What was your role at SolarPower Europe?

I was a Policy Intern, working within the Policy Team on energy files relevant for our members.
 

Why did you apply for the position at SolarPower Europe?

I had just finished my B.A. in International Relations at George Washington University and I was seeking practical experience in EU policy. I had always been interested in lobbying and curious to learn about how renewable energy policy was made in practice. Not only that, but I realized the Brussels would be the ideal place to gain exposure to these interests and inform my choice for a future master’s degree.
 

What were your main tasks at SolarPower Europe?

I worked mainly on EU solar manufacturing policy, supporting SolarPower Europe’s leadership at the intersection of business and policymaking with the goal of positively influencing EU policies for the industry and the planet. I closely monitored the political discourse on key industrial policy files, organized webinars and CEO meetings, and wrote internal and member-oriented position papers on EU funding instruments.
 

What did you enjoy the most about working at SolarPower Europe?

I think the mission-driven work environment coupled with fascinating topic areas was the best part. People were very kind and encouraging, always ready to give constructive feedback, and gave me the freedom to take ownership of projects. For me, the work struck the right balance between technical policy analysis and the exciting political advocacy side.
 

What did you find most challenging?

I think it was sometimes challenging to prioritize tasks, because unexpected events sometimes required us to adapt on the fly. Figuring out strategically the best way to manage projects is definitely a skill that I developed during my time at SPE.
 

How has the SolarPower Europe traineeship helped your career?

The opportunities at SPE helped me enormously. I was able to expand my network in the EU energy policy field, and I also gained a crash course on EU policymaking and energy policy specifically. The time period of early 2022 was pivotal for the EU energy space, and through that experience I feel especially confident in my ability to be resilient in the future.

What was your role at SolarPower Europe?

During my Master’s degree in Renewable Energy at Ecole Polytechnique, I did a 6-months internship at SolarPower Europe as a Policy and Market Advisor.

Why did you apply for the position at SolarPower Europe?

After acquiring strong technology and scientific background in the energy domain from my Master’s degree, I wanted to join SolarPower Europe to learn more about policy and market analysis to diversify my experience.

What were your main tasks?

I was involved in market analysis around SolarPower Europe’s flagship publication, the Global Market Outlook & the EU Market Outlook, alongside my policy analysis role on grid integration and the National Energy & Climate Plans.

What did you enjoy the most about working at SolarPower Europe?

I enjoyed working at SolarPower Europe with a highly dynamic, flexible and motivated team who are passionate to learn and grow their expertise while also making a positive impact on the energy transition.

What did you find most challenging?

The most challenging part of my job was the diversity of my tasks where I was involved in several policy and market intelligence projects at the same time. However, this was an exciting and fast-paced working experience that helped me grow and learn faster. 

How has the SolarPower Europe traineeship helped your career?

From my internship at SolarPower Europe, I acquired solid analytical and communication skills on energy markets and policies which helped me join a leading company in the energy transition to work as a Financial and Market Analyst as part of their Energy Talent Program

What was your role at SolarPower Europe? 

I was an Event Management Intern working with the best and sweetest supervisor Charlotte and in the team led by Daniel at the time. 

Why did you apply for the position at SolarPower Europe?

I was finishing my MBA at KU Leuven when I applied and I always enjoyed working with events, so I decided to try an internship in the area. I wanted to work for a fast paced and growing organization as well, which is why SolarPower Europe was the perfect fit. Alongside, I always believed in working for organizations you believe in or believe in what they are doing, and I definitely believe in sustainability and renewable energies and I was excited about working to help the sector grow.

What were your main tasks at SolarPower Europe? 

Pre-event: Organization, travel bookings, communication with speakers coming to events, making sure website was updated. During event: make sure everything was running as expected. Post - event: follow up with speakers and attendees.

What did you enjoy the most about working at SolarPower Europe? 

Definitely the people! Everyone is super friendly and open-minded. I miss the team a bunch. One of the best places I have worked for. We worked hard but we also had a great time together.  

What did you find most challenging? 

I would say events are always unexpected, so dealing with something you cannot plan for is a challenge. But that was part of the job, so I did not have a problem with it. 

How has the SolarPower Europe traineeship helped your career? 

It was definitely a great place to start my career and it provided me with the skillset to grow my career as a young adult at the time. I would say working in an international environment, learning from different and diverse backgrounds, was also an enriching experience professionally. Besides, I had great mentors throughout the way who always provided great feedback and made me a better professional, and those are people I still look up to!