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Shaping Eurocrats, a matter of international diploma? The case of College of Europe Students

Elites
European Union
Political Sociology
Qualitative
Education
Higher Education
Maxime Behar
Université de Strasbourg
Maxime Behar
Université de Strasbourg

Abstract

This communication examines the social and educational backgrounds of students at the College of Europe, a key institution for training EU professionals. Drawing on questionnaire data, interviews, and a cohort follow-up, it analyzes students' international capital and career paths. The study reveals that College of Europe students are mainly from upper-class families and have distinctive academic trajectories characterized by international experiences, although there are differences between Western/Northern and Eastern/Southern European students. Students can be categorized based on the volume and timing of their international capital acquisition: "international heirs" from upper-class families gain it early, while others acquire it later through academic experiences. Five years post-graduation, nearly half of alumni work in Brussels, primarily in EU institutions, lobbying firms, and the public sector, with internships playing a crucial role in accessing these positions. Case studies illustrate different pathways: an "international heir" who views EU positions as just one option among international careers; a student from a modest Polish background who establishes himself in EU institutions thanks to the academic international capital gained at the College; and an Italian alumnus who quickly integrates into a Brussels law firm due to the professional socialization provided by the College. The paper concludes that possessing international capital is essential for careers in EU affairs. However, the timing and mode of its acquisition, as well as the specific role of institutions like the College of Europe, significantly shape graduates' professional trajectories and investment in the EU field, highlighting the diversity of routes leading to the Eurocracy.