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Future Leaders in action: A meaningful job shadowing experience in Odorheiu Secuiesc!
How Are Local Decisions Made, and What Happens Behind the Maze of the Office Doors? Anna, Barni and Márk had the opportunity to get an insight into the everyday work of Odorheiu Secuiesc’s local leadership on three occasions, as part of the internship programme implemented within our Future Leaders Erasmus+ KA2 project.
On 12, 14 and 28 May, the three students shadowed the Deputy Mayor’s Office, gaining insight into the work of various other departments and professionals involved in local decision-making along the way. After all, in local government, everything is interconnected.
The aim of the programme was to help the students better understand decision-making processes, discover the skills and competencies required to navigate them, and get to know the people behind the decisions. Rather than simply observing public affairs from the outside, they experienced first-hand how planning, consultation and decision-making come together in the everyday tasks of leading a city. That is why the internship involved much more than office conversations: the students also took part in numerous field visits and professional meetings.
They learned about the operation of municipal public services, social housing, playground maintenance, green space management and initiatives affecting local communities. Their visits included a dog shelter and the “Lápmenti Learning House”, as well as participation in a public consultation forum and professional discussions.
Throughout the programme, the students had the opportunity to observe not only the Deputy Mayor’s work but also that of other decision-makers and professionals. They even had the chance to sit down for a personal conversation with the Mayor of Odorheiu Secuiesc. During their third visit, they explored the decision-making process in greater depth and attended a local council meeting. This gave them a glimpse not only into the preparatory work behind local decisions but also into how local issues reach the formal decision-making stage.
During the final evaluation, Anna, Barni and Márk all described the experience as highly valuable. Over the three days, they realised that leadership is far more complex than it might appear from the outside. Effective leaders need a well-developed set of personal competencies, among which the students highlighted adaptability, humility, openness and a strong sense of purpose.
Coordinating different areas of responsibility, balancing diverse perspectives and managing a constant flow of emerging tasks require a considerable degree of responsibility. The role calls not only for professional knowledge and organisational skills but also for flexibility, a willingness to learn and commitment. The students also emphasised the importance of a strong sense of purpose: it can provide the inner motivation and energy needed to handle a wide range of responsibilities, many of which are unpredictable.
The internship created space for the students to ask questions, explore connections and understand how local administration works through direct experience. In line with the objectives of the Future Leaders project, the programme aimed to strengthen young people’s critical thinking, encourage active civic engagement and help them better understand the work of local decision-makers.
Because active participation does not happen only in council chambers or municipal offices. It can be found in our streets, community spaces, social services and in every decision and action that shapes our everyday lives.
