I’m Shiraz, a Master student enrolled in a double-degree between HEC Paris, where I studied business and economics, and Sciences Po Paris, where I am now studying public policy. I wish to pursue a career in environmental policy, with a particular interest in how challenges around biodiversity and land use are integrated into economic and fiscal policy.
From May to July 2024, I had the opportunity to complete a ten-week internship at the Institute for European Environmental Policy, as a policy analyst in the CAP & Food team.
During my time at IEEP, I analyzed the financial costs and benefits of adopting sustainable practices at farm level across Europe, and was able to greatly improve my knowledge of both agricultural economics and sustainable agricultural systems. Farmer’s income and the just transition in rural areas are topical issues at the European level, which made it all the more interesting to work on.
I also had the opportunity to work with the Biodiversity team, on a brief about novel biodiversity monitoring techniques published in early July, and on local policies promoting Nature-based Solutions, and with the Land Use and Climate team, on a case study on payment for ecosystem services (PFES) in Austria.
Doing research work at IEEP allowed me to get an in-depth understanding of European policies on agricultural and environmental topics, gaining useful insights into the environmental schemes within the Common Agricultural Policy.
I was given a lot of responsibilities and was able to take many initiatives, which is rather uncommon during internships and is one of the strong perks of interning at IEEP.
Through my work, I discovered how many initiatives promoting sustainable agriculture and land use throughout Europe were enabled by EU-funded projects – especially HORIZON and LIFE projects. Working for a research-driven organisation, I also learned how research and innovation are funded by the European Union and conducted at local level.
As my internship took place in the midst – and aftermath – of the European Parliamentary elections, I was not only immersed in European policies, but also politics. Following the results of the elections and the shifting balance of power in the Parliament on environmental issues was both thrilling and insightful, and expanded my knowledge of EU institutions.
I was also able to partake in several workshops and public interventions organised by IEEP, from a training for the Parliament’s Secretariats to a workshop on transformative innovation for sustainable food systems, organised by the IEEP-led European Sustainable Agriculture Dialogue (ESAD) platform.
Most importantly, I was warmly welcomed by all IEEP staff and worked in a very stimulating and supportive environment. I am very grateful for such thoughtful and kind colleagues and could not recommend IEEP more to students or young professionals interested in environmental policy.
Many thanks to Melanie Muro for all her support and helpful advice, and to all the people I had the chance to work and engage with at IEEP!
IEEP strongly believes in supporting the policymakers and environmental experts of tomorrow. As part of our educational mandate, IEEP is happy to host students in partnership with their Universities as part of their programmes. If you would like to find out more, contact us at brussels@ieep.eu
