Lunch lecture: All you need to know about EU careers

Around 80,000 people work for the European Union's institutions, agencies and bodies. During Thursday's lunch lecture at the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE), organized by the SSE Career Hub, students learned that an EU career can mean much more than administration - it can involve shaping policy, analysing legislation, working with communication, IT, law or economics.

Asia Riazantceva, EU recruitment coordinator at the Swedish Council for Higher Education (Universitets- och högskolerådet, UHR), gave a step-by-step overview of how to enter the EU system, from traineeships to permanent positions .

“Many students are surprised by how broad the opportunities are,” she said. “The EU is looking for economists, communicators, data specialists, lawyers and many other profiles. There truly is a place for different backgrounds.”

Asia Riazantceva highlighting key steps toward an EU career. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg

Paid traineeships open doors

A key focus of the lecture was the wide range of paid EU traineeships. More than 60 programmes are offered across EU institutions, including the European Commission's Blue Book traineeship and the Schuman traineeship at the European Parliament. Grants typically range from around 1,500 to 2,000 euros per month.

To qualify, applicants must have completed at least a bachelor's degree, know at least two EU languages and have no prior experience working at an EU institution. Application periods vary throughout the year, and UHR offers webinars and guidance to help candidates prepare.

Riazantceva encouraged students to plan early. “Language skills, international experience and relevant studies make a real difference. Start building your profile during your time at SSE.”

Beyond traineeships, students were introduced to different employment forms within the EU administration, including temporary and contract agent roles.

Students following the presentation while enjoying lunch in room Ragnar. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg

Graduate administrator - more than the title suggests

The upcoming Graduate Administrator competition (AD5) was another highlight. The competition, open to anyone with a university degree, is often described as the main entry point to a long-term EU career.

Despite the title, the role does not mean traditional administrative work. Instead, AD5 officials work closely with decision-makers on policy development, analysis, investigations or legislative processes that affect millions of Europeans. The basic salary for AD5 starts at just over 6,100 euros per month.

UHR provides targeted training sessions, practice materials and individual coaching to support Swedish applicants throughout the selection process.

Lovisa Areskoug Eriksson encouraged students to explore EU careers and apply to become SSE’s next EU Careers Student Ambassador. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg

Tips for SSE students

For SSE students interested in promoting EU opportunities on campus, the lecture also presented the role of EU Careers Student Ambassadors. The application period for SSE's next ambassador (2026/27) will open soon. Current ambassadors Lovisa Areskoug Eriksson and Therese Hartman Liungman can be reached at eucareers.sse@gmail.com, and updates are shared via Instagram @eucareers_sse.

An EU career offers the chance to work in a multicultural environment, contribute to major policy decisions and gain international experience. As Riazantceva concluded, taking the first step can start already during university - with the right preparation and support.

The session ended with an engaging Q&A, giving students the opportunity to ask about EU career paths. Photo: Johanna Ståhlberg

SSE Career Hub

The SSE Career Hub provides a section for SSE students with overall information about career opportunities in the EU.