Máté Bajtay

European Public Policy MA

You are in the epicentre of EU decision-making and policy formulation, so make sure you take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Why did you choose Brussels School of International Studies (BSIS)?

I chose BSIS for my Master’s for various reasons. Brussels will always be ‘the heart of Europe’ and the capital city of the EU so it's the most convenient place to study European politics. Secondly, for personal reasons it meant for me the reconnection with the city itself, after finishing high school in Brussels. Also, having studied in the UK for my undergraduate degree, the institutional setup of BSIS looked like the perfect environment to continue my academic formation at Master’s level.

What was the best thing about studying in Brussels?

The best thing about studying in Brussels is the proximity of the EU institutions and the truly international environment you are surrounded with during your studies. The sense of feeling and experiencing European ‘demos’ in practice is really inspiring and could motivate you further during your career path.

What have you done since graduation, and what are you doing now?

After I completed my Master’s Degree at BSIS in 2015, I briefly became a trainee assistant at the private office of a Vice-President of the European Parliament. Then, I made a return to Hungary in 2017 and became an EU sectoral policy expert responsible for Corporate issues at the State Secretariat for EU Affairs (Prime Minister’s Office, then Ministry of Justice). 

During my time as a public civil servant, I received a full-scholarship scheme from the Ministry to complete my second Master’s at the College of Europe (Bruges) in 2018-19. I am currently a National Expert on Professional Training in the European Commission at Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) Western Balkans Directorate.

What advice would you give to current students?

My primary advice to current students at BSIS is to make the most of socialising and networking in Brussels with like-minded people and constantly looking for the opportunities to meet new and interesting individuals. Don’t forget that you are in the epicentre of EU decision-making and policy formulation, so if you are interested to work in this environment after your studies at BSIS, make sure you take advantage of this unique opportunity. BSIS is the perfect place to develop your multiple skills required for that.