"In 2014, I joined the European Commission as a team leader in the IT department of the Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (TAXUD). In that role, I led a team of four great colleagues with whom I managed seven trans-European customs projects.

It was very gratifying to see the systems we had developed being used throughout the European Union and beyond. I was also very happy to participate in various customs-related negotiations between the EU and non-EU countries, including Serbia, Montenegro, China, Russia and Japan.

Since 2019, I have been the head of the service management sector in the Directorate-General for Informatics (DIGIT). My job is to lead a team of over 65 professionals who provide support to users of the European Commission’s corporate systems.  

I like working in DIGIT very much because I have wonderful and professional colleagues who are always ready to help me as well as others, if needed.  They are so good at what they do that there is no problem they cannot solve. My sector’s team leaders are both good managers and experienced IT professionals and make it easy for me to coordinate complex assignments."

Head of Sector – Service Management, Directorate-General for Informatics (DIGIT), Solutions for Legislation, Policy & HR, European Commission

“My life philosophy is that it is never late to explore new professional career paths. Being aware of the continuous demand for IT profiles in all areas of the European job market and with a long-term interest in IT systems and cybersecurity, I have decided to embrace the digital world professionally.

I have joined the Directorate-General for Informatics to lead the Coordination Hub team in the Digital Transformation and Coordination unit. It is exciting to be part of the unit shaping the new digital strategy of the European Commission, helping to establish paperless processes to save our fragile environment, and helping colleagues in other directorates to implement digital-ready policy making processes from the first stages of drafting future EU policies.

My job brings me several opportunities, such as networking, supporting, and learning. Each day, I am getting to know colleagues from various backgrounds, in different positions, and with varying responsibilities. My team provides the ultimate support to corporate clients and undergoes a constant learning process when sharing knowledge and best practices.”

Team Leader, Directorate-General for Informatics (DIGIT), European Commission

“Designing for democracy — that’s what drives me every day at the European Parliament. Through visual storytelling, I help make Europe’s voice clearer, fairer, and closer to its people. As a strong believer in human rights and the EU’s mission, I’m proud to turn complex ideas into accessible, engaging content. Working in a vibrant, multicultural environment is deeply enriching — it fuels creativity, broadens perspectives, and reminds me daily of the power of unity in diversity. Here, creativity meets purpose — and every day is a chance to learn, grow, and make an impact.”

"As a graphic designer, I’m energised by the chance to create visuals for products that reach audiences across Europe. Last year, I had the privilege of designing the layout for the EU Strategic Agenda — a document that defines the EU’s priorities and strategic direction for the years ahead.

What drives me most is working in a studio environment with fellow graphic designers from diverse backgrounds; their insights push my creative thinking and spark fresh, original solutions.

The fast-paced and ever-evolving nature of our work means no two days are the same — whether we’re shaping branding for the Education Committee’s 50th anniversary or crafting striking visuals for research on brain–computer interfaces."

"Working as an Assistant Audiovisual Producer is an exciting opportunity to blend creativity, coordination, and strategic communication. I get to be creative every day, helping turn ideas into videos and visuals that really connect with people. It’s a busy role where you need to stay organized and work well with others, but that’s what makes it interesting. I love how the job mixes teamwork, storytelling, and creativity to produce visuals and videos that catch attention and help people understand important messages in a simple and engaging way."

"Since 2009, I’ve managed the Council of the EU’s website, working closely with content creators, designers, and developers to ensure clear communication of the Council’s work.

I publish content, plan new features, and support CMS users across teams. I enjoy the variety — from CMS migrations to developing new content types — and take pride in improving both the user experience and internal workflows.

With a background in international commerce and Chinese studies, I started in digital early, managing web projects in both public and private sectors before joining the Council."

"As a graphic designer in the DG COMM visual communication team, I have the opportunity to bring the European Commission's political priorities to life. Every day, I work on transforming complex messages into clear and compelling visuals across various media platforms, from print to digital, tailored for diverse audiences in close collaboration with my social media and audiovisual colleagues.  

I’ve a passion for design and branding, and I have the chance with my job to create visual identities that effectively communicate the Commission’s key actions. I also play a crucial role in maintaining the corporate Commission visual identity and, ensuring a harmonious and coherent image that resonates with citizens. This role allows me to give trainings to inform colleagues about the visual rules and to collaborate with the graphic designers across all the Commission's departments.

As part of a presidential service, I'm proud to support the communication efforts of the President of the Commission. It’s a dynamic environment where creativity meets strategy, and I’m thrilled to be at the heart of it all!"

“Europe is a beautiful idea - but it needs to become a shared feeling. Today, there is no more powerful way to reach people emotionally with our common values, projects, actions, and policies than through the creativity, interactivity, and flexibility that social media offers.
It has long been my dream to help EU institutions connect with citizens through social media - to bring Europe closer to their hearts and minds. Participating in an EPSO competition allowed me to make that dream a reality.

Today, I coordinate the social media work of the Commission’s Representations and provide editorial leadership across our network.”

What do you work on?

"Hello, my name is Juan Panadero and I'm working in the Product and Service Development Unit at the General Secretariat of the Council. My focus is managing data and AI projects, and we are currently building a new data and AI platform for all Council staff. It's an exciting project where you never stop learning new things every day, the data and AI fields are changing so quickly that you're always on your toes, and this is really motivating for me."

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The multicultural environment is fantastic! You get to connect with people from all over Europe and learn from their experience, and honestly, it feels like a family here. The Council really understands the importance of work-life balance, especially with flexible working arrangements. There are also great opportunities for career development, you can even change jobs within the EU institutions if you fancy a new challenge. In my case, I started in an agency, then moved to the European Parliament for a couple of years, then to the European Commission, and in 2024 I arrived at the Council."

One tip for someone considering applying for the ICT competition:

My one tip for you is: start preparing now! Seriously, don't leave it for the last minute. A little bit every day, a couple of hours, makes a huge difference. Also, dive into the EPSO website, check the competition notice carefully, look at past competitions for inspiration, and review previous test examples. And if you have the opportunity to connect with previous candidates who've been through the process already, do it! They'll give you some insider tips.

Good luck!"

What do you work on?

"Hello, my name is Ann Mennens. I work in the Directorate-General for Digital Services at the European Commission, in the Cybersecurity Directorate, where I lead the CyberAware team for the entire Commission. It is the program that takes care of the human factor in cybersecurity.

With CyberAware, we cater to all our colleagues because we see them as the first line of defense for the Commission, they help us keep the Commission secure. We do this by training them and providing targeted briefings for Commissioners, VIPs, system owners, and technical profiles, adapting every training to their specific context."

What do you enjoy most about your job?

"No two days are the same, and I love that variety. The cybersecurity threat landscape changes constantly, and so does our work: from communications to training.

What I enjoy most, however, is interacting with colleagues and helping them upskill in cybersecurity. I love working through networks of people to spread key messages and seeing that shift when they realize why their role is vital in protecting the Commission."

One tip for someone considering applying for the ICT competition:

"My golden tip: believe in yourself and apply! And of course, prepare well! We need you as a cybersecurity expert in the European institutions."