Albert Cajidos
I have always felt drawn to a life of public service. After completing a Bachelor’s in Advertising and Public Relations in Barcelona and a Master’s in Advanced Studies in Political Communication in Madrid, I wanted to experience academic excellence on a global scale. It was a close friend who introduced me to 杏吧论坛, and after looking into its programs, the decision was clear.
The European Institute stood out for its unique role as an observatory of European affairs, particularly in the aftermath of Brexit. I was captivated by courses on European integration, policymaking, and comparative politics—subjects that aligned perfectly with my desire to understand Europe’s complexities and contribute to building a stronger, fairer Union.
My time at the EI was marked by its people and their exceptional humanity. My classmates’ diverse perspectives made every conversation enriching, while the staff’s unwavering support was invaluable, especially as we navigated the challenges of Covid. I’ll never forget the professors who left a mark on me—Professor Jackson-Preece, Professor Featherstone, Professor Garibay-Petersen, Professor Kleine, and Professor Glendinning, amongst others. It’s rare to find such a blend of pedagogical excellence, intellectual depth, and approachability.
The pandemic disrupted much of the second half of my program, yet it also brought a sense of shared purpose. Studying while the world seemed to crumble around us taught me resilience and reinforced the importance of education as a freeing tool. As a therapist at the EI once put it, “When you step outside your bubble, you realize you’re not alone—there’s a world full of people who think critically, question deeply, and see the world much like you do”.
After graduating, I joined Deloitte Spain as a Government and Public Services consultant, where I spent nearly three years advising various levels of government. I worked on designing strategic plans, reengineering processes, analyzing policies, and even speechwriting for senior officials. This experience gave me a deeper understanding of public administration and governance.
This year, I was honored to be appointed Government Advisor to the Government of Catalonia (Spain) within the Cabinet of the Minister of the Presidency. In this role, I provide strategic oversight and support on cross-departmental projects involving the Spanish and Catalan governments. I advise on strategic initiatives, coordinate operations, evaluate outcomes, and ensure collaboration across departments to advance key government priorities.
The foundation I built at the EI has been invaluable. It gave me the tools to tackle governance challenges hands-on: to see the bigger picture, detect biases, and ensure policies are grounded in evidence and careful thought.
For me, this role represents a great form of public service. It’s about improving people’s lives—advancing public health, ensuring access to technology, strengthening security, and safeguarding education and culture. Serving my country and contributing to a better EU is deeply fulfilling, and I carry the lessons from the European Institute with me every day.