Title of job:
Outreach and Information Officer for the European Commission Office in Wales.

Languages studied for A level:
French, Spanish, English Literature (through the medium of Welsh).

Languages studied at university:
French, Spanish and Catalan – degree European Union Studies.

University:
University of Wales, Cardiff

Best thing about the course:
The Erasmus Year and studying the mix of politics and languages on the course.

Where did you spend your year out?
Rennes and Barcelona.

Do you think that the fact that you studied languages helped you to obtain this post? Definitely, to work for an EU Institution you must be able to speak another Community Language apart from your own.

Could you tell us more about the nature of the job outlining main tasks and responsibilities?
The European Commission Office in Wales is the link between Wales and Brussels for every European issue on the Welsh agenda. The role of the Office is to keep Brussels informed about developments in Welsh business, politics, education and other areas, as well as ensuring people in Wales understand the issues and work of the EU.

Do you use your languages frequently? If so, in which situations?
Yes, I use French on work trips to Brussels, Spanish and French when liaising with colleagues from the other EU25, and a lot of the internal EU administration is in French.

What other jobs have you done since leaving university?
I worked in the National Assembly for Wales.

What is the best thing about learning another language in your opinion?
It gives you a real insight into the culture and people of the country.

What would you say to those who are reluctant to carry on with their languages? Keep at it - the benefits outweigh all the boring grammar you have to learn!