Hi, I am Paloma, a French student eager to work in environmental governance, more specifically on agriculture-related topics. I am currently enrolled in a Master’s Degree in European Affairs at SciencesPo Rennes University.

From May to July 2025, I had the opportunity to gain practical insights into sustainable policymaking by joining the the Communication team at the Institute for European Environmental Policy in Brussels for their ten-week student placement programme.

I have been in Brussels before, and I wanted to come back to this bustling city. Besides all the things to do and see, what I like the most about living in the European capital is the people. The diversity of backgrounds is so enriching, and everyone is open-minded and welcoming. It’s a city to live in and not just to pass by if you want to get a full experience.

At IEEP, I have developed a deeper understanding of research and learned about the strategic importance of enhancing policy communication and audience engagement in a think tank. With no prior experience in communications, I’m thankful for the hands-on training I received on online programmes and social media platforms. However, what I took away from this experience is the crucial role of task planning, especially in time-sensitive contexts. I am confident these skills will be very valuable for my future work experiences.

On top of that, what I found particularly stimulating in working with the Communications team is getting an overview of the organisation activities, from writing reports to holding events. It enabled me to follow the work of each thematic team, broadening my knowledge across different environmental issues. These past years, during my studies, I have developed a strong interest in sustainable farming and land use, as reflected in my Master’s thesis “Development of Organic Farming: Assessing the Impact of EU Public Policy”. During my time at IEEP, I got the opportunity to follow the work of the CAP and Food team. Talking with Melanie Muro and Elisabeth Nadeu on their backgrounds and experiences gave me valuable insights into the practical application of EU policies and the possible pathways to becoming a policy analyst.

I was lucky to join IEEP at a highly dynamic time, and one of the highlights of my internship was attending and supporting the organisation of events, including two co-hosted at the European Parliament. Firstly, the Science4Policy briefing addressing energy transition and the newly presented Clean Industrial Deal, bringing together policymakers and experts. Secondly, a discussion on the EU role in global climate justice, featuring Finnish MEP Sirpa Pietikäinen and young climate activists. I found both events very engaging and thought-provoking. Through these experiences, I strengthened my skills in event coordination, stakeholder communication, and learned how to effectively tailor content for different audiences.

Last but not least, what stood out to me most was the strong team spirit and collaborative atmosphere among IEEP staff. I was lucky to take part in the IEEP day, where we went to visit the Soignes forest. Besides being a great icebreaker, it was a wonderful opportunity to discover one of the hidden gems of Belgium! One of the things I appreciated most about this student placement was working with a multicultural team. To me, this is really what makes a Brussels-based experience truly special. It was very fulfilling to exchange views on how each country addresses environmental or social topics. I am really grateful for meeting other young, committed students. This experience not only expanded my professional network but also helped me build meaningful friendships across Europe and the Atlantic.

I want to warmly thank Carla Coppola, Ha Doan for their time, dedication, and guidance, and IEEP for this amazing opportunity. I strongly recommend this programme to anyone who is interested in environmental policy and who wishes to work in a dynamic, mission-driven team.

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