Meet Our Intern: François Nondonfaz Shares His Experience at the CCLBL

The CCLBL had the pleasure of welcoming François Nondonfaz, a 21‑year‑old Master’s student from the University of Liège, currently completing a dual degree in Law and Management. While spending a semester abroad in Lisbon through Erasmus, François decided to take on an additional challenge: gaining his first professional experience in an international business environment.

Why the CCLBL?
With extra time available during his Erasmus semester, François wanted to immerse himself in a setting that combined three elements he values: people‑focused work, the economic and diplomatic sphere, and an international environment. The CCLBL offered exactly that, giving him the opportunity to step into the real world of cross‑border business and institutional relations.

Skills and Knowledge Gained
François highlights that the internship helped him grow on multiple levels.
He strengthened his organisational skills, balancing academic life in Lisbon with professional responsibilities.
He developed networking and communication skills, including how to approach interviews and professional conversations.
He gained new knowledge through two in‑depth research projects: the Portuguese defence industry and the EU Data Act — topics he had never explored before and found surprisingly enriching.

Impact on His Professional Outlook
Although François already aspired to work in the economic and political spheres, the internship reinforced this ambition. It also gave him a clearer understanding of the complexity of today’s major issues and the importance of studying them in depth. A highlight of his experience was participating in the state visit of Belgian Minister of the Interior Bernard Quintin to the Belgian Embassy in Portugal, which confirmed his interest in international work.

Personal Insights
Reflecting on the experience, François shares that the internship taught him the value of seizing opportunities. Taking on an internship abroad, entirely in English, during an Erasmus semester was unexpected — but deeply rewarding. It showed him that stepping outside one’s comfort zone often leads to the most meaningful growth.

Looking Ahead
Professionally, the internship strengthened his passion for economics, business, and politics, and encouraged him to pursue an international career. Academically, it motivated him to continue exploring diverse subjects with curiosity and depth.

Three Words to Describe the Experience
A first — his first internship, made memorable by the warm welcome at the CCLBL.
Enriching — filled with learning and meaningful encounters.
Unlikely — an unexpected but transformative experience during an Erasmus semester abroad.

A Word of Thanks
The CCLBL warmly thanks François for his commitment, curiosity, and hard work throughout his internship. His contribution to our research, events, and daily activities was truly appreciated, and we are proud to have been part of his first professional experience. We wish him every success in his academic journey and future international career — and we look forward to seeing where his talent and ambition will take him next.