Mihnea Catuti, Romania
Mundus MAPP candidate,
Class of 2017
Intern, Centre for European Policy Studies, Brussels
I am spending the summer as an intern at the Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS), a leading think tank in Brussels, concerned with EU policies. I am part of the Energy and Climate Change Unit, and am working primarily on the Smart Cities Information System. For this project, I conduct research on policy and finance barriers that obstruct the implementation of urban-based projects that involve low carbon technologies, renewable energy sources, energy efficiency in buildings, and urban mobility and transport.
Institutions like CEPS are hubs for very meaningful conversations on various EU policy projects. They provide a platform where policy initiators from the European Commission can meet with rapporteours from the European Parliament, representatives from the private sector, and academics.
My experience at CEPS has been highly rewarding. I have learned a lot about project management, information gathering, policy analysis, and team communication. I have been able to attend interesting meetings that have given me an inside look at the EU policy making process. The networking opportunities have been fantastic as well. The coolest thing for me though has been working with a team of young and motivated researchers. They and the more experienced members of staff make CEPS a very stimulating working environment. My internship has convinced me that I have chosen the right career path.
My internship keeps me busy, but I have been able to meet with some people in Brussels who I think will be helpful for my thesis research, and to tour local pubs and taste as many delicious Belgian beers as possible.
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