Photo: fotolia.com/artjazz
Working for the EU! Here’s how it works! An interview with EU Careers Student Ambassador Marius Apeler
He is the University of Cologne’s first EU Careers Ambassador. Marius Apeler is the contact person for students at the University of Cologne who are interested in pursuing a career at the European Union. In this interview, Marius talks about how he became a careers ambassador and what sort of information he can give to UoC students.
What is the UoC’s EU Careers Student Ambassador and what are your tasks?
The position of a EU Careers Student Ambassador was created by the EU to show students what sorts of career opportunities it offers. My task is to provide information to students regarding the recruitment competition (the so called “concours”) and to inform them about opportunities and jobs at the EU that fit their qualifications. I offer workshops, lectures, consultations and the like.
When do you offer these consultations? How do students find out about them?
In principle, I am always available for all students. I answer all questions either by email or during a personal meeting.
Also, I have an “EU Careers Cologne” page on Facebook, where I provide important information about applications and calls for applications, but also about the events that I offer. I cooperate very closely with the Career Services of the UoC’s Faculties, who often refer interested candidates to me. Together, we offer larger talks or workshops. Students can also apply to take part via the Career Services.
How do students profit from your offer?
In Germany, the EU as an employer is not very well known since many students either are not aware of the EU as a potential employer or assume that their study programme is not suitable for a career at the EU. Moreover, the EU has a very special and complicated recruitment procedure, the “concours”. The more students know about this procedure, the better their chances of success are.
How are you connected with the EU?
At the beginning of the winter semester, there was a coaching session that lasted several days, in which most of the EU ambassadors participated. Probably there won’t be such a big meeting again. But there are network meetings with the other German EU ambassadors in Berlin at the EBD (Europäische Bewegung Deutschland), the biggest European policy network in Germany, and at the German Foreign Office. Moreover, I am regularly in contact with the staff of the European Personnel Selection Office.
How does one become an EU Careers Student Ambassador and how long should you serve in this position?
The position of an EU Careers Ambassador is always advertised for one year (October – September). Information on how to apply and what this position entails is available on the website of the European Personnel Selection Office. Your study major does not matter – just like in the application to the EU. Any specialization is suitable to find a job at the EU. The only requirement for the position of an EU Ambassador is that you can still fulfill the job and the tasks it entails for the full year at the university.
Why do you do this job?
During the years I spent abroad, I realized that I would really like to work in an international setting. That is why I would like to work at the EU. As a politically interest student, I’m also a big supporter of the European idea, its identity and its values.
What do you do when you’re not “on duty”?
I study social sciences at the University of Cologne. Besides my studies and my work as the EU Careers Ambassador, I am also a student assistant at the UoC’s ProfessionalCenter.
How can students contact you?
If you are interested in pursuing a career at the EU, send an email to eucareers.cologne
gmail.com
Marius Apeler, thank you for this informative interview. I hope you have many interesting consultations with UoC students.