What happens when talented journalism students from the United States land in the heart of Europe?
For over five years now, FleishmanHillard EU, along with other partners in Brussels, has opened its doors to journalism students from the University of Missouri-Columbia. The programme, in partnership with the Missouri School of Journalism, sends eager students to study and intern at the heart of the EU. The goal is ambitious but simple: to build journalists and strategic communicators who can navigate public affairs and EU communications, understand different political systems, and bring a global perspective back to their craft.
This spring, we welcomed Sydney, Lily, and Kate. We sat down with all three to talk about what drew them here, what has surprised them about life in the EU bubble, and what they’re taking home with them.
What made you choose this internship in Brussels?
Kate: I was drawn to Brussels because of its proximity to the European Union. Interning in Brussels presented the perfect opportunity to combine my interests in public relations and international politics.
Lily: I was particularly interested in the Brussels program because of how many incredible internship opportunities there were and because I wanted to experience life and work in a city driven by politics and public affairs.
Sydney: I was really drawn to the Brussels programs because I had heard how amazing the internship opportunities were. I knew by doing this program I would be able to not only grow in my personal life, but also grow professionally with an amazing public affairs company.
What’s been the biggest surprise or highlight of your experience?
Kate: The highlight of my experience has been working with people from so many different countries. Each person brings a unique perspective, and I have learned so much from each of them.
Lily: My biggest surprise was how international and diverse the office was. Almost everyone here speaks at least two languages fluently, which is incredible! The highlight of my experience so far has been to build connections and relationships with people from various backgrounds and nationalities.
Sydney: My biggest surprise has been being able to work with so many amazing people and find close friends within the office! It has helped me grow in this city, showed me new places, and introduced me to so many people I would have never known or got to work with otherwise. The people here make the work environment so warm and welcoming, which is something I have not always experienced. It makes coming to work so fun, and really shows how amazing the work-life balance is here. I truly love everyone in this office, and am so sad to be leaving soon.
What’s one thing you’ve learned that you’ll take with you after this internship?
Kate: I have learned so much about what it means to create a campaign in the EU. Beyond translating deliverables into several languages, I have learned how to consider multiple cultural contexts at once and alter a single campaign to appeal to various countries.
Lily: Besides the Adobe hacks and shortcuts I have learned along the way, the biggest thing I have learned is just how important networking and building connections are, especially in the EU bubble!
Sydney: I think the biggest thing I have learned during my internship is how to apply my background in marketing and public relations to the world of public policy and EU politics. It’s been very different from what I was used to in the United States, and the experience has helped me grow both professionally and personally, and opened my eyes to how many different avenues you can take with a strategic communications degree at Mizzou.
If you could give one piece of advice to students thinking of applying next year, what would it be?
Kate: DO IT! Brussels has been every bit of the study abroad experience I wanted, and more. I have learned so much about international politics, public affairs, and marketing. Additionally, Brussels’ location has allowed me to see so much of the world during my time here, as Paris, London, and Amsterdam are each only about 2 hours away by train.
Lily: Go for it! The lessons you learn, and the experiences you gain – whether at work, in class or on side trips – are truly invaluable. The internships in the Brussels programme are unlike any other internships you will have access to within the Journalism School. Not to mention, Brussels’ geographic location allows you to travel pretty much anywhere you want to within a few hours! The Journalism study abroad office also has specific scholarships just for Brussels. Look into the Smith Family Study Abroad Scholarship!
Sydney: DO IT! I was so nervous to apply, but it was the best decision I have ever made, personally and professionally. The environment and work I do here is something I would not have gotten at a summer internship back in the US. Being able to work with people from so many languages and backgrounds truly has opened my eyes to how big the world is, and how much I love to travel. Not only this, but the location of Brussels is amazing to be able to travel. Exploring Brussels – which I think is such an underrated city – is also great. I am seriously thanking my past self for taking that big leap and going for it.
Describe your internship using only emojis.
Kate: 🌍 🤝 💻 ☀️ 🧇
Lily: 👩💻 💅 🌍 🤸🏻♀️ 🥐 🧳
Sydney: ❤️ ☕️ 🥳️ ✈️ 👯♀️
Curious about what it’s like to intern in Brussels? Reach out to Besiana Ahmeti, Senior Talent Development Associate.
A special thank you to the Programme Director, Gareth Harding, for his continued collaboration and for leading a programme that connects future communications professionals with meaningful international experiences.
