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What else can be more impactful than bringing together the leaders of tomorrow and the ones with the decision-making power today? When Junior Achievement Europe contacted me to be part of the programme, I immediately accepted, thinking it was a great initiative. 18 year old Rares Vasilescu played my shadow for a day in the European Parliament, seeing first-hand what my position entails and how a working day looks like for me.
As one of the European Parliament's Vice-Presidents, my agenda is often packed. The day started with the usual team meeting to plan the day ahead. I could already see on his face a mix of surprise, interest, curiosity and, to my delight, an uninhibited and genuine attitude to the discussion with my team.
We then went on to the EPP political group meeting, a framework in which we discuss the group line on various issues and legislative dossiers currently on the table. We quickly returned to the office, where we had to decide on my amendments for the Digital Single Market resolution, a debate in which Rares eagerly took part, quickly grasping the issues surrounding telecommunications, digital services and e-commerce.
We then held a couple of meetings on the reform of the copyright legislation, with representatives from the artists and performers associations, as well as the music industry. While these meetings can get rather technical and very specific, Rares asked our guests very pertinent questions and the exchange of views was vivid and interactive. Not lastly, on the same day, I was hosting a Romanian delegation representing the aluminium industry, with which we discussed the reform of the European Emissions Trading System.
To me, it may have been just a regular working day, to him, maybe, an encounter that helped him understand what this kind of working environment means. I must say it was a great experience that I would wholeheartedly recommend further. It gave me a fresh perspective on my work and it made me think of how my activity is seen through his young eyes. Before leaving, he told one of my assistants that he wouldn't have thought before that it would be so interesting. Always happy to be able to change perceptions for the better.
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It’s hard to sum up my Brussels experience in just a few words, because it was an incredible experience. Immediately after arrival we spent four hours networking at warm-up session and trying to remember all our names (unfortunately we weren‘t completely successful) and learning about our leaders.
I had the opportunity to shadow MEP Martina Dlabajová, who is a very positive and inspiring woman. I went with her to all her meetings and tried to work as a part of her team, which I found extremely challenging. What I liked the most was her WhyNot project, which provides students with the opportunity to participate in internships. Her colleagues also showed me the parliament and answered all my questions. We finished our day together at an evening cocktail, where all 36 participants and their leaders shared their Leaders-for-a-Day experience.
Sightseeing in Brussels at night was a perfect end to the whole day. It taught me that it’s important not to be afraid of speaking in English, because we all make mistakes and no one really cares if you use a wrong tense or miss a word.
I’m glad I could participate in the Leaders-for-a-Day initiative and meet so many amazing people, which I hope to keep in touch with. Finally, I would like to thank Elena, JA Europe and JA Czech for this chance.
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My experience with the Leaders-for-a-Day program was amazing. François Lhémery, from France, is the Senior Director of Policy for Microsoft EMEA and the leader I followed in October 14th in Brussels. I had the opportunity to talk and get to know François, what he did in his life and that he started the same as me: an entrepreneur!
François was the best leader that I could “shadow” due to his sympathy, knowledge and common points of view that he and I shared. I came to know that Microsoft was supporting various programs and institutions besides Junior Achievement such as “All You Need Is Code” and “YouthSpark” and a “whole new world” of Microsoft products. I also learned that Microsoft takes their job of creating policies and preventing cyber crimes, such as piracy, very seriously and for that I couldn’t be more grateful.
The Leaders-for-a-Day programme provided me with a great opportunity to meet a motivational, professional and great leader that has already provided so much to the world. Because I could talk to François, observe him and speak with him, I learned so much on how to prepare myself for what’s coming in my future!
The Leaders-for-a-Day programme brings so much value to students, such as myself because it provides the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills and personal values in ways that traditional education doesn’t. I can only say that I enjoyed the day a lot and want I also want to express my gratitude to JA Europe, JA Portugal and François Lhémery, my leader!
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Leader-for-a-Day initiative has been phenomenal! It goes with out saying that it was a great opportunity to network with one of the best in their fields, as well as aspiring entrepreneurs from across Europe. I was able to experience a day in the life of a well recognised director of an international consultancy firm, and I can say with confidence that it has greatly influenced my future ambitions.
I would like to thank all of JA Europe, their sponsors but especially our supervisors Ms. Elena and Ms. Roxana for planning and organising this profound opportunity, as well as the rest of the bright and ambitious participants who all shared the same vision as me. It is people and initiatives like these that will move the human race forward and I think JA as a whole is a great benefit to the society.
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I want to begin by thanking everybody involved in the organization for this unique experience my peers and I had. The two days I spent were more than fulfilling of my expectations. One of the greatest events I have attended so far in my life. I could not be more humble and appreciative of this exceptional opportunity I had. I tried to gain the most out of the situation and I think I did.
Having just a day with my inspirational leader the Vice President of International External Affairs, Mr. Karim Lesina and Mr. Wouter Ghysens, Global Project Manager, both from AT&T, showed me what it takes to be a leader in today’s world.
Mr. Lesina showed me how transparent and down to the ground a leader could be with his colleagues and lead a wonderful and efficient team. Moreover, he advised me and at the same time was curious of my thoughts and experiences. Wanting to know more about me revealed to me that being a leader is about being kind and thoughtful among other important skills. By sharing some life experiences he had, he broadened my way of thinking. I picked some of his thoughts about few interesting topics and I am sure that they enhanced some of my skills acquired from the JA program. Now I am eager to apply them in my future field of work.
It was delightful to meet such extraordinary likeminded people. I was amazed just by connecting with them for few hours and had a great time debating on few current topics. I am keen on keeping in touch with them in the future and expanding my network of friends.
I would eternally be grateful for this unique experience, which I could easily say that it is one of those life changing experiences, people have once in a life time. Spending just couple of days reassured and made me more confident in my path of choice in life.