“Since I was a translation student, I have been fascinated by how multilingualism works in the EU institutions. Working as an Intercultural and Language Professional at the European Parliament has given me the chance to contribute to EU multilingualism and democracy. What I enjoy most is the variety of linguistic tasks: we translate texts using clear language, edit parliamentary documents, and localise content for websites and exhibitions. It’s a very supportive and welcoming place to work with plenty of opportunities to pick up new skills and knowledge! “

“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.”

“Hello, my name is Oana.

I joined the European Commission in 2012, starting in the HR team of what was then DG ENTR. Since then, I’ve built my career in the HR field, working in DG DIGIT and currently in DG BUDG.

I’ve always been passionate about human resources because it allows me to connect people with opportunities, helping them grow and contribute to the organisation’s goals. For me, putting the right person in the right job is not just a task—it’s a way to create impact, and that’s incredibly rewarding.

HR plays a vital role in the Commission. It ensures that we attract, retain, and develop the talent we need to deliver on our policies and priorities. It's about building strong teams, supporting our colleagues throughout their careers, and making sure our organisation remains effective, inclusive, and future-ready.”

I joined the Council of the European Union in 2015 after passing an AST competition in finance. The funny part is that I graduated as a translator, but my professional career led me through a completely unexpected path! And this is what I love about my job: I got here because of my skills and competencies, just like my colleagues from all Europe that come from different backgrounds but who share the same professionalism and dedication. My tasks here at the Council allow me to play an active role in the organisation of meetings and summits that shape the future of the European Union, and I strongly encourage anyone to apply for a job in the institutions!

“If you want to work in an international environment, handling topics relevant to the citizens of the European Union and beyond, then joining an EPSO selection procedure is the right step for you. 

There are all sorts of myths and anecdotes about it, and for sure it can be challenging. But the opportunities that you have once you’ve passed a competition are definitely worth the effort. 

For the procedure, make sure to use all available sources to prepare; sometimes there is even dedicated preparation support by your Member State. Approach it smartly by being confident about your strengths and actively working on elements you need to improve.

 Within the institutions, I am now working on climate change in the international context, an area that I love to work in – made possible through the EPSO selection procedure.” 

“An EU career seemed so unreal to me when I was a teenager, living in a nice Central European countryside. Fortunately, reality proved me wrong. A few years after completing an Erasmus Mundus Master programme, I managed to pursue my EU career. First as a Blue Book trainee, then as an interimaire, and later as a contract agent; eventually, I successfully passed a specialised AD competition in 2022. Patience was the most important quality in this journey. Thanks to it, I am now (7 years after my Blue Book traineeship), a team leader in DG Agriculture and Rural Development, dealing with a flagship report – EU Agricultural Outlook. And it is exciting for me to know that this is just the beginning of my professional journey in the EU institutions!”

“My journey within the EU institutions started 5 years ago with my Blue Book Traineeship at the European Commission. Not only did I experience firsthand the communication actions of the Commission’s Representation in Bucharest, but I also learned more about EPSO’s selection procedures and the opportunities for young people that EU offered. This was also the time when I applied to the Generalist Administrator competition. After many hours of studying and practicing interview topics, with a pandemic in between, I was finally successful and closer to my dream of working at the EU institutions and making a difference in people’s lives. As a policy officer at DG Research & Innovation in the European Commission, I am working on a challenging and very interesting file: the simplification of the Horizon programme. My advice for future candidates is to stay focused on every step at a time, prepare well in advance for tests and interviews, and, most importantly, remember that perseverance is the key.”

“My name is Mio, and I am Croat. I like Luxembourg very much since, although very modern, it is still developing and there is always something new to experience. My fear of languages disappeared since I found here a multilingual culture so, missing to speak some of the languages is completely normal

Before I became a Safeguards inspector, I was working in Nuclear Power Plants and in one research center on positions where improving the nuclear safety was the most important goal. After joining the EURATOM inspectors’ team in Luxembourg, I learned a lot about Nuclear Safeguards, and this made a big shift in my perception of the nuclear world. This job is enormously important. It has a high level of responsibility, a fair level of independence and a lot of inspections around the EU to fulfil my idea of a great job.

Moreover, the work environment with colleagues who are always happy to share their experience and take some time for new colleagues, make this job even greater.”

“It is very exciting to participate in such an important policy area as energy, which has a direct impact on our daily lives and those of future generations. As a lawyer who has always been passionate about transnational legal issues, I find it particularly fascinating to be involved in the shaping and application of Euratom law. The working environment is very stimulating and enriching, as it allows for a constant exchange of views with people with a very diverse mix of competences and backgrounds. Luxembourg is a unique place. A capital at the centre of Europe with a very distinctive international vibe, where one can hardly feel like a foreigner.”

“As an architect working for a European Institution, I’ve received my fair share of raised eyebrows and confused looks throughout the years.

But in reality, our training as architects gives us excellent skills that are sought after in the EU institutions. I have the chance to be involved in construction and renovation projects of various scales, ranging from small offices, to meeting rooms…and more.

This wide range and sheer scope of works are stimulating and very rewarding. They give any architect the prospects of juggling project management and design, going from purely technical projects such as access speed-gates, to purely creative ones such as custom-made furniture for large conference rooms. All while working within pan-European multicultural teams and in the support of the Council’s mission.“