“Joining the European civil service has been a challenging but rewarding path. Since I joined the Italian Naval Academy when I was 19 years old, I have been working for our seas and oceans in several different roles in the Italian administration and international institutions. 

Succeeding in the EPSO selection procedure allowed me to work in many central areas of EU policy making, from maritime safety to fisheries control, passing through marine research and international cooperation for healthy oceans. The opportunities an EU career offers are immense, in a fast-paced, stimulating, impactful, and truly international environment. 

My advice for future candidates would be to get deeply into the policy priorities of the European institutions, and prepare continuously over time, with weekly slots dedicated to study and preparation. I would also suggest engaging yourself in many different topics, as the more diverse your experience, the more chances you will have to succeed.”

“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.” 

“Working for the European Commission is a transformative experience. Since joining, I have participated in high-level policy discussions, both internally and with other EU institutions. Engaging in interinstitutional relations opens a world of opportunities within the EU framework. In my current position I’m able to positively influence EU policies by shaping and coordinating briefings and speeches for my Director-General and EU Commissioners. The work environment is highly collaborative, allowing me to interact with colleagues from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds. Joining the European Commission is an enriching experience which has broadened my horizon and enhanced my professional and intellectual growth.”

“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!”

“Don’t wait for the perfect competition (it doesn’t exist!)

Keep an eye on the EU Careers website for upcoming competitions. If something fits your profile, give it a try! Each EPSO competition I failed taught me a lesson that I used in the next one.

Don’t get lost in the details

Remember, being an expert on a subject is one thing; demonstrating it in a limited amount of time and within a structured format is another. Take the time to understand the procedure, tests and expectations. Prepare yourself to clearly and concisely demonstrate your knowledge.

Be prepared for when you receive the ‘I am pleased to inform you’ letter

Passing an EPSO competition is just another step in your career. It is important to know what you want to do next, so that you have the first-move advantage. My target was to work in an EU Delegation, so having identified the position that I was aiming for and getting familiar with the process definitely helped me secure a position shortly after the publication of the results.”

“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.”

“Hi, I am Carmen, and I am Romanian. I joined Euratom Safeguards in 2021 as a nuclear inspector being responsible for planning and coordination of short notice inspections.

My position has a crosscutting function throughout the directorate, requiring continuous coordination and cooperation with all units and IAEA. Every day there are new challenges: use of innovative technologies, travelling to various locations etc. I am performing different tasks: from inspections on the field to meetings with specialists from all over Europe and beyond, while exchanging experiences and ideas.

We are working together to keep the world safer for us and future generations and this is very challenging and stimulating.

If you would like to do such amazing job, please join us.”

“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.”

“At the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, I can work at the forefront of technology for the common good—a unique combination. 
My team conducts applied research to support EU policies and regulations on AI and digital platforms. 
 
As part of our mission, we have to analyse and understand some of the most advanced AI systems and algorithms, with a tremendous impact on how we perceive the world and interact with one another. In essence, we use science and technology to make the online world safer, and to support the uptake of AI in Europe.”

“After joining the Commission’s translation service as a trainee, I didn’t want to leave! I decided to participate in a translator competition and never looked back. Working with people who are equally passionate about languages and translation, hearing the linguistic diversity everywhere you go, being at the forefront of language technology, that is what I love about working here. Our translations help to bring the European project closer to its citizens, which I find very fulfilling and motivating. If you want to pursue a career in translation, there truly is no better place than the EU institutions.”