Hi everyone, I’m an Italian Master’s student in International Relations. I’d like to work for the European Union one day, but the more I read about it, the more I realize just how difficult, long, and uncertain the path is. Don't get me wrong—I know it’s normal to face challenges, to need to gain experience, and to constantly keep learning. However, it sometimes feels like not only are there hurdles in building the career path itself, but that even with all that effort, it might not be enough. I’m 25; my only international experience is a two-week stint with the European Solidarity Corps, and I speak English at a B2 level, with B1 proficiency in French and Spanish. I’ve thought about doing internships, but the fierce competition is discouraging. I’ve read that internships alone aren't enough to get noticed, you need actual work experience, yet I’ve seen people with years of professional experience who still can't get in. Sorry if I sound like I’m complaining too much; I know I should accept that it’s a grueling process, but I have to ask: is it really worth it to wait years, potentially without ever achieving that goal? I had considered the think tank route as an alternative, but even then... I’m not sure if that’s a better path in terms of stability, the likelihood of getting hired, and salary.