Hélène Weil

I was an exchange student at Boston University (MA) when I decided to apply for the double degree in European Affairs between Sciences-Po Paris and the London School of Economics. Living and studying “across the pond” had taught me so much about Europe, the EU and France that I was eager to re-discover them from a new, equally fascinating, perspective. In addition, I had fallen in love with London during a school trip to the city when I was thirteen, and I had always wanted to live there for some time. What better way to fulfil those goals than to join the LSE European Institute at the heart of London?

Studying at the EI was an intense and extremely stimulating experience: never before had I spent so much time thinking, analysing and confronting ideas about Europe, its economies and political and social dynamics within and between countries. These political thinking and analytical skills have been critical for my career as EU public affairs specialist, to understand policymaking and establish a constructive dialogue between stakeholders and policy-makers.

Being taught by inspiring professors who have been advising European institutions and national governments was definitely one of the highlights. Not to mention the chance to make friends with people from around the world. We went different paths after LSE but the “EI connection” endures, not least because we all have in common our choice to study European Affairs from the UK, knowing the UK’s complex relationship with Europe. I must say, in all our discussions in seminars or at the George, we never thought the UK would leave the EU just a few years later…

My Masters in Political Economy of Europe has helped me find my first job in a public affairs consultancy in Brussels. Eight years down the line, I am Head of EU Public Affairs at the European Power Exchange EPEX SPOT, where I contribute to connect European electricity markets and thus to increase energy security across Europe. I am still passionate about European politics and policies and even more determined to build bridges between countries, across the Channel and across the continent. It is only by opening one’s horizon and mind and trying to speak the same language (quite literally) that we can understand another country’s perspective. Of course, it means leaving one’s comfort zone and taking some risks, but it is definitely worth the effort. This is one of the lessons I learnt from my amazing year at LSE and it will continue to guide me through my career path.