Mathias and Bhumika's arrival not only strengthens the central team but also reflects the engagement that defines the Circle U. community, supporting younger generations to build their careers and get experience in an international environment.
Through their own words, discover what motivates Mathias (at the left of the picture) and Bhumika (at the right), and what it’s like to work at Circle U.
“An alliance that goes beyond traditional exchange programmes”
For Bhumika, joining Circle U. was a natural step. Currently completing her MSc in Communication Science at the University of Vienna, she was looking for an opportunity combining international experience and meaningful impact. “I have always been interested in working in an international organisation, and Circle U. felt like a great fit.”
What stood out to her most was the alliance’s vision: “I was particularly drawn to its mission of creating an alliance that goes beyond traditional exchange programmes like Erasmus. Circle U. aims to build an open campus where students can genuinely engage with all nine universities.”
As Communications Assistant, Bhumika is involved in shaping how this vision is shared. From contributing to social media to supporting communication strategies, her role sits at the intersection of creativity and coordination across the alliance.
Working at the Brussels Office quickly revealed a new perspective:
Being based at the Brussels office places you at the centre of this network, where you communicate both externally about the alliance’s opportunities and internally with everyone involved in making it work.
Bhumika Gupta, Communications Assistant at the Circle U. Office
She also highlights the richness behind the scenes:
“From the outside, Circle U. might appear to be simply an alliance of nine universities, but once you are immersed in it, you realise how complex and dynamic it truly is.”
“An intense international feel to being at work”
Mathias joined Circle U. as Policy Assistant, bringing with him a strong interest in European affairs, and a unique personal journey. “I didn’t take the direct way into higher education… I spent several years doing various jobs and a lot of backpacking.”
After completing degrees in European Studies and Political Science, his academic interests naturally led him to Circle U.: “I wrote my master’s thesis on European strategic autonomy… and I believe the strengthening of higher education across Europe is within the scope of this.”
His connection to the alliance began earlier, during an Erasmus exchange: “I went to Circle U. arranged student events, learned about the alliance, and got a positive impression of it.”
Today, his work focuses on policy monitoring, analysis, and supporting the strategic activities of the alliance in Brussels. For him, the internship is also about exploration:
I hope to try a lot of different things professionally… learn to work in policy administration in Brussels, understand how European stakeholders act, and get experience working with policy analysis.
Mathias Nissen, Policy Assistant at the Circle U. Office
Learning, contributing, and growing
Both Bhumika and Mathias emphasise the same takeaway: Circle U. offers a hands-on, fast-paced experience within a truly European ecosystem.
For Bhumika, it’s about contributing to a growing initiative: “Since Circle U. is still a relatively young organisation, there is a lot of room to contribute.”
For Mathias, it’s about building skills for the future: “If I can develop skills that I can use later in my career and at the same time contribute to the goals of Circle U., I will be very satisfied.”
Their internships are just beginning, but they also highlight what makes a Circle U. internship unique: responsibility, international collaboration, and the chance to work at the heart of European higher education.
Apply for the next internship round
Inspired by Bhumika and Mathias’ journeys? The next internship application period at the Circle U. Office opens in April.
We are looking for motivated master’s students or recent graduates from our partner universities who are eager to gain experience in a dynamic European environment. Whether your interests lie in communication or policy, an internship at Circle U. offers a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of higher education in Europe.
Stay tuned for more information on how to apply—and take the first step towards your own Circle U. experience.
