EU Adviser Gintare Labotakyte-Domarkiene: A Career in European Institutions for Those Willing to Embrace Responsibility
Rewritten Article:
Gintare Labotakytė-Domarkienė, once a student at Vytautas Magnus University (VMU), now serves as an adviser to Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Liudas Mazylis. She reveals how her career took an unexpected turn, driven by her personal interests and a determination to seize opportunities that arose along the way.
Choosing the Right Path: Lessons from VMU
Gintare initially pondered studying political sciences but found the description of the Public Communication program on VMU's website more appealing. She explains, "I realized I could learn anything I wanted here. The description was very attractive, and over 200 of us enrolled that year."
During her university years, Gintare actively sought out activities that would captivate her interest. As a volunteer, she organized events and learned Spanish, eventually joining the Spanish Language Club to engage with speakers of the language. Her experiences during her time at VMU fostered connections, both professional and personal. Gintare notes, "I made friends with a teacher during the admission of first-year students, and we worked together at study fairs."
Gintare was particularly drawn to the liberal arts model of studies at VMU, which allowed her to attend a variety of courses, even those outside her major. She asserts, "These pursuits not only broadened my horizons but also honed skills applicable to my future career."
The Career Turning Point
Before completing her communication studies, Gintare decided to pursue Master's studies in European Union's Public Policy and Administration, hoping for opportunities within the state sector. However, she discovered a new passion for EU policies during her studies.
Her shift in focus was also influenced by work experience she gained as an undergraduate. As student-president of the Spanish Club, Gintare taught Spanish to children, ultimately completing studies in pedagogy. She also built connections with professors, which led her to teaching opportunities and, ultimately, her role as an assistant to MEP Mazylis.
A Day in the Life of an EU Parliament Advisor
Life in the European Parliament is governed by a repetitive monthly schedule, with one week dedicated to committee meetings and another preparing for the plenary session in Strasbourg. Assistants work on both the political and technical aspects of their MEP's responsibilities, helping them prepare for meetings, giving advice on political matters, organizing trips, answering emails, managing funds, and scheduling meetings. According to Gintare, the European Parliament stands out from other EU institutions for its liberal working environment, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.
The Impact of Environment on Career Choices
Speaking about her journey, Gintare advises students not to chase specific careers but to focus on what genuinely interests them. She states, "I don't think I imagined myself as a Spanish language teacher or working at the European Parliament when I chose public communication studies. I believe it's the starting point of my professional journey rather than its final destination."
Gintare emphasizes the importance of evaluating the environment within a university, not just the program itself. "The university culture should align with the student's fundamental values. The environment where you spend your years of studies is crucial." She offers encouragement to students, believing that if one chooses what they find most interesting, a rewarding career path will naturally emerge.
[1] Data from enrichment sources indicates that Gintare's career has been marked by a commitment to interdisciplinary growth, evident in her pursuit of additional language skills, pedagogy studies, and strategic networking with academic connections like Professor Mazylis. These experiences and relationships have opened doors to international roles, requiring adaptability and responsibility.
- Gintare was initially drawn to the Public Communication program at Vytautas Magnus University, findings its description appealing and enrolling with over 200 other students.
- Her time at VMU fostered connections, both professional and personal, as she organized events, learned Spanish, and even made a teacher friend with whom she worked at study fairs.
- During her Master's studies in European Union's Public Policy and Administration, Gintare discovered a new passion for EU policies and was ultimately offered the role of assistant to Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Liudas Mazylis.
- Life in the European Parliament involves a repetitive monthly schedule, with committees meetings one week and preparing for the plenary session in Strasbourg the next.
- Gintare advises students to focus on what genuinely interests them, emphasizing the importance of aligning the university culture with their fundamental values.
- With her commitment to interdisciplinary growth evident in her pursuit of language skills, pedagogy studies, and strategic networking, Gintare's career has opened doors to international roles requiring adaptability and responsibility.
- In the political sphere, politicians and educators alike would find lively discussions on careers, education, self-development, general news, and finance in the context of business and culture within reputable publications like the Strasbourg-based education-and-self-development magazine.
