It is an university graduate, who is in training at various institutions of the European Union and whose tasks may differ depending on the establishment. He/she is awarded the traineeship though a selection process. Selected candidates can be given work at different information centres and establishments of the EU Parliament or Commision for five months and receive a monthly scholarship to cover all the expenses. Traineeships for university graduates are intended to enable trainees to supplement the knowledge which they acquired during their studies and to familiarise themselves with the activities of the European Union.

Tasks:

1. Working at various the EU establishments in Brussels, Luxembourg or Strasbourg, or various offices of the EU member states
2. Organising and participating in meetings, making notes
3. Summing up statistical data
4. Communicating and negotiating with non-governmental organisations of the EU, international or local level
5. Using office supplies, such as computer, printer, scanner, writing materials and others
6. Making a report of one’ s progress at the end of practice
7. Doing all the tasks given by the superior

Key skills for Trainee at EU Institutions:

• Interest in the EU and the work of the EU Parliament
• Interest in politics, economy and history
• Foreign language skills
• Desire to work in an international environment and to meet people of different cultures
• Eagerness to participate in helping to improve quality of life of the EU citizens

Qualifications required:

A Bachelor degree or a diploma is required. On applying for a practice, a candidate must have completed studies of three years at least.

Applicants for a traineeship for university graduates must be nationals of a Member State of the European Union or of an applicant country; have a thorough knowledge of one of the official languages of the European Union; be aged 18 or over on the traineeship starting date; not have been awarded any other traineeship or have been in paid employment for more than four consecutive weeks at the expense of the European Union budget; for trainees in the field of childcare, a declaration proving no criminal record, issued in the last year at their most recent place of residence.

Applicants for Robert Schuman scholarships, journalism option, must demonstrate professional experience as evidenced either by works published, or by membership of an association of journalists in a Member State of the European Union, or by a qualification in journalism recognised in the Member States of the European Union or in the applicant countries.