Working for the EU. How to get in

Summary:

This is the book for anyone wanting to know about the opportunities a career in the EU public administration can provide and the many different ways to ‘get in’. It is also highly relevant to those already with temporary positions or internships who want to move their careers forward.

Full of insights and systematic, objective advice, the book explains:
- The wide range of positions in the EU institutions and agencies, in Brussels, Luxembourg and worldwide
- The many types, advantages and disadvantages of permanent and temporary posts
- How temporary posts can become stepping stones to permanent or very long-term jobs
- The critical difference between being selected and being recruited – and how recruitment really works
- The little-known alternatives to passing an open competition
- The value of stages and other types of traineeships
- The crucial importance of ‘being there’ and building your networks
- Why and how you should think strategically, keeping as many options open as possible.

Table of contents:

1. So you want to work for the European Union?
2. The EU civil service: the permanent officials
3. Where do EU civil servants work?
4. Temporary staff: temporary agents and contract agents
5. Temporary staff: the other categories
6. Getting to Brussels
7. Getting a stage (traineeship/internship)
8. Narratives and networks
9. Getting in: climbing Mount Everest
10. The EPSO open competition: the classic South Col route
11. The North Col (internal competitions) and other routes
12. Trends and future prospects