Magnus Ryenbakken – Junior Professional in the Competition and State aid Department
Why did you apply for the Junior Professionals Programme?
I applied for the Junior Professionals Programme at the EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) as I found the possibility to work in an international environment and gain international experience appealing. I also found the opportunity to work closely with other European institutions and at the forefront of European policymaking particularly exciting. In addition, ESA’s Junior Professionals Programme seemed like a tailor-made programme where you are given a lot of responsibility and become an integral part of the team, which was important to me.
How has your experience with the Junior Professionals Programme been so far?
As a Junior Professional in ESA’s Competition and State Aid Department, I have been assigned my own cases and I am part of bigger teams within the field of both State aid and competition. In addition to the day-to-day case handling, I have also attended several meetings in the European Commission and gone on trips to the Court of Justice of the European Union and the EFTA Court in Luxembourg. The programme allows for a perfect mix of new experiences and challenging legal work in an environment with really welcoming and knowledgeable colleagues. The fact that all the Junior Professionals are accommodated in the same building also allows for a very close-knit group of friends that have made settling in Brussels easier. All in all, the Junior Professionals Programme has exceeded my expectations and I’m happy that I applied.
Kristjana Torfadóttir – Junior Professional in the Competition and State aid Department
How was the application process for your position?
The application process for my position was challenging, but also extremely educational. It provided me with an opportunity to deepen my understanding of competition law and State aid. During the interview, I was asked questions related to these areas, which tested my ability to think critically and apply my knowledge to real-world scenarios. Additionally, I was given an interesting ESA Decision to review, which offered a great introduction to the type of projects I would be working on. Overall, the application process prepared me for my future role and enhanced my understanding of the work I would be doing at ESA
What is the work culture at ESA like?
The work culture at ESA is collaborative and intellectually stimulating. It is an environment where we take on complex challenges, and there is a strong emphasis on continuous learning. The team is supportive, and us Junior Professionals are encouraged to contribute our ideas and insights. It is a place where both personal and professional development is prioritised, making it an exciting and rewarding place to build my career. There are also several social events throughout the year, which means it is easy to get to know your coworkers and make friends.
Johannes Kohler – Junior Professional in the Legal and Executive Affairs Department
What opportunities have you gotten in your Junior Professional role?
As a Junior Professional in the Legal and Executive Affairs (LEA) Department, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with legal advisers on several intriguing cases currently pending before the EFTA Court. My role has included assisting in drafting written submissions, preparing for oral hearings, and contributing to the overall case preparation process.
What is it like living in Brussels?
Living in Brussels is very fun. The city has a vibrant social scene and offers plenty of things to do. With a large expat community, people are generally open and eager to meet new people. Its central location also makes it easy to travel around Europe. If you are looking to live abroad and expand your social circle, Brussels is an excellent choice.
Would you recommend the Junior Professionals Programme?
I highly recommend the programme to anyone with an interest in EEA law. The positions offer invaluable hands-on experience and the chance to learn directly from some of the leading experts in the field. Additionally, it is an excellent opportunity to build confidence working in an English-speaking environment.