UAB student shares her journey as an ECIU intern
Vanessa Caiza, UAB student and former president of the Barcelona Youth Council, shares her experience as an intern of the ECIU, the UAB’s European alliance. Caiza talks about her time as a student of International Relations and her experience as an intern in the ECIU office in Brussels. With the goal of ending social inequalities, the ECIU has been fundamental in Vanessa’s choice to advocate for a fair and responsible digital era, and use technology for social progress. For Vanessa, this experience represents an opportunity to make a difference for other students like her.
How did you learn about the ECIU and ECIU University?
I came across ECIU University during my studies at the UAB – through peers who had participated in its micro-modules. The methodology and diversity of topics immediately fascinated me, so I researched as much as I could about the organisation.
I appreciated the scale of its impact and the support for people’s adaptability and resilience in a fast-evolving labour market. This was the exact goal I wanted to contribute to. And then, I was very lucky to discover the ECIU internship vacancy.
What inspired you to take on the position of an intern at the ECIU’s Brussels office?
The ECIU combined various elements I connected to – making education accessible, supporting skills adaptation in an era of change, and using technology for the common good.
Last year, during my internship at the Permanent Delegation of the Government of Catalonia to Switzerland, I saw firsthand how regional actors engage in global diplomacy within the UN system. This shaped my interest in policy-making across multiple levels of governance – especially the European level, which is crucial for my country. Having been active in pro-European youth organisations during my bachelor's degree, I was naturally drawn to the dynamic landscape of Brussels, where I could work for a cause I had long been committed to.
As an intern, what are your main duties and tasks?
I primarily support the ECIU’s policy work by managing tasks that make it possible for other team members to do the advocacy efforts. This includes maintaining contact with member university representatives, monitoring legislative advancements and ongoing debates at the European Parliament, and channelling opportunities for our researchers.
Recently, I also supported the organisation and implementation of an ECIU board meeting and ECIU University’s high-level conference in Brussels, which really stood out for me. Engaging with community members coming from across the world, all committed to collaboration for societal transformation, was incredibly inspiring. It allowed me to personally see how the individuals involved in the ECIU and ECIU University share values and a common vision, giving my daily tasks even greater meaning.
What has stood out for you most during your internship so far?
For me, the biggest highlight is my team. The people at the ECIU Brussels office are truly talented professionals and exceptional individuals.
Through their example, I am learning a lot about collaborative team dynamics, constructive work culture, and absolute dedication to a shared purpose. Moreover, they take care of each other beyond strictly professional matters, giving space for personal growth as well.
Being part of this team at the start of my career is very empowering.
Are there any skills the internship helped you develop?
Communication skills, without a doubt. Through the FOREU4ALL initiative, a platform for all European university alliances coordinated by the ECIU, I have witnessed the complexities of collaborating with over 60 partners. Words become extremely important in interactions across borders, cultures and languages. While being precise with the choice of terms is important, ensuring a message is clear for everyone is a greater challenge. My colleagues do an incredible job in translating complex ideas and building connections between stakeholders.
It has also offered me the space to engage with colleagues from different organisations. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect, and now I feel significantly more confident in the way I articulate and express ideas within the unique professional environment of the Brussels community.
What is your advice for future interns at the Brussels office, as well as students looking to explore opportunities at the ECIU and ECIU University?
For future interns, I would recommend exploring professional interests across the Brussels ecosystem. It is a unique place where a variety of local, national and international actors coexist. And it’s a privileged position to immerse yourself in a specific field or discover new ones.
I am personally interested in AI, digital policy and social progress, and there are an incredible number of initiatives about these topics in the city right now. Future interns should definitely keep that in mind!
But most importantly, remember that the people at the ECIU and ECIU University are incredibly passionate about their work. This lesson became very clear to me after the High-Level conference in Brussels. Seeing firsthand that this is a project people truly believe in made me realise that having genuine motivation transforms the entire experience.
I don't feel like I’m doing this for my career only. I feel that I’m contributing to making higher education more accessible, resilient in a volatile labour market, and equitable in the digital age.