Traineeships in the EU institutions
Taking a traineeship (known as a ‘stage’) with one of the EU Institutions is a great way to gain experience of working life in Brussels and, for many, it can act as the launch pad to an EU career. However, even if you don’t end up pursuing a career with the EU, the experience and contacts made during the stage are likely to prove invaluable.
All of the EU Institutions and agencies offer stages to University graduates. Most are for periods of five or six months and, in a majority of cases, are paid. Payments vary depending on the Stage.
Whether at the European Commission, Parliament or one of the smaller institutions or agencies, the work of an trainee (known as a ‘stagiaire’) is typically extremely varied and rewarding and includes everything from preparing policy and position papers to coordinating visits.
Unlike the recruitment process for permanent posts, EPSO is not involved in the stage programme. Instead, each institution holds its own application process. You can find details of how some of the largest institutions manage applications here:
- European Commission
- European Parliament
- Council of the EU
- Court of Justice of the EU
- European Ombudsman
- European Economic & Social Committee
- European Committee of the Regions
European Movement Ireland (EMI) provides a useful service for Irish graduates interested in pursuing a traineeship. As well as advertising the latest job and internship opportunities in Europe, EMI publishes an annual guide to the EU stage, the Green Book, specifically prepared for Irish applicants. The organisation is also available to answer questions about the stage and guide you through the application process. You can contact them at +353 (0) 1 662 5815 or by emailing info@europeanmovement.ie
Interpreting traineeship with Irish - Court of Justice of the European Union in Luxembourg
The CJEU is offering a traineeship specifically for qualified conference interpreters with a good knowledge of Irish between 16th May and 15th July 2022.
Applications, including a full CV and educational record, should be sent by 18th March 2022 to interpretation@curia.europa.eu
Language requirements: applicants are required to have at least two EU working languages (‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’ – active or passive language for interpretation purposes) and a good knowledge of Irish. Preference will be given to candidates offering French. The ability at least to read French is required. Interpreting traineeships at the CJEU are aimed primarily at newly qualified conference interpreters whose language combinations are of interest to the
Interpretation Directorate of the CJEU. The aim is to give trainees the opportunity, under supervision, to perfect their interpreting skills, particularly, though not exclusively, in legal interpreting. This involves the preparation of case files, terminological research and simultaneous interpreting practice in a ‘dummy booth’ during Court hearings. If applicants are not already EU-accredited interpreters, they will be required to register for an inter-institutional
accreditation test as a condition of acceptance