Practical preparation for a career and recruitment processes within the institutions, bodies and agencies of the European Union
162 hours | 2 semesters | Programme delivered in English | Practical preparation for EPSO selection procedures | AHE Diploma
A career within the institutions of the European Union offers a unique professional path. It requires not only relevant qualifications and a strong command of English, but also an understanding of the specific nature of the EU institutional environment, recruitment and selection procedures, and the methods used to assess candidates’ knowledge and competencies.
The “Working in the Institutions of the European Union” course has been designed for individuals who wish to prepare systematically and effectively for pursuing employment opportunities within EU institutions, bodies and agencies.
This comprehensive two-semester programme combines knowledge of the functioning of the European Union with practical preparation for the recruitment and selection process – from identifying an appropriate career path and preparing an application, through selection tests, to the job interview stage.
A substantial part of the programme is devoted to intensive preparation for selection procedures conducted by the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO).
This is not merely a course about working for the European Union. It is a practical programme designed to prepare participants to apply for such positions.
The course is intended for individuals who hold a higher education degree of at least first-cycle level (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)and are considering pursuing a professional career within the structures of the European Union.
The programme will be particularly valuable for individuals who wish to:
- explore employment opportunities within EU institutions, bodies and agencies;
- identify career opportunities that correspond to their professional experience and competencies;
- prepare for EPSO selection procedures;
- understand the specific nature and structure of tests used in candidate selection;
- learn how to present their experience and competencies in line with the criteria applied in recruitment and selection processes;
- prepare a professional application and practise for job interviews;
- pursue a career in an international and multicultural professional environment.
The entire course is delivered in English. Participants are therefore expected to have a command of English sufficient to communicate fluently, participate actively in classes, complete practical exercises and work with English-language materials.
This is not an English-language course. English is the working language used throughout the programme.
162 hours of preparation for a career within the EU institutions
The programme runs over two semesters and comprises 162 hours of instruction and practical training.
Its structure enables participants first to develop an understanding of the institutional, legal, economic and political environment of the European Union and subsequently to progress to practical preparation for the individual stages of recruitment and selection procedures.
A substantial part of the programme focuses specifically on recruitment mechanisms, competencies assessed during selection procedures, selection tests and job interviews.
English in EU Documents and Procedures – 18 hours
Practical work with the language used within the European institutional environment. Participants develop their ability to use English effectively in the context of documents, procedures and professional communication related to the functioning of EU institutions.
2. Political and Economic Aspects of European Integration – 18 hours
This module provides participants with an understanding of the broader context in which the European Union operates, including the processes of European integration and their political and economic dimensions.
This knowledge provides an important foundation for functioning effectively within the European institutional environment and for preparing for EU selection procedures.
3. EU Institutions and Sources of EU Law – 18 hours
Participants become familiar with the EU institutional framework, the competences of its principal institutions and the fundamental mechanisms governing European Union law.
4. Fundamentals of Diplomatic Protocol – 12 hours
This module introduces the principles of professional conduct within an international institutional environment, with particular emphasis on standards and rules applicable to official and intercultural relations.
5. Interpersonal Communication and Negotiation – 12 hours
The module focuses on developing communication skills required in an international working environment, including effective interpersonal communication, professional relationship-building and negotiation.
Practical preparation for EU recruitment and selection procedures
The second part of the programme focuses directly on on careers and selection procedures within the EU institutions.
Within the specialist programme developed by Dr Lieven Tack, participants progress from exploring the European professional environment and analysing their own career profile, through understanding EPSO procedures and submitting applications, to selection tests and job interviews.
6. EU Jobs and Careers – 12 hours
Participants explore:
- employment opportunities within EU institutions, bodies and agencies;
- permanent and temporary positions;
- different fields, functions and job profiles;
- career development and promotion opportunities;
- rights, duties, benefits and working conditions;
- the specific characteristics of the EU institutional working environment.
An important component of the module is the analysis of participants’ individual professional profiles,, competencies and career ambitions, enabling them to identify career paths that best correspond to their experience and objectives.
The programme uses, among others, the GROW model and Holland RIASEC model as career-development tools.
7. Selection and Recruitment Process – 18 hours
Participants gain a step-by-step understanding of recruitment and selection procedures within the EU:
vacancy → eligibility criteria → application → selection → tests → reserve list → recruitment
The programme covers, among other areas, the role and mandate of EPSO, eligibility criteria, language requirements, the Single Candidate Portal, the application process and the transition from placement on a reserve list to recruitment.
The objective is to enable participants to understand the complete recruitment pathway and prepare independently and systematically for a specific selection procedure.
8. General Competency Framework – 18 hours
How are competencies defined within EU selection procedures? How are they assessed and scored? What behaviours and abilities are expected of candidates?
Participants become familiar with the General Competency Framework and work on areas including:
- critical thinking and problem-solving;
- decision-making and results;
- information management;
- self-management;
- working together;
- ulearning as a skill;
- communication;
- intrapreneurship.
Each competency area is addressed not only conceptually but also through practical exercises.
EPSO Selection Tests – 18 hours
This is one of the programme’s most practice-oriented components.
Participants prepare for different types of tests used in EU selection procedures, including:
- verbal reasoning,
- numerical reasoning,
- abstract reasoning,
- digital skills,
- EU knowledge,
- field-related tests,
- written tests.
Participants do more than simply become familiar with the different types of tests. They learn their structure and underlying logic, solution techniques, key principles and approaches to time management, and subsequently apply this knowledge through practical exercises and analysis of solutions.
10. Job Interviews – 18 hours
The final part of the programme prepares participants for the stage at which their knowledge, experience, motivation and competencies must be presented effectively during a recruitment interview.
The programme covers:
- preparation of a professional CV;
- preparation of an effective motivation letter;
- developing a convincing motivation for an EU career;
- preparation before, during and after an interview;
- frequently asked questions in EU job interviews;
- competency-based interviews,
- the STAR methodology;
- understanding and presenting one’s weaknesses;
- preparing for unexpected and particularly challenging interview questions.
Participants complete practical exercises designed to enable them to apply the techniques and principles covered during the course.
Upon completion of the programme, participants will be better equipped to navigate career and recruitment processes within the EU institutional environment independently and systematically.
They will be able to identify relevant career paths and match positions to their professional profile, understand EPSO recruitment and selection procedures, prepare an application, approach different types of selection tests strategically, identify and present their competencies effectively, and prepare for competency-based interviews using the STAR methodology.
Participants will also acquire a broader understanding of EU institutions, EU law, and the political and economic dimensions of European integration.
Learning through practice
One of the key principles of the course is the translation of knowledge into practical skills that can be applied during recruitment and selection procedures.
The specialist part of the programme therefore incorporates practical exercises, simulations and case studies. Training materials are continuously updated to reflect the latest developments in EU recruitment and careers.
Final stage: recruitment process simulation
Each semester concludes with a written examination.
At the end of the entire course, participants take a practical examination in the form of a recruitment process simulation, , based on tests and procedures used in selection processes conducted by the European Personnel Selection Office.
The programme therefore concludes not only with an assessment of theoretical knowledge but also with an opportunity to apply the skills acquired during the course in conditions designed to reflect the nature of an actual selection procedure.
Dr Lieven Tack
Economist, senior executive, trainer and career coach specialising in EU careers and recruitment and selection procedures.
Dr Lieven Tack has extensive professional experience in European affairs, economic policy, public administration and career development.
He has worked as an economist at the European Commission and has held senior leadership positions in several Belgian ministerial cabinets. He currently serves as General Director of a Belgian economic agency and is the founder and CEO of CALIPA Coaching, where he specialises in EU careers, professional development and executive training.
Dr Tack holds a PhD in Economics from KU Leuven, a Master’s degree in European Studies from the College of Europe in Warsaw and a Master’s degree in Engineering from KU Leuven.
By combining academic expertise, first-hand knowledge of the EU institutional environment, senior public-sector leadership experience and extensive training and coaching practice, he brings a distinctly practical perspective on EU careers and the competencies required to succeed within EU institutions.
Beata Połowińska
Beata Połowińska is an interpreter and translator with a background in International Business. Her professional interests focus on the European Union, its history and policies.
She spent more than 20 years working as a conference interpreter for the European Parliament, gaining extensive first-hand experience of the professional environment of one of the EU’s principal institutions.
From 1995 to 2005, she also taught translation to postgraduate students at the Centre for Translation Studies of the University of Lodz.
Dr Monika Słupińska
Dr Monika Słupińska holds a PhD in Economics and is a graduate of European Studies. She has also been a European Commission scholarship holder.
Her academic interests include European integration, EU cohesion policy and Structural Funds. She has extensive academic and training experience and is the author of numerous publications, expert studies and analyses.
Dr Artur Niedźwiecki
Dr Artur Niedźwiecki holds a PhD in Political Science and is a legal counsel, academic lecturer and Dean of Political Science at the University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz.
His academic work focuses particularly on the legal, political and economic dimensions of international relations and European integration.
Dr Martyna Krogulec-Łęska
Dr Martyna Krogulec-Łęska holds a PhD in Social Sciences in the discipline of Sociology. She is a sociologist and psychosocial skills trainer.
Her professional and academic interests include include the sociology of work, professional relations and the mechanisms governing individual functioning in the workplace. She is also an academic lecturer and trainer at the University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz.
Total number of hours: 162
Duration: 2 semesters
Language of instruction: English
Entry requirement: a higher education degree of at least first-cycle level (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent)
Language requirement: a command of English sufficient for fluent communication and active participation in classes
Schedule: weekend classes
Qualification awarded upon completion: Diploma issued by the University of Humanities and Economics in Lodz