After my Erasmus exchange at the University of Antwerp, I was inspired by my classmates to seek an internship in Brussels, the EU’s headquarters. Although I had always envisioned a career in research, I recently decided to explore opportunities beyond academia, particularly in spaces where research intersects with practical policymaking. That’s when think tanks caught my attention—they offer a unique environment where project-led, evidence-based policy recommendations are developed, bridging the gap between academia and consulting.
With Brussels being one of the most competitive cities for internships and traineeships, I quickly realized the high demand and the importance of having a strong CV. Fortunately, I found an opportunity that seemed tailor-made for me—a position at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), one of Europe’s leading think tanks. I was thrilled and grateful to be selected as an intern in the Jobs and Skills unit, given the competitive nature of the application process.
Application Process and Logistics
The application process at CEPS was refreshingly swift, much quicker than I was used to in Germany. After applying at the end of February, I heard back shortly after the deadline in early March, and by mid-March, I had an offer. My internship started in mid-April and was set for six months, which, for me, felt quite spontaneous, as I’m more accustomed to applying for positions well in advance. Luckily, my Erasmus coordinator accepted my last-minute application, making it possible for me to receive Erasmus funding for the internship.
Since I had some prior experience with Brussels, finding accommodation wasn’t too overwhelming. The city’s high influx of professionals means housing turnover is frequent, and if you search diligently, you can secure a room relatively quickly. I recommend using Facebook groups for housing searches, although one should be cautious of potential scammers. I was fortunate to find a spacious room in Ixelles—an area I highly recommend—for €600, which, by Brussels standards, is quite affordable. While Belgium can be expensive, combining my Erasmus grant with CEPS’ reimbursement of €750 per month helped make living in the city manageable.
Internship Experience
The internship itself has been a significant highlight in my career so far. I joined the Jobs and Skills unit and had the privilege of contributing to a key project titled „European Ecosystem of Excellence in AI.“ My main responsibilities involved preparing, analyzing, and visualizing data provided by our partners, a task that required both technical skill and attention to detail. I also contributed to literature reviews and assisted in organizing roundtable discussions, although the core of my work focused on data management.
One of the most impactful experiences was working closely with my supervisor, who constantly encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone. For example, when I suggested using Stata, a software I was familiar with, she encouraged me to instead learn R Studio, which would be more beneficial for both the project and my future career. This challenge helped me acquire valuable technical skills, and the support from my supervisor ensured I never felt lost. We held bi-weekly meetings to discuss progress and exchange ideas, which kept me on track and motivated.
As a culmination of my work, I was honored to present our findings at a roundtable on my last day. This was a pivotal moment for me, not only because it marked the completion of my project but also because it allowed me to build confidence in presenting data and findings to a professional audience. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity and the growth it fostered, both personally and professionally.
Work Environment at CEPS
CEPS exceeded my expectations in every way. The working environment is incredibly international, with English as the primary language, which made it easy to integrate into the team. Despite being an intern, I always felt included, whether in daily conversations, group lunches, or after-work gatherings. The sense of community at CEPS is strong, and it’s easy to feel part of the team right from the start. The fact that many of my colleagues were young professionals added to the dynamic and welcoming atmosphere.
In summary, my internship at CEPS has been an invaluable experience, providing me with both technical skills and professional growth. It has confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in the intersection of research and policy, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to such meaningful work. I leave CEPS with new skills, greater confidence, and a strong network of inspiring professionals.
Tips for other Interns
Internshipsearch
-Linkedin (there are dedicated groups you can follow for jobs/ internships in brussels)
Apartmentsearch
Look into Facebook groups for housing
Other
Bring an umbrella
Going out options
PLux is known for its networking each Thursday night for interns and trainees and young professionals