They might have expected to catch a glimpse of European Council President Charles Michel in the Europa building. But then came the coronavirus pandemic and with it the lockdown of all public life in Brussels. Only six weeks after the start of their traineeships, our trainees had to adapt to remote working and deal with not being able to meet up with their mentors and colleagues – and all this in a city they had just moved to. We spoke to Valentina Carrara (General and Institutional Policy), Beatrice Pagliani (Outreach - Partnership & Engagement), Marco Gerbaudo (Home Affairs and Migration Challenges), and Giorgio Trichilo (Press Office) about a very different work experience..

How did your work change?

Valentina: "I am a trainee in General and Institutional Policy and my office is on the eighth floor of the Europa building. Before the lockdown, I used to walk through the colourful corridors of this wonderful building. Being surrounded by the bright colours of the floors and ceiling made me feel happy and proud to be a part - even if only for a few months - of this beautiful family. Attending the meetings of representatives from the different national delegations from across the continent made me feel proudly European. I would often gaze in wonder at the impressive architecture and think about the important decisions taken there that have changed the lives of so many people. During lockdown, I have missed that atmosphere and being so close to the heart of EU decision making."

Beatrice: "Working in the Outreach Unit, my team is responsible for engaging with the public and visitors, so I definitely missed a big part of the experience because of the lockdown. I got a flavour of the work of my unit during the first few weeks when I assisted the visitors service and helped with an International Women’s Day event on 8 March. But not being able to show people around our Visitors Centre since mid-March means the days have definitely been a lot quieter. And of course I missed the hustle and bustle of the EU Open Day in May, which had to be cancelled. Unfortunately working from home is no substitute for seeing people in person. It’s not always easy but I’m sure my IT skills will benefit!"

Giorgio: "I was really enjoying being able to attend high-level meetings. Of course, working from home does not come close to this experience, but I hope that even while remote working I have been able to carry out my tasks properly."

What about your team and your colleagues? How do you work with a team that you barely know and you can only meet up with virtually?

Beatrice: "My colleagues and my tutor are really very nice. I am always happy to attend the weekly team video calls - not only because I hear about what other colleagues are working on but also because it’s an opportunity to have some fun."

Marco: "At the end of March I decided to go back to Turin to spend the quarantine with my girlfriend. During the lockdown, I’ve been working from my girlfriend’s house in Turin, where I can send emails sitting on the balcony. I’m in contact with my supervisor every day, often via email but also via internet calls, as it’s always nice to have some face-to-face conversations. I miss the Council very much for the interactions I had with fellow trainees and colleagues. Internet calls on Skype and Zoom help me to feel everyone is not too far away and to keep updated on what’s going on in and outside the Council! It’s not the same as before, but it’s better than nothing!"

Valentina: "Despite the technical problems of participating in virtual meetings, I have enjoyed the team meetings we have each week with our colleagues. They are essential for me because I can get in touch with the team on a weekly basis and learn about the work my colleagues are doing. It’s helped me get to know the people I’d only met a few days before the lockdown. I’ve liked learning more about my colleagues in the virtual meetings and at the same time office calls have made me feel part of the office family."

Valentina: "I have been living in Brussels since September, and for seven months I had the chance to experience this amazing city and meet new friends and professionals. After spending the last six years of university moving around Europe (Venice, Munich, Rome, Salzburg and now Brussels), I had finally found a happy place where I could see myself staying. But as I started calling Brussels home, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out. It has suspended - but I hope not blocked - my dream of living and working in Brussels. In fact I went back home to Italy to spend the confinement in a safer and calmer environment."

Beatrice: "I have to say that my social life has actually suffered a lot. I’ve been to Brussels before and I know what this international and multicultural city has to offer in terms of concerts, workshops, exhibitions, events, meetings and so on, but also job and training opportunities. It’s definitely not your typical beautiful European city, but a place that must be experienced to be understood and appreciated. That being said, it has its own charm, a charm of times gone by that I’m rediscovering when I go out alone to take long bike rides."

Giorgio: "I of course miss the social aspects and the opportunity to explore Brussels, but I think it’s the best thing at the moment to stay safe at home."

Valentina: "I was surprised when I received the email informing me about the possibility of restarting the traineeship in September. I was longing to do a traineeship as a student of political science, because working in such a dynamic political environment as Brussels is the goal (or at least it was mine!). For obvious reasons, my experience in the Council has been limited and I feel I still have a lot to experience, so I can’t wait to get back on track!"

Beatrice: "I am very grateful to the Traineeship Office. They always supported us with care and attention. I am happy to be given the opportunity to restart this important and very relevant work experience. Unfortunately, given the circumstances, we have not yet got the most out of it and enjoyed it to the full."

Marco: "I decided to accept the option to restart the traineeship. I believe it’s a great opportunity that shouldn’t be wasted. I really hope that the next five months will be more relaxed, and even if things won’t be 100% normal, they’ll be more normal than they are now. I already made good friends in the month all of us trainees spent together, and I know that in September it will be great to start again with friends I already know and to consolidate a lot of relationships that were cut off too early by this crisis!"

Are you interested in a traineeship at the Council? Find more information on our website