Gary Paterson

BA (Hons), MSc, MA, FRSA

Policy and Communications

Available to Work from January

Hello, I'm Gary.

Recently graduated from the College of Europe, I am currently a Schuman Trainee at the European Parliament, working in DG Communications supporting the Parliament’s Liaison Offices across the EU and externally in London and Washington DC.

Over these last few years, I have studied in-depth the policy, practice, and processes of politics and international relations, and have had the opportunity to work in campaigns and politics to see these in practice.

Enthused by the coming together of states, global actors, and global citizens, and empowered by the transformative power of education; both provide a strong motivation to make an impact in international and European affairs.

Now more than ever we require global solutions to vital issues that we cannot solve on our own, or which stretch across this world. I want to do my bit to help amplify the voice of citizens, and to provide effective policy and communications which support change.

Upon completion of my Traineeship in January 2022, I will be looking to begin a new opportunity in policy and communications at the international level.

"Education empowered me to help others, and in doing so it changed my life forever."

career

My Skills

Interviews, Surveys, Analysis, & Reports.

Design, Content, Impact, and Delivery

Speech Writing, Press Releases, Content

Speeches, Interviews, Conferences

Point of Contact, Meetings, Liaison

Strategy, Design, and Management

Campaigns, Lobbying, Issue-Tracking

Planning, Logistics, Contact, Delivery

career

My Work

Articles & Press

Projects & Campaigns

Media & Speaking

Podcasts & Panels

Activities & Events

Recent Activity

Communications Trainee at the European parliament

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Meeting with EP Chair of Foreign Affairs Committee, David McAllister MEP

I was delighted to join a discussion on the future of EU diplomacy with David McAllister MEP, Chair of the EP AFET Committee and former Minister-President of Lower-Saxony. I was particularly pleased to meet an MEP with such close ties to home!

Policy Support for the conference on Regions and Cities for Partnerships

I was delighted to support the European Commission DG INTPA and Committee of the Region conference as an extra-curricular during my European Parliament Traineeship, I served as notetaker for our workshop on migration, inclusion, and citizenship.

Photoshoot Assistant for the EP Visitors Service

I was pleased to help out as a photoshoot model for the House of European History promotional photoshoot!

Speaker at the European Citizens Prize

I was honoured to be asked to introduce 16 Winners of the #EuropeanCitizensPrize 2020/21, and to support the Parliament's recognition of inspirational European citizens!

Assistant to the European Youth Event

I was delighted to join the organising team of the European Youth Event supporting events logistics and stage management for the Europe Space in the events village.

Supporting MEP's Remote Plenary Participation

I enjoyed supporting colleagues to connect MEPs to participate in the Strasbourg plenary session from the Parliament's Liaison Offices via videoconferencing.

Life at the college of europe

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Video Call with David McWilliams

We enjoyed a fascinating and engaging discussion with economist David McWilliams, I was pleased to ask a question on his view of the Scottish and Irish Government Strategic Partnership developments.

Communications Assistant to NATO Secretary-General's High-Level Lecture

I was honoured to provide support to Jen Stoltenberg's visit to the College of Europe, delivering online communications.

College of Europe Study Video Call with OSCE Secretary-General

Many thanks to Helga Schmid and our Rector Federica Mogherini for an interesting discussion on developments in peace and security.

Appel vidéo avec le président François Hollande

J'ai apprécié l'opportunité de participer à un appel vidéo en français avec le président Hollande grâce à la Société française du Collège d'Europe

Leading the Danish Foreign Ministry in our CoE Sim Game

We had an engaging week in a highly detailed simulation of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, in which I was pleased to lead a successful Danish Foreign Policy strategy.

Lecture and Dinner with Ambassador Mayr-Harting

I was delighted to join a 12 h lecture series by the Former Head of 'EU at UN' and Former Austrian Permanent Representative to the UN. It was a pleasure to give the Ambassador (and College alumnus) a short trip to the Canteen for a discussion over dinner.

Background

Academia

Proud alumnus of

Education has changed my life.

Starting in a small community college of further education in the North East of Scotland, I gained the support and passion which encouraged me to be the first in my family to attend university.

In university, I found myself drawn to study, research, and activism that could make a positive impact on the world.

I am proud of my academic journey, and am honoured to be a product of Strathclyde’s ‘useful learning‘, to be one of Glasgow’s ‘world changers‘, and to hold ‘l’esprit du Collège d’Europe‘ in all that I do.

Background

Career

proud to have worked for

I am passionate about politics and international relations, I want to do my bit to help make the policy and communications in our international affairs more impactful and relevant to people from all walks of life.

With a unique combination of political geekery, an cross-societal understanding, and a passion for policy and communications, I seek to bring these three together in order to make a positive contribution in efforts to tackle the issues of our time.

I am driven to make an difference; I am ready and excited to take my next step!

Background

Volunteering

Proud to have served

I am proud to be an active citizen, driven by an instinctive desire to help others and to make a lasting impact for those who will inherit the communities and the world which we too have inherited.

I believe that it is the duty of every responsible citizen to try to leave things in a better state than which we found them; I maintain this drive in my career and academic work, but always find time for volunteering and citizenship action.

No matter what comes next in my career, I will also do what I can to help out.

impact

Referees

The opportunity to attend the College of Europe has been a dream of mines for many years, in pursuit of this exceptional course I was pleased to receive the following letters of support:

"Gary has demonstrated a commitment to the European project, Scotland’s place within it, and the voice of active citizens across the EU. Demonstrating a long and sustained commitment to European affairs, through study, career, volunteering, and even in his social ties across the EU, Gary is an active citizen in both Scotland and Europe at large."

"I have had the pleasure to know Gary for several years and always have been impressed by his can do attitude. Gary, as he says himself, if the first person in his family to attend University and it is clear that he has taken maximum advantage of the opportunity. Gary is a personable individual with an admirable intention to succeed."

"Mr Paterson has always impressed me with his commitment to his studies whilst also working on behalf of fellow students and young people, making sure that youth involvement is an integral part of politics in Scotland. The confidence that he invokes in his abilities and dedication is shown clearly by his election to posts such as membership of the Scottish Youth Parliament and Scottish EU Youth Ambassador."

"Gary was one of my very dynamic and enthusiastic communications assistants to cover the high-level visit of NATO Secretary General Mr. Jens Stoltenberg on social media. Gary has a very positive attitude, is a valuable team player, is perfectly capable to work independently and can keep up a very high pace, which proves that he is very stress resistant and driven. In my opinion, he has all the required skills, know-how and competencies to become an extraordinary communications and policy expert."

"Gary was an integral member of our team for 4 years... I have no hesitation in recommending Gary for any position that he applies for as I know he will do all it takes to excel and will undoubtedly rise to any challenge he is presented with. I have rarely met someone who has achieved so much despite the obstacles they have had to overcome. I say without hesitation that any employer would be very lucky to have him as a member of their team."