Beginning my internship at Comillas Pontifical University has been quite engaging. I will be assisting with the FAIR project, an EU-funded initiative designed to raise awareness and encourage implementation of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights. It has been a unique and rewarding experience so far. Although I’ve only just joined the team, I’ve already started to get a clear sense of the environment in which this work takes place. It is a professional space that differs significantly from more traditional sectors such as finance, private industry, or even national public service. FAIR sits at the intersection of civil society, EU-level policy development, rights advocacy, and education. Understanding this space means understanding not only the technical nature of the work but also the broader political, social, and cultural contexts in which it operates.
The industry I’ve entered can be broadly defined as the rights-based NGO and policy sector, with strong ties to legal advocacy, civil society development, and international cooperation. Projects like FAIR don’t generate profit, instead, they aim to create impact, real, measurable change in how people understand, defend, and use their fundamental rights. This sector tends to operate through public funding, primarily from European institutions, and is driven by collaboration between NGOs, universities, public institutions, and networks like FRANET. As a result, the pace, language, and culture of this work differ from what you might find in corporate settings. It’s often slower, more bureaucratic, and highly collaborative.
From what I’ve observed in this first week, a few key skills stand out as essential for success in this field. Analytical thinking is crucial, especially when working with legal and policy documents. Projects like FAIR require the ability to examine how the Charter is (or isn’t) being applied in different EU countries, and to interpret patterns and gaps in implementation. Alongside this, communication is vital not only internal communication between project partners, but also the ability to translate complex legal ideas into accessible public messages. This is particularly important given that a large part of the FAIR project revolves around awareness-raising campaigns directed at citizens who may have little to no legal background.
Another important skill is the ability to work across cultures and disciplines. FAIR involves partners in nine countries, each with its own legal system, political context, and relationship with the EU. Working effectively in this environment requires cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and often a multilingual mindset. Similarly, strong project management skills are essential. Like many EU-funded initiatives, FAIR involves multiple work packages, tight deadlines, and strict compliance requirements. Organization, time management, and attention to detail are all basic, but important skills.
Some competencies feel particularly tied to the European context in which this work takes place. For instance, understanding how the EU’s legal and institutional systems work is essential. This includes knowing the difference between the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights and the European Convention on Human Rights, or recognizing which bodies are responsible for enforcing different layers of law. It’s also important to understand how public funding works in the EU, everything from procurement rules to reporting standards. This level of structural awareness goes beyond theory; it’s a practical necessity for anyone working in rights-based EU projects.
There’s also a political and cultural dimension that is unique to the European Union. While the Charter is a binding legal document, its recognition and use vary widely between countries. Some Member States have strong traditions of rights-based discourse and others may be more skeptical or unfamiliar with EU instruments. That means awareness-raising isn’t just a matter of communication but a matter of political framing. The way you talk about rights in Portugal might not resonate in Bulgaria. This adds another layer of complexity and makes localization and community engagement key components of any campaign.
What I’ve found most valuable so far is realizing that success in this field isn’t just about having legal expertise or communication skills. It’s about finding the space where those skills intersect with empathy, cultural fluency, and a sense of purpose. The people I’m working with are trying to make EU rights something real, something citizens understand, use, and value.
In this first week, I’ve mostly been observing and absorbing, but already I feel like I’m gaining an appreciation for the landscape I’ve entered. It’s a complex, dynamic environment, but one that offers a real opportunity to be part of something larger than myself. I’m excited to contribute, and more importantly, to keep learning how this field works from the inside.
