"A valuable step towards a Junior Project Manager role ..."

My three-month internship at APRE gave me the chance to see how the theory covered in the Master's translates into the day-to-day reality of European project planning.
I worked mainly within the Horizon Europe framework, focusing on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) and WIDERA proposal writing. Alongside supporting researchers through advisory services, I contributed to the organisation of the MSCA 30th-anniversary event and co-delivered presentations at institutions such as LUMSA University and Institute Francis de Rome. Dedicated training on Lump Sums, financial reporting and project closure gave me a clearer picture of the full project lifecycle.
The environment was stimulating and collaborative, and my colleagues were welcoming throughout. I learned a great deal about advisory practice and consortium dynamics. One suggestion I would offer is around communication on the terms of the placement. Being clear from the outset about what is and isn't possible at the end of an internship would help interns plan their next professional step with more confidence. Overall, this has been a valuable step in my transition towards a Junior Project Manager role.