Go from fresh grad to working at The EU w/ Nickie Karousis

In this episode of Reeltime Diplomacy, a Talking Foreign Affairs with Adil Cader initiative, host Chloe Morrison speaks with Nickie Karousis, a Schumann Trainee at the European Parliament in Brussels working in the Media Intelligence Unit within the Directorate-General for Communication. Nickie holds a Bachelor’s in International Relations and an Erasmus Mundus Master’s in European Studies that took her across five countries in two years. During this time, she gained experience in policy research, media monitoring, communications, and freelance work while building an international career. She discusses her path from university to the European Parliament, explaining key entry routes into EU institutions such as traineeships, contract roles, and EPSO competitions. Nickie also shares practical advice on navigating applications, gaining relevant experience, and using diverse opportunities to stand out in competitive international careers. Connect with Nickie Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/nickie.karousis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickie-karousis/ Substack: https://substack.com/@nickiekarousis Creative portfolio: https://nickiekarousis.my.canva.site/ EU traineeships, careers & opportunities European Parliament Traineeships (Schuman Traineeships): https://www.europarl.europa.eu/at-your-service/en/work-with-us/traineeships EU Careers Portal (official traineeships & entry roles): https://eu-careers.europa.eu/en/job-opportunities/traineeships EPSO Competitions & EU career exam information:https://eutraining.eu/content/epso-competitions-2026-full-list-eu-opportunities-and-exam-tips Recommended reading The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest