The Guild network

Interviews with our interns

Interview with Giulia Consonni - Junior Policy Officer

What inspired you to join The Guild, and how has your perspective on research and innovation evolved since then?

I am very passionate about the academic environment and share The Guild's vision and belief that research has the potential to positively impact society at large from a variety of perspectives and across different fields. At the time of application, I was therefore excited and enthusiastic about the opportunity to join a network of universities working in this field, dedicated to improving research and higher education policy at EU level and lobbying the EU institutions. At the same time, I was keen to work in Brussels and gain experience in EU policy research and analysis. In this context, I saw the position of Junior Policy Officer at The Guild as a great and exciting opportunity.

On the one hand, as I had already embraced The Guild's vision and recognised the importance of its core principles, I would say that my perspective on the significance of R&I has not evolved radically since then but rather has been continuously confirmed. On the other hand, I have undoubtedly learned a lot from a policy perspective, and I am now aware of many aspects that I had been unaware of before moving to Brussels.

Can you share a moment or project that made you feel particularly proud during your time at The Guild?

It is not easy to find a single moment or project: I think what I liked most was the opportunity to be involved in a variety of tasks. This has led to a sense of pride in my ability to meet the needs and objectives set, and to contribute to different projects with different colleagues. Yet, should I pick a single moment, I would cite the Africa Charter event in November 2024. In view of the strong collaboration between The Guild and the ARUA, at the event many stakeholders expressed a keen interest in learning more about our collaborative work, with a particular focus on the Africa–Europe Clusters of Research Excellence. I attended the conference alone, without a more experienced colleague from The Guild. I believe that I was able to address all queries and curiosities with precision and professionalism, and that I was (hopefully!) a good representative of The Guild. This experience has left me feeling proud.

What skills or insights from your time at The Guild do you think will be most valuable for your future career?

Several examples come to mind, but I will mention three.

Firstly, I am convinced that the policy research skills I have acquired during my time at The Guild will be valuable for my future. Conducting policy research and gaining insight and practical experience of EU policymaking has been extremely important and has complemented and enriched my theorical studies in European law and politics.

Secondly, insights into lobbying practices represent a novel and therefore invaluable element of my tenure at The Guild. Participating in and assisting with the organisation of meetings with EU representatives was a highly interesting experience, as was observing how my colleagues and stakeholders in the sector engage with them and achieve lobby goals.

Thirdly, I would mention research skills. Despite prior experience in academic and legal research, gained through previous studies and employment, conducting diverse forms of research, sometimes within limited timeframes, was an important aspect of my time at The Guild. I believe this fostered my research skills and will be helpful in my future career.

Interview with Federica Giovagnoni - Junior Communications Officer

What inspired you to apply for the role as Junior Communications Officer at The Guild and how did your experience as a psychologist contribute to this role?

My background in psychology has given me a deep understanding of communication’s role in human interaction. It’s not just about clinical practice but about how people connect, share ideas, and influence one another. When I discovered the opportunity at The Guild, I was immediately drawn to its mission of fostering collaboration and amplifying the voices of research-intensive universities. Coming from a family of researchers, I have always been surrounded by a deep appreciation for research and innovation. This role presented a unique opportunity to merge my expertise in psychology with my personal connection to the academic world. My background in psychology has equipped me with the ability to understand different perspectives, tailor messaging effectively, and facilitate connections. Working at The Guild have allowed me to apply these strengths while contributing to a cause that resonates deeply with me.

How has your time as a communications trainee helped you grow personally and professionally?

My traineeship at The Guild has been a transformative experience. Personally, it has boosted my confidence in adapting to new challenges and articulating complex ideas clearly. Professionally, it has deepened my understanding of strategic communication within the academic and policy landscape. I’ve particularly enjoyed learning to tailor messages for diverse audiences such as researchers, policymakers, and university organisations, while effectively navigating different communication styles across various platforms.

Can you identify specific skills or knowledge you’ve developed during your training here?

I developed essential communication skills, including content creation and editing for newsletters, reports, and social media. I gained expertise in strategic communication, ensuring messages align with organisational goals and resonate with different audiences. Additionally, I honed project management skills, overseeing timelines and coordination for key initiatives like the annual report. My proficiency with digital communication tools also expanded, allowing me to effectively use content management systems, social media analytics, and design tools to enhance outreach and engagement.

Can you share an example of a project or task you worked on that made you feel particularly proud?

One of the highlights of my traineeship has been leading the design and development of The Guild’s annual report. Managing such a key publication was both a challenge and a privilege, requiring strong organisation and attention to detail. Seeing the final report come together as a visually engaging and impactful document was incredibly rewarding. This project not only strengthened my design and project management skills but also improved my ability to translate complex information into an accessible and compelling format. Knowing that this report represents The Guild’s achievements over the past year makes me especially proud.

My time as a Junior Communications Officer has been a rewarding journey of learning, creativity, and collaboration. I’m deeply grateful to my supervisor, Janne, for guiding me and teaching me all about organisational communication, and to The Guild’s team for creating such a supportive and dynamic environment. Their unique personalities and expertise have made this experience truly special.