Interview with a Trainee in the Training and Professional Development Centre
The EUAA, headquartered in Malta, employs hundreds of staff: from experienced professionals to young people and trainees. Thanks to the diverse nationalities and cultures represented by staff members, working at the Agency’s headquarters can be a deeply enriching experience. To give you an insight into what working at the EUAA feels like, we spoke with Ombeline, a Trainee at the EUAA.
Can you introduce yourself?
Hello, my name is Ombeline de Voisins, I am 21 years old and I come from France.
Tell us about your current role at the EUAA.
I am a Blue Book trainee working at the Training and Professional Development Centre (C2) of the EUAA. The EUAA training supports the practical implementation of the Common European Asylum System through harmonisation of practices and the enhancement of quality standards. This helps ensure that asylum and reception officials throughout Europe have the skills needed to ensure fast and fair procedures in line with EU standards. Specifically, I am part of the Training and Learning Research and Analysis Sector (TLRS).
This sector plays a pivotal role in analyzing and transforming large datasets into comprehensive reports on EUAA training for both the agency and external agents. TLRS focuses on producing essential analyses and reports related to asylum data and the agency's training and learning activities, which help reflect and guide the work of the EUAA.
What are you working on?
As part of my internship, I am exploring various tools necessary to the process of compiling, extracting, analysing and reporting information. I have developed my skills in the use of statistical computing software, and I have produced code scripts to automating the extraction and visualisation of specific datasets into HTML Web reports and Word documents.
Improving the automation of data visualisation increases the efficiency of my sector to communicate results. Additionally, I am gaining expertise in the preparation and analysis of on-line surveys, e.g., training needs analysis and for planning the Annual Training Report.
I am also compiling a list of available data sources related to migration and asylum to provide direct and easy access to information for personnel of the Agency. What I work on, namely enhancing data visualization and data collection, participates in making information and analysis accessible to stakeholders, bridging the gap between raw data and the insights derived from it. This not only facilitates informed decision-making but also contributes to the agency's overall effectiveness.
What is your main takeaway from this experience?
This internship, through its diverse tasks, is helping me become proficient with the main tools necessary for analysis in my field which I find incredibly valuable. Besides gaining insights into the agency’s operations, I am developing skills and expertise that will highly benefit my professional career.
What do you like about living in Malta?
Living in Malta is a very rich experience. The island's small size makes it easy to explore, and it's a place where many cultures blend together. The landscapes are particularly stunning and there are many beautiful places to enjoy the warm weather and meet people. I am also fascinated with the rich history of the island, where vestiges from the prehistoric, Middle-Age and modern times can be found all in one place.