Frequently Asked Questions

  • The programme centers around an intensive week in Brussels (March 2025), requiring full-time availability. Additionally, you'll have some pre-programme preparation (a few hours of asynchronous content plus 1-2 online sessions) and optional post-programme support.

  • Yes. We cover all costs associated with the program, including:

    - Travel to/from Brussels from Europe

    - Accommodation during the programme week

    - Meals during your stay

    - Programme materials and activities

  • The programme brings together 20 participants to ensure personalized attention and meaningful connections.

  • Candidates must have:

    - A Bachelor's degree or higher (minimum EQF 6 level)

    - C1 level in English, French, or German

    - B2 level in another European language

    - EU citizenship 

    - Ability to participate full-time in March 2025

  • Unfortunately, this programme is currently only open to EU citizens, as it's specifically designed for careers within EU institutions and European policy-making. We understand this might be disappointing, but these citizenship requirements are linked to the career pathways we're preparing participants for.

    If you're interested in policy careers, you might want to explore opportunities within the UK policy landscape, which offers its own impactful pathways for creating change through policy.

  • Strong candidates often have:

    - Knowledge about politics, policy, or law

    - Work experience in politics, policy, or law

    - International experience through study, work, or volunteering

    - Additional language certifications

    - Notable academic achievements

  • The selection process has three stages:

    1. Online application

    2. Assessment task

    3. Interview

    Applications open December 3rd and close January 5th.

  • As a participant, you are going to have gained a holistic overview of the functioning of the European Union, its institutions and career pathways into the world of politics. 

    You will have gained in-depth knowledge on European animal welfare policy and adjacent policy areas in food and agriculture. 

    And you are going to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully enter career options in European politics, EU institutions or public policy, for instance as civil servants, public affairs experts or policy advisors. 

    The programme focuses on:

    - Policy development skills

    - Knowledge of current politics topics

    - Strategic career planning

    - Network building

    - System change understanding

    - Sustainable solutions

  • We offer additional online sessions and ongoing career guidance based on participant needs.

    Ongoing support will also come from your new network of like minded peers and contacts you meet during Brussels week.

  • While the pre and post-programme components can be completed alongside other commitments, the Brussels week requires full-time availability.

  • No! While some candidates might have policy experience, it's not a requirement. We're looking for potential and commitment rather than a specific background. Please apply if you’re passionate about the topic even if you don’t have experience. 


    What can make you stand out:

    • Professional experience in any field, particularly, politics, policy, or law

    • International experience through study, work, or volunteering

    • Additional language skills

    • Notable academic achievements


    We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds - your unique perspective and experiences could be valuable assets for a policy career. Whether you're a recent graduate or have a few years of professional experience, we're interested in your potential to create change through policy.

  • Yes. Participants will receive pre-reading materials and participate in 1-2 online orientation sessions before the Brussels week.

  • The programme prepares you for various policy-focused roles where you can create meaningful change. We will help match you to the roles where we believe you can have the most impact and provide a number of opportunities for you to excel. These include positions in think tanks, government bodies, public affairs, policy consulting, and international organisations. Our training develops the skills, knowledge, and networks needed to navigate policy careers effectively and drive systemic change.

  • There's a significant gap between the potential for policy impact and the number of skilled professionals pursuing these paths. While some sectors maintain strong policy influence, there's a shortage of mission-aligned experts working to drive positive change. This gap extends beyond direct policy roles to advocacy and consulting, where policy expertise and professional networks are crucial for success.

  • The Brussels week is scheduled for March 16-23rd, 2025. Final dates will be confirmed to all selected participants by early February to coordinate group availability. Please ensure you can commit to full-time attendance during this week.