Pauline, Permanent Representation of Belgium to the EU

I work at the Permanent Representation of Belgium to the EU as part of the Bernheim program under the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The RP represents Belgium at the EU Council, and I focus on Middle Eastern affairs together with a Belgian diplomat. My responsibilities include preparing background notes for the ambassador based on evolving agenda topics, attending Middle East Working Party sessions, and relaying developments back to the MFA. I also participate in roundtables and briefings on diverse regional issues. Our role is twofold: representing Belgium's stance while working toward consensus with other member states. Adaptability is essential in this position, as each week’s agenda varies and often involves last-minute crisis meetings, sometimes even in the evening. Another critical skill is language versatility, as my work shifts between Dutch and French, while Council meetings are in English.

I learned about the program through a fellow student who had been a part of it the previous year. I reached out to other Bernheims on LinkedIn for insights, and they generously shared their experiences. The selection process involved several stages, including essays and an interview. For the essays, I preferred to rely on my own insights, as the questions were quite personal. However, for the interview, I received great advice, like studying the RP’s workings, familiarising myself with Belgium’s positions within the EU, and reviewing relevant working parties at the Council. This preparation demonstrated my commitment and thoroughness, which helped me on the day of the interview!

The most fascinating part is the level of responsibility I am given on issues that genuinely captivate me. With a personal background in the MENA region, I feel privileged to engage in high-stakes discussions on humanitarian aid and conflict resolution within the EU. Being involved in real-time policy decisions offers insights into the EU’s inner workings which are not really covered in uni textbooks.

PSIA trained me in synthesising complex information into concise, actionable summaries—a skill I use daily to prepare briefing notes. Taking PSIA assignments seriously where we drafted briefing notes proved to be super useful, as this format is directly applicable at the RP. PSIA also taught me how to distil complex issues into key takeaways for our ambassador, a skill crucial for briefings before Council meetings.

When you start working, you realise just how central work becomes to your life. Finding a role aligned with your interests is crucial; otherwise, burnout is almost inevitable. I was lucky to find a position that intersects with my interests and my personal connection to the MENA region, making the learning process deeply fulfilling. A year ago, I worried about finding a fitting position for me, but everything has a way of falling into place. Work is a constant learning journey; no one has all the answers from day one, so be patient with yourself!