International Community Youth Political Forum 2022: International Career Opportunities

One of the primary goals of the International Community is to improve the quality of politics throughout Europe. To achieve this goal, educated and motivated young people must be able to find jobs that match their qualifications and potential. Many students and graduates of political science, international relations, or diplomacy struggle to find positions that will allow them to apply their education and skills while also making a difference in the world.

As a result, the International Community team, led by Anastasiia Todoruk , the International Community's CEO, and Agata Bidas , the event's director, decided to hold the Youth Political Forum, to provide participants with information and recommendations on how to successfully apply for positions in the international field. The event was held on November 26, 2022, at the Central European University in Vienna. Both participants and guest speakers have the option to join the event online through Zoom, ensuring the event's truly international character.

Liliia Antoniuk and Giorgi Kakulia , the first guest speakers, discussed job options in international consulting. Liliia Antoniuk is an international expert with profound expertise in the implementation and management of non-formal education programmes and projects in the EaP region, and Giorgi Kakulia is an expert with extensive experience in the management of EU-funded programs and projects. They discussed the benefits and drawbacks of working in international consulting and provided extremely practical advice on how to look for a job in this domain, emphasizing the need for a strong LinkedIn profile.

Dominik Szecsi, a former local assistant to a Member of the European Parliament, was the next speaker. He discussed the various prospects for working for an MEP, such as the positions of APA (Accredited Parliamentary Assistant), LA (Local Assistant), and trainee, as well as the qualifications required. He also provided very helpful advice on how to seek these positions.

The work for Members of the European Parliament was also mentioned by the International Community CEO Anastasiia Todoruk who shared her experience as a Schuman trainee in the European Parliament and was able to answer many practical questions from the participants. The following guest speaker talking about European institutions was Stijn Ringoir who is working for the Talent Selection Unit of the European Parliament, promoting the Parliament as an employer and diverse strategic HR topics. In his presentation, he explained in detail several career opportunities at the European Parliament emphasizing traineeships and junior positions such as contract agents. He gave numerous tips on how to increase the chances to be employed and where to put attention to the CV. Noteworthy was his personal story, emphasizing that sometimes people need to strive a lot before acquiring the desired job.

Andrea Fonsmorti , CEO of RED - Recruitment Group (an International CEE-focused Talent agency), was the subsequent speaker. He began his presentation with the extremely encouraging remark that there are more jobs in Europe than individuals looking for them. He concentrated on practical CV suggestions for recent graduates and discussed the distinction between looking for a job in the public and private sectors and having a degree in international relations or politics. He also emphasized the necessity of networking and self-improvement at all stages of life.

Finally, Roberto Grimaldi , Marketing Director of Whirlpool Italy, spoke about work chances in the private sector for graduates of political science and international relations, describing what advantages these degrees may offer over other applicants. He also emphasized the significance of ambition in accomplishing one's goals.

During the event, the participants had the opportunity not only to listen to these very informative presentations and ask questions but also to network during coffee breaks. It was beneficial for students and young professionals to share their experiences and discuss common difficulties.?

Since the Youth Political Forum was very well received by the participants, and it is clear that the issue has not yet been exhausted, our International Community team is looking forward to preparing a second edition of the event!

Author: Agata Bidas