Leticia L.
About me
| Leticia L. | |
| Politics | |
| Politics with International Relations | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Halifax | |
| 2018 | |
| Spain |
My employment
| Environment trainee | |
| EUROCITIES | |
| Belgium | |
| Politics and public affairs | |
| Medium-size business (50-249 employees) | |
| 2019 |
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A day in the life of a Environment trainee in Belgium
I work with policy officers by monitoring environmental policy at the EU level
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
EUROCITIES: the network of major European cities
What do you do?
Trainee in environment affairs.
I work with policy officers by monitoring environmental policy at the EU level - specifically the European Green Deal. I analyse environmental policy documents and preparing policy papers in the area of climate change. Another responsibility is the drafting of articles for EUROCITIES and researching and writing up case studies on cities' environmental best practices for the Covenant of Mayors website. Finally, my work also entails project development as I have been involved in the organisation of the 2020 Ceremony of the Covenant of Mayors andEUROCITIES Environment Forum in Porto/Guimaraes.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
The increasing importance of climate change and environment affairs in the international sphere. I decided I wanted to focus on environmental affairs in the last year of my undergraduate degree. After my time at York, I studied a master's degree in environmental politics and globalisation at King's College London. I have always been interested in the work of the European Union, therefore I began looking for internships based in Brussels in euractiv and eurobrussels websites. That is where I found this job.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
There is a lot of workload in the advocacy sector - you need to track EU policy, be in constant communication with stakeholders, and carry out lobbying actions throughout the year.
Describe your most memorable day at work
I contributed to the organisation of an event at the European Parliament, which hosted mayors and deputy mayors from all over Europe. During this event, European cities pledged to fight against climate change and encouraged the EP and EC to raise their ambition.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
I work in an office with other trainees and this is a great support system. The more senior trainees are always welcome to offer help and resolve any doubts. My supervisors work in another office but they are always communicating with me and have multiple meetings during the week to discuss our work.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
I undertook a summer course in international trade and economics at the University of British Columbia. I complemented my undergraduate studies with this course as I thought my academic profile lacked economic studies, an important subject in international affairs.
As an undergraduate I volunteered in a nonprofit organisation for child cancer support. I believe this experience enhanced my communication skills.
What would you like to do next with your career?
I would like to further my career in the European Union
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Definitely study a master's degree to specialise in the subject you like and after that, apply to everything that sounds of interest to you!
Next steps...
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