:

• 1 July – 30 September for spring placements, running from February to July;
• 1 February – 31 March for autumn placements, running from September to February.

Applications for short-term placements may be submitted at any time, bearing in mind the minimum period of two months between the application and the intended start date.

The selection process is anonymous. If an application is shortlisted, the EESC will contact the applicant by email and request the relevant documentation.

The documents that may be requested include:

• university degree(s);
• identity card or passport;
• certificate of enrolment and proof that the work placement is compulsory, in the case of short-term work placements;
• valid health insurance;
• criminal record extract;
• a medical certificate confirming fitness to undertake the work placement.

If you wish to gain professional experience in a European institution and learn first-hand how economic and social partners are involved in EU policy-making, the EESC’s work placements offer an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in an international and multicultural environment.

 

More information: Eurodesk