Alumni testimonials

Chiara DI MICHELE

Supervision Analyst, ECB

The strong focus of the College on the EU institutions allowed me to specialize in some crucial topics the ECB is dealing with. This provided me with a competitive advantage during the selection process in terms of specific knowledge and proven commitment to be part of the EU institutions. 
Moreover, sharing very strong life experiences at the College and studying with my fellows improved my team spirit and openness to different mindsets. This is of crucial importance for working in the EU institutions. 

 

Teona GVINEPADZE

Inspector, Société Générale Group

Following European Economic Studies at the College of Europe helped me to develop the critical thinking skills and the habit to have a high-level vision. The diploma of the College of Europe supported my candidature as an intern and later as a consultant at the European Investment Bank. Furthermore, the College of Europe experience also helped me to continue my career in the private banking sector. Therefore, I think the year spent in Bruges had an important impact on my personal and professional development, opening the doors to the different institutions, in both public and private sector.

 

Timothy DE MEESTER

Economist - Policy Officer at the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority

The College of Europe and especially its EPPA programme provided me with a strong toolkit that has proven to be useful for my professional career so far. First of all I developed meaningful insights which I can now use to shape policies. Secondly, the extraordinary network of students and alumni helps one navigate the European bubble. Last but not least, the excellence of the courses and the choices you can make gave me the opportunity to focus on financial regulation, the sector I am now happily working in!

Philipp PAETZOLD

Economic Consultant in the Economics, Policy & Governance Department of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

The European Economics study programme taught me to understand the theories of the European economic integration, cohesion and economic development, while linking it with the practical aspects of public policy. Today, I am working as an economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development analysing bottlenecks of international trade and global value chains inside of Europe and outside in the European neighbourhood. Given my experience, I think the College of Europe educates European citizens aiming for a job that may shape many lifes and improve the welfare of the European people and its neighbours.

Philipp, works on Global Value Chain diagnostics and economic integration of EBRD countries of operation with a particular focus on the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean region.

Caroline FRANZEN

Analyst at Oxera

Even after studying economics for five years, the European Economic Studies program at the College of Europe has allowed me to gain not only additional understanding of economics on a European level, but also knowledge in related disciplines and a holistic view of European policies. More specifically, the insights delivered by the practitioners teaching and the wide range of courses have enabled me to be prepared for my position as a microeconomics analyst.