Latest news: Graduates unaware of EU vacancies

Young people are missing out on job opportunities within the EU due to a lack of awareness, according to a new poll.
25/01/2011 

Over 80% of students polled are unaware of the recruitment process which could lead to jobs in the European Union Civil Service, according to the survey by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

It asked 2,200 university students whether they had considered working for the EU, with 56% saying yes. Despite this, the majority (74.2%) had never applied because they were unaware of the selection criteria and application process.

‘The results show that there is clearly an appetite amongst young people for working in the EU institutions. There is some work for us to do, in conjunction with our partners, to raise awareness of the career opportunities available,’ said Minister for Europe David Lidington.

The survey was carried out as part of a cross government initiative to increase the number UK nationals working in the EU, which is currently under represented, particularly in the EU civil service.

This under representation is set to grow in the next few years as just under half of the UK nationals currently working in the EU civil service will retire within ten years.

Graduates with French or German language skills are particularly sought after and the Foreign Office is working in conjunction with universities to make graduates aware of the possibilities.

For more on EU careers, see the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.