Inside EU Careers

With nearly 30 years of EU experience, Mina shares her journey from translator to Director of the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO). As she nears the end of her five-year mandate, she has valuable insights into the EU selection process, EPSO’s role and the essential skills for today’s civil servants — along with plenty of practical tips.

Key takeaways:

👉🏽 Navigating EU Recruitment – Minna shares insights on EPSO’s evolving selection process, including the shift to remote testing and reduced processing times.

👉🏽 Essential Skills for Success – Adaptability, resilience and critical thinking are crucial for aspiring EU civil servants.

👉🏽 The Road to Success – On average, candidates attempt five competitions before securing a position — thorough preparation is key.

👉🏽 Meaningful Work in the EU – A career in EU institutions offers opportunities to shape policies and make a real impact.

Chapters:

00:43 - Introduction and Background of EPSO Director Minna Vuorio

02:16 - Key Competencies and Values for EU Civil Servants

08:15 - Overview of EPSO and Competition Process Changes

13:27 - Preparation and Competency Framework for Applicants

24:42 - Career Opportunities and Development in EU Institution

Guest links:

🔗 More about Minna Vuorio Meet our managers | EU Careers

🔗 All about EPSO tests EPSO tests | EU Careers

🔗 Check out EPSO’s competency’s framework EPSO’s Competency Framework | EU Careers

Engagement Links:

🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨  Inside EU Climate & Careers (@sevimaktaseu) • Instagram photos and videos

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🎧 Share this episode with EU communicators and policy enthusiasts!

The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.

This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.

In this episode, Sevim Aktas chats with András Baneth, founder of EUTraining. 🌍✨

András shares his top strategies for passing the EU selection process, known as the EPSO exams and covers everything you need to know to start your EU career. If you're looking for insider advice, this is a must-listen for you.

Key takeaways:

👉🏽 Mastering EPSO Exams – Practical advice on time management, understanding test formats and avoiding common mistakes during EPSO preparation.

👉🏽 From Official to Entrepreneur – Insights into transitioning from EU institutions to entrepreneurship and fostering innovation within EU careers.

👉🏽 Opportunities Beyond EU Institutions – Explore roles in NGOs, think tanks, consultancies and diplomatic missions as alternative paths in EU affairs.

Chapters:

00:01 – Introduction to EU Training and Career Paths

04:24 – Personal Career Journey of András Baneth

06:55 – Transition from EU Official to Entrepreneur

14:08 – Overview of EPSO Exam Preparation

18:22 – Common Challenges and Mistakes in Exam Preparation

31:40 – Alternative Career Paths in EU Affairs

Guest links:

🔗 Connect with András Baneth on LinkedIn: (5) Andras Baneth | LinkedIn

🔗 Go to EU Training: EU Training

Engagement Links:

🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨ 

⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts

🎧 Share this episode with EU communicators and policy enthusiasts!

The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.

This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.

In this episode, host Sevim Aktas chats with Hanah Lahe, the youngest Hanah shares how she balanced politics and a master’s degree, ran creative campaigns, and overcame stereotypes as a young female politician.

Whether you’re a student, activist, or aspiring policymaker, this episode offers practical tips on networking, authenticity, and making an impact.

Key Takeaways:

👉🏽 Entering Politics as a Young Voice – Hanah’s unconventional entry via social media highlights the importance of seizing opportunities.

👉🏽 Innovative Campaigning – Learn how Hanah used humor and creativity to stand out and tackle stereotypes.

👉🏽 Staying True to Your Values – Hanah emphasizes focusing on issues that matter, like climate and environment, and staying authentic.

Chapters:

00:03:49 – Entry into Politics
00:11:49 – Campaign Experience and Challenges
00:19:17 – Parliamentary Experience
00:26:34 – Tips for Political Engagement

Guest Links:

🔗 Follow Hanah on Instagram

🔗 Instagram

🔗 Recommended Resource: Becoming by Michelle Obama

🔗 Youth Political Networks: European Youth Parliament

Want to Learn More?

👉 Curious about Hanah’s views on Russia’s war in Ukraine, climate issues, and youth engagement? Check out her profile in The Guardian:

‘People put a lot of hope on me’: Estonia’s youngest MP already making waves

Engagement Links:

🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨

⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️

🎧 Share this episode with fellow sustainability advocates and young professionals!

The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.

This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.

In this episode, Sevim Aktas chats with Tim McPhie, spokesperson for energy and climate at the European Commission. 🌍✨

Tim shares his career journey—from law school to EU communications—and reflects on how Brussels’ messaging strategies have evolved over the years. He offers insights into disinformation challenges, lessons from EU election campaigns, and practical tips for young professionals pursuing communications roles in the EU bubble.

Key Takeaways:

👉🏽 From law to communications – Tim’s career highlights the importance of adaptability and exploring unexpected paths.
👉🏽 Improving EU messaging – How Brussels shifted to clearer, more accessible communication strategies.
👉🏽 Fighting disinformation – Tips for maintaining trust and delivering reliable information in today’s media landscape.
👉🏽 Career-building advice – Why networking, attention to detail, and policy knowledge are key for EU roles.

Chapters:

00:00:01 – Introduction and Career Background

00:06:27 – Evolution of EU Institution Communications

00:14:19 – Addressing Disinformation and Communication Challenges

00:18:25 – EU Elections Experience and Evolution

00:22:45 – Career Advice for Young Professionals

Guest Links:

🔗 Connect with Tim McPhie on LinkedIn: Tim McPhie’s Profile
🔗 Learn More About EU Elections: European Parliament Elections.
🔗 Stay Updated on EU Climate News: sevim • eu green deal brief (@sevimaktaseu).

Engagement Links:

🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨ – @sevimaktaseu
⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️
🎧 Share this episode with EU communicators and policy enthusiasts!

The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.

This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.

In this episode, Sevim Aktas chats with Jean Marcel Akono, an APA for a Green MEP, about breaking into EU politics. 🌍✨
Jean shares his career journey—from internships to policy work—and offers practical tips on applications, networking, and thriving in Brussels.

Main Takeaways:
👉🏽 What Does an APA Do? – Jean unpacks the diverse tasks APAs handle, from policy briefs to office management and communication strategy.
👉🏽 Application Secrets – Learn how to tailor your application to MEPs’ values and do the right research before applying.
👉🏽 Work-Life Balance in Politics – Insights into long hours, election cycles, and tips for staying grounded in high-pressure roles.

Chapters:
00:00:01 – Introduction and Background of Jean Marcel Akono
00:01:59 – Career Path and Current Role
00:03:03 – Understanding the APA Role
00:08:57 – Application Process and Requirements
00:31:30 – Working Conditions and Expectations

Guest Links:
🔗 LinkedIn: (5) Jean-Marcel Akono | LinkedIn
🔗 Recommended Resource: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
🔗 Jobs: EU Career Portal & EU Parliament Traineeships
⁠
Spilling the tea: How to reach out to Members of European Parliament? Their email always has the same structure: ⁠[email protected]⁠

Engagement Links:
🌱 Follow us on Instagram 🌍✨
⭐️ Rate & review the podcast on Spotify/Apple Podcasts 🎧⭐️
🎧 Share this episode with fellow sustainability advocates and young professionals!

The views expressed on this podcast are personal and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Commission.
This podcast was edited by Puck Wagemaker.