Really appreciated this reflection, especially the point about how much influence the EU has relative to how little attention the Brussels policy space gets. The emphasis on being intentional and building meaningful connections early on feels very realistic, particularly in environments where formal pathways are opaque. It also connects well with the broader idea that impact often comes from reciprocal, value-driven relationships rather than titles alone. I was reminded of a piece I read called regular links with reciprocal article, which discussed how mutual value exchanges compound over time when done thoughtfully rather than transactionally. That framing actually maps quite well onto policy careers, where trust, credibility, and long-term collaboration matter more than one-off wins. Overall, this was a genuinely useful perspective for anyone considering EU policy work.

This was a really insightful read, especially for anyone curious about EU policy careers but unsure where to start. I found the discussion around absorbency, networking, and the realities of getting specific roles very useful, as well as the candid take on assumptions about who is already “covering” key animal welfare topics. It’s great to see reflections that combine personal experience with practical takeaways definitely something I’d recommend to others exploring Brussels or EU-focused careers.