Getting a Policy Internship in Brussels
One of the biggest questions we always get from recent graduates and students is:
“How do I get into the Brussels internship bubble?”
Internships are indeed the key to starting a career in the EU policy space, especially in Brussels — but it’s far from easy! Competition is tough, with everyone chasing that elusive “in.” Some positions even require work experience on top of your degree, raising the bar even higher.
The Journey into the Brussels Internship Landscape: Klara’s Story
To illustrate, let’s look at how Klara got her first internship with the EU institutions. She started with a simple but determined goal: get an internship in Brussels. Just like you, she’d heard all the talk about internships — Schuman, Blue Book, Council, MEPs, and beyond. But how could she break in?
What Steps Did Klara Take? Here’s how Klara approached her search, step by step, to increase her chances:
1. Targeted Internship Opportunities
Klara began by considering the broad internship landscape, ranking options based on competitiveness and relevance. She found that internships in Regional Permanent Representations (Perm Reps) and with trade associations often had less competition compared to the official EU internships. Here’s her prioritized list:
- Regional and national Perm Rep internships
- News and Media organization internships
- Trade Association internships
- Consultancy internships
- Member of the European Parliament (MEP) internships
- Official programs like the Schuman, Blue Book, and Council internships
She understood that no matter the starting point, each internship was about gaining hands-on experience, building her network, and getting her foot in the door. As her mentors had told her: after a few years, the specific title matters less — it’s the skills you bring forward that count.
2. Proactive Outreach: Create a Google Sheet and Start Contacting
Klara set up a detailed Google Sheet, listing out her target organizations, contacts, and deadlines. Using the EU Transparency Register and sites like https://eujobs.co , she compiled a solid list of potential internship places and email contacts. Then, she went all-in, emailing as many contacts as possible. Her goal? Reach 500 people.
Klara crafted a tailored email introducing herself and her skills, showcasing her interest in EU policy. Each morning, she sent emails and reminded herself: “internship, internship, internship.” When applying for official programs, she customized her applications and even used AI tools like ChatGPT to refine her cover letters. This efficiency allowed her to reach a large pool of contacts while keeping her messaging professional and clear.
3. Networking & Leveraging Personal Connections
After a week, she’d sent emails, applied to programs, and still hadn’t received a response. But she remembered one more tip: use connections. She reached out to a former professor, who happened to know someone in the institutions. Through a few LinkedIn messages and a bit of luck, she got a referral to an MEP’s office looking for interns. Suddenly, her emails were paying off.
4. The Power of a Focused Effort
Klara dedicated one intense week to her internship hunt. Every morning, she set her mind to it, reminding herself: “Internship, internship, internship.” Finally, her perseverance paid off — she was offered an internship with a small but dynamic consultancy in Brussels, where she could build real-world skills and start her EU journey.
Consider Working for a Startup
If you’re still searching for options, consider an alternative path, like working with a startup. In Klara’s case, she realized the experience she gained in a fast-paced environment gave her an edge in future applications. Interning at a startup exposes you to different facets of work — from policy research to direct client contact. And who knows? You may even decide this fast-paced environment is where you want to stay.
The Key Takeaway
Internships are stepping stones — they aren’t the final destination, but they provide the experiences and networks you need. Klara’s journey wasn’t without its bumps, but her persistence and proactive approach made the difference.
Good luck on your career path, and remember: INTERNSHIP, INTERNSHIP, INTERNSHIP!
About the Author: Madan C. Park is a policy professional with 9 years of experience in public affairs and policy. He is currently attempting to bring software to the Policy Professionals with his startup Zmantic. For transparency, Zmantic owns several job boards, including eujobs.co and https://lobbyinglondon.com.