Two recently-graduated students at the University of Malta have been selected to participate in a year-long on-site traineeship with the EUIPO (European Union Intellectual Property Office) as part of the Pan-European Seal Training Programme.
Laura Engels (BA Psychology and Anthropology) and Ibraam Girgis (B. Communications (Hons)) are the two successful candidates for the programme. Whilst the programme does look for applicants with a background in STEM, other opportunities are also available in different fields, as is indicated with the selection of Laura and Ibraam.
The Pan-European Seal Training Programme is an annual programme launched in late January which is offered to recent graduates for positions to be held within both the EUIPO and the EPO (European Patent Office). Despite being a traineeship, throughout the year candidates benefit from numerous opportunities in networking, further training, and career development.
The Knowledge Transfer Office is an official contact point between the Pan-European Seal Training Programme and any interested candidates. We take care of launching the call locally, meeting the applicants, hosting virtual visits and training, and also shortlisting the applicants who will then be reviewed by the EUIPO and EPO teams.
Here’s what Laura and Ibraam had to say about starting their new adventure in Alicante:
“I have applied for the PES-Traineeship at the EUIPO because I saw the opportunity for growth. l am referring to the ability of the mind's interactive play by benefitting the individual plus the world's optimum potential. It is a time-limited offer that allows me to embellish my skill set-- that of communication, welfare, and more. Since I am currently employed in a similar position to the products delivered by the EUIPO, linked to trademark and marketing, I felt an immediate connection. Further, l would like to enter a new experience after my studies abroad, making my dream of a profession a reality. Here, I continuously like to embrace the effect of change on one's perspective by living in different countries and cultures.”
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ― Albert Einstein
– Laura Engels, BA Psychology and Anthropology
“There is a saying in Dutch that goes, "A no you have but a yes you can get". Meaning that If you never try, you'll never get it, which is why I applied to this program regardless of the enormous competition, and now I'm going to work for the European Union!
– Ibraam Girgis, B. Communications (Hons)
Should you be interested in next year’s round of applications, keep an eye out on the KTO’s channels for announcements.
Wishing Laura and Ibraam the best of luck.
