Nasi pracownicy

"My name is Mariama, and I am currently working at the EU Delegation to Brazil as a policy officer. Delegations and Headquarters both offer a stimulating and cosmopolitan workplace. I have always been fascinated by the diverse profiles of my colleagues - being their professional, educational, linguistic or personal background. This diversity proves that one can pursue different career paths within the EU institutions according to one’s interests and a plethora of issues.

With a minority and/or an intersectional background, we can easily struggle with the imposter syndrome and question whether we belong to a certain place. Because you cannot be what you do not see, I truly believe in the power of representation and role models at all levels. As Claire Marin puts it : « Plus une place est désincarnée, imaginaire, moins je peux espérer l’occuper, l’habiter ». Thus, if people can witness that there are actually EU staff « like them », EU careers could have a stronger appealing effect.

No matter our background(s), we are daughters and sons of Europe, one should never hesitate to take opportunities to contribute to the European project!"

"I am Stéphane, I work at the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation. I am responsible of the unit in charge of defining and delivering services to researchers everywhere in Europe, to help them turn the results of their research work into new products, services, and knowledge useful to our local, regional, or national public authorities.

I was born in Marseilles with French, German and Senegalese origins (at least as far as I know!). I’ve always felt very attracted by the European project, and I’ve always had the chance in my professional career, before joining the Commission, to stay safe from racism and discrimination. So, I did expect neither more nor less than being treated as any other European citizen in this institution, which is the feeling I’ve got throughout this fantastic professional experience”.

"I am Diogo and I work as a programme manager at European Social Fund Plus(ESF).
I was 21 years old when I had my first office job. Then, still at the private sector, I was not out at work and for a few months I made a point of it. With time, I gained more confidence in myself and since then I am proudly out to my colleagues. Why? Because it is not possible or admissible for me to live a double life. I started working for the European Commission in 2020 and my attitude was no different: I am open about myself and my family since the first day, and always felt welcomed. My work in the LGBTQI+ staff association Égalité made me realize that my experience is not true to everyone, and many colleagues still don’t feel comfortable in being their whole selves at work. Since I started I’ve seen direct policies to combat queerphobia and to make LGBTQI colleagues feel safe. There’s still work to be done, but I am happy to work for an European institution where the internal efforts match the external public policies put forward. And because I want all new comers to feel as safe as I did here, I will continue to push for more LGBTQI awareness and inclusivity.”

"Hi,

I am Ville, legal officer in the Commission’s Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety and blind since my birth. 
For me working for the EU Institutions was a dream and succeeding it seemed so unlikely that I almost never tried. 
But with the encouragement and support of those closest to me, I did - and now I have been working here since 2013. If I could do it, why couldn't you? 
However, there is no prize without effort. Make sure that your professional skills match the job you are applying for and find out as much as possible so that you are prepared for each step. 

Think what you can give to the Institutions instead of what they can give to you, be honest about your disability if you have one and any special needs. 
Think proactively about how to cope with any issues the disability could cause in your work as smoothly as possible. 
Show that you have the competences, knowledge and initiative to be entrusted with the responsibilities of the job. Be motivated and show it. It may sound a lot and it is indeed a bit unfair. 
As persons with a disability we need to be even better prepared than others, not to admit it would be dishonest, but it is possible, you can do it!"

"I am Krystle and I work as a communications assistant at the European Commission in Brussels, I have reduced mobility and I have been working for the European institution since 2002.

I highly recommend applying! No physical handicap is an obstacle, competitions are based on knowledge, not a marathon. Everyone is accepted, nationality, color, gender, physical disability, ... nothing is an obstacle. All EU nationalities from all horizons are represented, the difference is positive. Maltese PRM or Estonian visually impaired, it has no importance. Multicultural means working with others, without making any distinctions. The Institutions have set up services that welcome all types of people, equal opportunities are a real right."