"We hear about Europe constantly, but being there makes you understand the magnitude of the project and how vitally dependent it is on our generation."

Inés Catalán, a native of Pamplona and a 5th year student of the double Degree program in Law and International Relations, will work this year as an ambassador at the University of Navarra for the EU Careers Ambassadors program. Her function consists of bringing the professional opportunities of European institutions closer to students, organizing talks, workshops and meetings with alumni working in Brussels or in other institutions, as well as personally advising those who wish to orient their degree program in this field. "The aim is to be a channel between the EU and the university, and to provide anyone who wishes to do so with a deeper and more accessible vision of how the European Union works," he explains.

Recently, Inés participated in a conference for university students held in Brussels, organized by the EU in partnership with EPSO (European Personnel Selection Office). The meeting brought together career ambassadors from universities all over Europe interestedin finding out about the inner workings of the EU institutions and the career opportunities offered by the EU. "What struck me most was the feeling of really belonging to something bigger. We hear about Europe constantly, but being there, with young people from so many countries, makes you understand the magnitude of the project and how vitally dependent it is on our generation."

The program included talks at the European Commission and Parliament, workshops on employability and selection processes, and mock debates on topics such as foreign policy or international cooperation. The meeting helped participants to discover the wide variety of programs offered by the European Union for young people beyond traditional internships: traineeships, blue book internships, ambassador networks or opportunities in the European External Action Service. "I was struck to see that the EU is looking for very diverse profiles, not only political science or international relations, but also legal, economic or communication. It is a very encouraging message for those of us who study law," she stresses.

They also had the opportunity to hear the testimony of EU workers from very different fields. "It was a very enriching experience both academically and socially," she says, "because I was able to learn from professionals with very diverse backgrounds and meet other representatives from universities all over Europe, from Finland or Denmark to Poland or Italy."

"Contributing to dialogue and cooperation"

The multicultural environment was one of the aspects that impressed him the most. "I was surprised how easy it was to connect with people from such different backgrounds but with common interests. There was everyone from students to doctoral students to working professionals, and everyone was so willing to share experiences and help each other," he recalls.

"I have always been attracted by the inner workings of the European institutions and the possibility to see first-hand how decisions affecting so many countries are made," explains Inés. "I was motivated by the idea of connecting my training in law with the internship and political dimension of the European project , and not just staying in the national perspective."

On the staff level, for Inés, the stay in Brussels has reinforced her international vocation and her desire to continue exploring the European arena. "I have not yet decided on my professional degree program , but this experience has encouraged me to consider a future in European institutions or even on the diplomatic track. It has given me a clearer vision of how my training can contribute to dialogue and cooperation within the European Union."