“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 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.”

“Perseverance, an open mind, and a bit of luck – these are to me the key elements of a successful journey through the EPSO selection procedure. Joining the EU civil service allowed me to not only be in the middle of political and policymaking processes, but also to challenge myself daily and appreciate the value of collaboration with colleagues from different cultural backgrounds. And it is exactly this diversity - of views, personalities and opportunities lying ahead – that makes the work for the European Union exciting.” 

“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.”