Guest Speaker | Eurocontrol

The guest speaker for this week was, Moritz Graf von Hochberg, a student who just completed his placement year at Eurocontrol. A European organisation which governs air navigation and traffic based in Luxembourg. Moritz's presentation instilled confidence in my ability and transparency in my doubts and worries. My biggest concern was starting my placement with a limited experience and therefore struggling to deliver work of industry standard, whilst adapting to all the other challenges this experience would bring. His honest and open advice made it clear that this journey is very much about gaining knowledge, the focus isn’t so much about where you are when you start but what you draw from the experience. A break down of his 12 months at Eurocontrol articulated that placement schemes take this common worry into consideration. This opportunity acts as a gateway between the amateur and the professional world. The intensive training and hands on projects for interns during the introductory months aim for students to utilize the transferable skills learnt at university such as group work, working to tight deadlines and pitching ideas.  

The option to study abroad was one I have briefly considered, although Moritz had connections in Luxembourg prior to his settlement, the idea of moving so far away from everything that is familiar to me would be a real test. The creative industry in Europe contributes to approximately 6.8% of the GDP and generates 6.5% of jobs. Unfortunately the lethargic integration of new technologies within the sector has resulted in the destruction of thousands of jobs. The implementation of Horizon 2020, an initiative aiming to conduct research to better develop this sector by 2020. Joining the industry halfway through the initiative would be beneficial as I would gain first hand experience of how new advances are being made and the impact they will have on society, the economy and their way of life.

My upper-intermediate proficiency in Spanish makes, an opportunity in a Spanish speaking location a viable route. I would rapidly improve my Spanish, gain a better insight into the economy and proceedings of businesses outside of the UK all whilst expanding my knowledge in my chosen field/craft. Embracing a new culture and adapting too a new way of life would equip me with imperative life lessons, I am confident that these combined aspects would only heighten my experience. I was really able to identify with Moritz, everyone’s experience and review of their placement year is different and getting an insight into his experience of working abroad has offered me a new perspective.