GIF Guide: 12 Tips For Surviving Your EU Traineeship
By The Brussels Brief Team
Here at Brussels Brief we believe that Trainees are the bread and butter of what makes the EU work. For that reason we want to welcome all the newcomers to the ‘Brussels Bubble’ with a sneak peek into the ‘do’s and don’ts’ as you embark on one of the most transformative experiences of your professional career…
1. Weather — The Belgian Tax You’re Paying
Oh, Brussels ma belle what is there to say? We learn to love you at your worst, so that we can enjoy you at your finest. Brussels has a lot to offer but blue skies and sunshine are not always on the menu. When they are though, it is blissfulness. On the rest of the days, cover up, wear waterproof shoes, and forget your umbrella. Yes, forget the umbrella. It’s often rainy in such a way, with such a wind, that an umbrella in Brussels has an estimated life of 7 days. Don’t believe us? Try your luck!
2. Transportation — A to B as easy as 123
Ask a Roman if they think the Brussels transportation system works well and they’re likely to praise it like you did Britney Spears in the 1990s. Ask a Nordic, and they’ll refer to Britney in 2007. To be fair, let’s say Brussels transportation takes you from one place to another with certainty. They’re also not the dirtiest! Metro Buses and trams get a little more packed, but get particularly tricky during rush hours because of traffic. Make sure to get a MoBIB — it will save you a lot of money.
3. Security — Stay Aware & Safe
We live in difficult times given recent terror attacks around Europe. However, Brussels doesn’t feel nearly as unsafe as it may look with all the measures taken on in recent months and the Institutions do a good job at executing security measures. This might require you going through a metal detector or having to deal with Schuman being blocked off for European Council summits, disrupting your morning commute to work.
4. Gym Membership — Burning off the Beer and Fries
It goes without saying that physical exercise is great for the body, but also for the brain, activating just the right kind of endorphins that keep you energised and feeling good. So if you feel like staying active off-work hours (or justifying your fries at Maison Antoine), check out these options: BasicFit is a gym that allows you to use any one of its facilities across the city. Jims is a decent alternative & World Class, although this one has only one location, its indoor pool makes it all worth the while.
5. Dress code — Make an effort
Officially there is no formal dress code but, alas, there’s always an unspoken one. Depending on your unit you will see different levels of formality. You may be allowed to wear jeans on a regular basis, or have casual Fridays but that is for you to find out in the first few days.
6. Discovering Brussels/Night life — Erasmus Part 2
When Plux isn’t enough, try: Centro Cabraliego (Rue Haute 171) for a cheap beer and a genuine Spanish atmosphere — they also happen to serve the best tapas in town. Café Belga (Flagey) to get with the cool kids, Beers Bank for post-work drinks (Place Jourdan) or Maison Du Peuple (St Gilles) for a Saturday afternoon beer. For alcohol-free plans check out Agenda.brussels for all goings-on in the city and Arsene50 for cut price theatre and cinema tickets.
7. Phone — Call Your Parents
In the era of technology, how would it ever be possible to go without phone? Mobile Vikings is an online company that is responsive and customer-friendly. A sim card is sent home to you in a few short days, and you top it up when need arises. Other companies to try Proximus, Base, Orange— all easily accessible around town.
8. Work Etiquette — Be Professional (even without the salary)
Working in the EU means working in a multicultural environment. People jump between languages mid-sentence and not everyone will share your particular sense of humour (we’re looking at you Danes!). On top of that each DG has its own unspoken work code and each unit will have its own dynamic. Maybe you’ll fit in on day one, maybe it will be a struggle. The phone at your desk can be used for personal calls but make sure not to start calling your girlfriend back in Lisbon. Remember not to hit “reply all” unless you really want to share something with all your colleagues.
9. Lunch — The Reason You Came to Work
If you decide to go for lunch in your DG’s canteen (take advantage of those EU subsidies) it’s usually a good idea to go before 12:30 when the internal clock of all EU officials cries out for sustenance. When not in the canteen, Brussels Brief recommends a bagel at Karsmakers or a sit down lunch at La Brace.
10. Networking — The Cliche That Works
To most people networking is a dreaded thing but no (wo)man is an island. That being said don’t worry. You network all the time even if your don’t know it. The most effective way to get a job after your traineeship is to be referred by someone. While you might not get the first dream job there will be a vacancy somewhere soon and having shown your face and talked about your background is the best way to get ahead.
11. Ask Questions — (and Listen when Appropriate)
Don’t worry. You’re all trainees and, after all, you are here against all odds! Be yourself, relax and enjoy your time. Ask questions if you are unsure, chances are that your fellow trainees have the same questions. Even your colleagues might not be exactly sure of all the details or know what ‘Task Force 50’ is. The Commission is a big machine and the best way to get to know it is to be curious.
12. Stay Informed — Sign Up to Brussels Brief!
Brussels Brief is written for globalised millennials by globalised millennials. We have all been trainees in the institutions and are EU policy nerds with the dream of simplifying dizzying EU policy with the Herculean task of making the EU ‘sexy’. Join us as we take on the established EU media one week at a time (check out previous editions). Here’s to bursting the bubble together…
