Posted on 2006-12-21 in Careers
European Studies
European StudiesWe are all Europeans now. Actually, we’ve always been Europeans; but with the new euro notes and coins in our pockets, the new motorways built using EU structural funds and Bertie Ahern shaking hands with Jacques Chirac on the TV, being part of Europe seems much more believable and important. This importance is reflected in the growing number of European Studies courses on offer at Ireland’s third-level colleges and universities. A degree in European Studies doesn’t prepare you for a career as a European (you are one already); instead, it offers a broad humanities education in a mixture of languages, business, history and social studies subjects. The syllabus and course aims can differ from course to course when it comes to European Studies, so students should look carefully at prospectuses and web sites to find the option that is most suitable for them. Education Students interested in European Studies have a number of options at third level, ranging from degrees to post-leaving cert courses. Some courses concentrate on business subjects, while others take have a broader arts-based focus. The CAO points required for the degree courses range widely from under 250 to over 500. Many of the courses require students to have taken a European language at honours level for their Leaving Cert. European Studies students generally learn at least one European language, which can be French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian or Polish, with different possibilities at beginners’ and intermediate levels. Other potential course options include History of Europe, Sociology, Cultural Studies, Greek & Roman Civilisation and European Politics. Dedicated European Business courses will feature classes such as Economics, EU Business Law and Human Resource Management. A year abroad is a key part of most European Studies degrees, where you attend classes and take courses at a university while immersing yourself in your chosen language, experiencing the culture of the country first-hand. Options after Qualification Graduates with a European Studies degree use the analytical and language skills they gain to move into a wide range of diverse career areas, including the civil service, the media, business, politics, education, tourism, marketing and industry. Many apply for a ‘stage’ with one of the EU institutions – this is an unpaid five month internship/trainee scheme where graduates gain invaluable experience working in Brussels or Luxembourg within a European administration office. For example, you could be conducting research into economic or environmental areas or working on changes to the Common Agricultural Policy. The Work As European Studies graduates move into such a wide range of careers, it is difficult to describe an typical working day. Many graduates in this area go on to work in administration, official or management roles within the civil service, other government or EU bodies, or large NGOs such as research institutions, charities and lobby groups. These jobs can involve conducting research, dealing with requests for information from the public, writing reports and speaking at meetings. You will have to become an expert in the policy or subject area to which you are assigned, which can be anything from employment law to third world development, to fisheries policy. An ambition of many European Studies graduates is to become a diplomat. Competition is very high for recruitment into diplomatic positions within the Irish or European civil services, with a number of selection tests and interviews to pass. Diplomats work to secure stronger relationships between countries and among different organisations and international bodies. Junior diplomats take minutes at meetings, write reports and brief superiors. More senior diplomats conduct meetings, make travel visits and negotiate agreements. Personal Qualities & Work Environment Careers in these areas require a combination of analytical, written and spoken communication skills. You should also be good at organising and co-ordinating work and people, and be capable of finding innovative solutions to difficult problems. A commitment to the idea of public service and good ethics is also important. These jobs are typically office-based, however, there are often opportunities for travel. There are also possibilities for promotion to management positions. The Money A qualified and experienced administrative officer in the Irish civil service earns in the range of €30,000 – €40,000 a year. This will increase as you rise through the ranks. Top diplomats earn six-figure salaries. Jargon Brief: To give preparatory information or a summary of a topic Lobby: Attempt to persuade or influence public officials in favour of a particular cause NGO: Non-Governmental Organisation – typically an international group that works in charity or developmental areas Job Titles Administrative Officer Further Resources The European Union online European Parliament Office in Ireland The European Personnel Selection Office |
