Alba is an undergraduate intern in our Integrated Communications and Reputation team. She studies political science at the University of Warwick in the UK. She’s dived into her experience in more detail to give a taste of her time in the EU capital.
My experience as an intern
I started my internship in September 2023 where I was welcomed into a friendly and supportive team. Through my role, I was able to participate in many different and fast-paced tasks. I was involved in drafting media plans and advising on social media campaigns whilst also helping organise high-profile interviews and creating analytical reports to measure the influence and reach of projects.
Each day offered a new learning opportunity, giving me a better understanding of European policy and how best to support our clients.
One of the highlights of my internship was working closely with high-level professionals who were always willing to share their knowledge and experience. I was able to develop a deeper understanding of different European policy areas and consultancy thanks to this expertise.
Working with the team
Being part of the integrated communications and reputation team has given me an insight into how companies build their public image and the best way to help them understand and shape their environment in Europe. The team is responsible for supporting clients through digital, social and media relations to deliver the right message, at the right moment and via the right channel to their target audience. I have also been involved in supporting clients with reputation management to help them build trust among key audiences and protect against risks.
Working in this team has helped me see how I am able to apply my political science studies to real-world scenarios especially in terms of public relations.
As an intern, I have been responsible for a lot of the research behind our campaigns, feeding into data-led communication and social media strategies. On one particular project, we helped a client campaign around key issues for the energy transition in Europe, where I was able to learn about the energy sector more in-depth.
It has been incredible doing new tasks surrounded by such a supportive team. They have made me feel more confident and given me the tools needed to support our clients effectively.
Living in the heart of Europe
Brussels is a multicultural and multilingual city with so much to offer, especially for someone working or interested in politics.
With this internship I was given the opportunity to live in the heart of Europe. I took advantage of its location, travelling to different parts of Belgium, but also to neighbouring countries for a reasonable price. I also enjoyed visiting key tourist attractions including the EU institutions, and in the evenings I made sure to experience Brussels’ nightlife – and not just the famous ‘Plux’!
Whilst in Brussels, I was also able to focus on growing my professional network. I attended a range of events, where I met people working in different sectors, from NGOs to the diplomatic services. I particularly enjoyed attending events at the British Residence and British Embassy, where I managed to talk to people about their experience within the foreign office. Attending these events gave me an opportunity to find out about some of other options that are available for after graduation.
Could this be you?
Completing my internship at FleishmanHillard in Brussels has been an incredible experience. It has given me an insight into how consultancies work within a policy-focused environment. I have also grown not only in an academic or professional sense, but also on a personal level. Meeting new people, growing my network and developing my understanding of the EU has been invaluable.
This experience has improved a range of skills and given me the tools to do tasks in a quick and effective way. Potentially one of the things I value the most is that this internship has shown me the application of political science studies to real-world issues.
If you want to experience what it is like to work for a supportive cohort of people, in a fast-paced workplace, and increase your knowledge of the options available when you graduate with a politics degree, this internship is for you.
I cannot begin to express all my gratitude towards the company and people that have supported and believed in me. For me, this internship is one of the most enriching things to do as a student.
If you want to find out more information about our undergraduate internship program, please contact [email protected].
