BCE Alumni - from Uni.lu to Eurovision and RTL!

The Bachelor en Cultures Européennes (BCE) programme recently launched alumni groups in anticipation of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the programme in 2025. And this year, for the first time, a BCE Alumni Round Table was organized on 13 September as part of the welcome programme for incoming BCE students. 

We caught up with two of the round table panelists: Catarina Martins who graduated from the BCE-English Studies track in 2020 and Gaël Arellano who graduated from the BCE-Histoire track in 2014. Catarina became the Chargée de Projet for the Eurovision 2024 relaunch in Luxembourg and Gaël is working as RTL journalist while also running his own show.  

What do you do now and what do you love about your current job? 

Gaël: I’m a journalist/reporter and I love the fact that my days at work never look the same. Interviewing, recording, reporting live, commenting, writing, editing. And it’s never about the same stories or people. 

I have always been very passionate about politics, sports and have taken a big interest in housing and real estate these last few years, seeing as it’s one of the biggest talking points in Luxembourg. Actually, this led me to create the first show about housing and real estate in the Luxemburgish media: “La Bulle Immo”.  

What I’m most proud of is getting to where I am with absolutely no help. As in Luxembourg a lot of people get jobs through contacts, I’m very happy it was not my case. 

Catarina: I currently serve as a member of the Media Team at the Department of Media, Connectivity, and Digital Policy (SMC). What I love most about my job is the diversity of my daily tasks and the continuous learning opportunities it presents. Every day is different, which keeps my work dynamic and engaging.  

Recently, I had the exciting opportunity to be part of the team that organized Luxembourg's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, marking the country's return after 31 years of absence. As a longtime fan of Eurovision, being part of the team was an experience I could not have imagined just a year ago. 

Why did you choose to study at the University of Luxembourg and how did your studies help you in developing as a professional? 

Catarina: Honestly, it wasn’t a deliberate choice at first—fate played a significant role: it was the first university to offer me acceptance, and the convenience and cost-effectiveness of staying close to home made it the best option. In hindsight, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. My studies were instrumental in shaping my professional skills. For example, I learned to communicate my ideas clearly and concisely, which has significantly increased my efficiency at work, both in writing and speaking. I used to struggle with public speaking, but a piece of advice from Professor Prüm changed everything. She suggested that I could simply present while seated or leaning, which alleviated the pressure of the constant overthinking which was happening while I was presenting, such as "Do I look normal standing this way? What should I do with my hands? Should I stand still? ", and allowed me to focus entirely on my message. This approach has been invaluable, particularly when leading meetings at work. 

I also have many fond memories of my time at the University of Luxembourg. The friendships I formed during those years are still strong today. I especially cherish the experiences I had as a member—and eventually president—of ULESSA, where I enjoyed planning and attending events. The university environment was vibrant and youthful, yet also relaxed, which I really appreciated. Reflecting on those years, I feel they were incredibly fulfilling, both personally and academically. 

Gaël: My study programme at the University of Luxembourg was very useful as my studies were very research oriented. It’s something that I definitely took over in my job: researching information, fact checking them, finding the right expert to talk about it, show my sources…

Sherley De Deurwaerder, Gaël Arellano and Catarina Martins at BCE Round Table event

What would you like to say to those who are considering Uni.lu as their choice of university? 

Gaël: To those who are thinking of studying at the University of Luxembourg I can only say go for it. It’s a great university where teachers actually take the time to talk to the students. So if you are in need of guidance, you will probably find the right person to talk to pretty easily. 

Catarina: If you're looking for a high-quality education with diverse learning methods—whether through classes, presentations, or excursions— Uni.lu is an excellent choice. The small class sizes might seem intimidating at first, but they offer a great opportunity to find your voice and actively participate, which will ultimately benefit you. The University also has a vibrant student life, but you need to seek it out. I strongly encourage you to get involved; it’s a great way to make friends and enrich your university experience.