Professional Skills Training

Scope

The Professional Skills Training of the GS-EES aims at additional skills that are not directly related to electrochemical energy storage, but which are essential for scientists and engineers during their doctorate and in preparation for their future career in science or industry.

A certain total number of credits is mandatory including a minimum for the categories “Good Scientific Practice / Research Ethics” and “Equal Opportunities / Diversity / Mentorship”. Besides that, the Professional Skills Training can be tailored individually to the needs and interests of every GS-EES member.

The Professional Skills Training of the GS-EES is organised in the four categories “Communication”, “Management”, “Good Scientific Practice / Research Ethics” and “Equal Opportunities / Diversity / Mentorship”.

Communication

Communication

Communication is a major task in science and relevant for all doctoral researchers since research results are rather useless if they are not known by others. Communicating in science ranges from writing articles in scientific journals, presenting talks and posters at conferences or meetings to informing the public and at least a PhD thesis has eventually to be written by everyone.

Courses in this category include academic writing, preparing posters and presentation slides as well as voice training to name a few.

Management

Management

A PhD thesis can be considered as a project and many third party funded research activities are organized as projects as well. In addition, many doctoral researchers have more tasks than just doing their own research, e.g. they are supervising the research of bachelor and master students. Thus, management skills are useful already during the doctorate.

Management skills often become even more important for the future career in academia and especially in industry.

Courses in this category range from time- and self-management to project management.

Icon symboling Good Scientific Practice

Good Scientific Practice / Research Ethics

Obeying the rules of Good Scientific Practice is an absolute must for each scientist. But what exactly are those rules, what are the responsibilities of a doctoral researcher, which conflicts can one encounter during a doctorate and how should one react when noticing violations of those rules? Answers to these and other related questions can be found in Good Scientific Practice / Research Ethics courses.

Research Data Management

Another important issue to perform reliable research is Research Data Management (RDM). Thus, RDM courses are also categorized as Good Scientific Practice in the GS-EES Qualification Program. Teaching of RDM in the GS-EES goes beyond the aim to comply with guidelines for safeguarding good research practice. In close collaboration with the RDM activities of the Cluster of Excellence POLiS we also seek to unlock additional scientific value through systematic data handling and widespread data reuse across our research community. We offer workshops instructing how to make best use of Kadi4Mat, which is developed at KIT and integrates an electronic lab notebook (ELN), a robust repository, and advanced data analysis tools.

Icon symboling Diversity and Mentoring

Equal Opportunities / Diversity / Mentorship

The group of doctoral researchers is diverse in terms of gender, social and cultural background, nationality, etc.. Courses in the category Equal Opportunities / Diversity / Mentorship aim at supporting and empowering each individual doctoral researcher during their doctorate and to prepare steps for the future career. In addition, we aim at improving the collaboration between the diverse group of scientists.

Courses include intercultural trainings, workshops on unconscious biases, workshops on career planning and application processes and more.

To emphasize the importance of this category, the GS-EES Qualification Program demands to gather a minimum of 1 credit point.

How & where to find courses

The GS-EES offers specific workshops covering all categories of the Professional Skills Training. A focus is on those categories which require mandatory credits, i.e. Good Scientific Practice / Research Ethics and Equal Opportunities / Diversity / Mentorship.

In addition, a broad variety of courses is offered by the respective institutions of our home universities responsible for supporting and promoting young researchers. These are

  • the Graduate & Professional Training Center (ProTrainU) at Ulm University
  • the Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
  • the Giessen Graduate Center for Natural Sciences and Psychology (GGN) at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU)

 

Participation in such courses is credited towards the GS-EES Qualification Program.

Workshop offerings of our home universities

Upcoming workshops

Communication (academic writing, presenting, etc.)

Mon, October 19, 2026

Scientific Writing. What Makes a Good Paper and How to Write It (Two-day)
Publications of research results is the currency in modern science. It might not be your favourite occupation, but it is a decisive one, strongly determining your future research and career opportunities. In this course, you will be introduced to the process of writing a scientific paper. In order to deepen and apply this knowledge, you will also actually produce a manuscript based on your research data (and one that might serve as the foundation for a journal submission). Questions about other forms of text like conference papers can also be discussed.
Details
Tue, October 06, 2026

Science Pitch & Storytelling 2026
Communicating is key! You are used to doing science talks at conferences. What if you could present the essence of your work to non-experts in only ninety seconds and convince them of the impact of your work on industry and society? In your future career, you often need to break down the content of your complex research projects and condense them with the aim of presenting them in a concise and convincing way.
Details
Tue, June 30, 2026

Getting Published (E-Learning)
The course advises young scientists on how to publish the hard-won results of their research and to plan an appropriate publication strategy for their early academic career. The course will begin by exploring why researchers in the sciences should publish their results. It will then guide participants through the processes involved in getting an article or paper published in an academic journal.
Details
Tue, June 30, 2026

Conferences, Presenting and Networking. Communicating Your Research with Impact (E-Learning)
This course will help you to explore how you can communicate your work to a range of audiences using digital tools and innovative communication methods. It will also encourage you to reflect on how you can build networks and connect with your professional community.
Details
Mon, June 29, 2026

Grant Proposal Development. How to Design and Communicate your Research Project Convincingly for Funding Bodies (Four-day)
Developing successful grant applications is an essential skill for a career in research. In this workshop you will learn tools and background information that, on the one hand, will help you to efficiently develop your research idea into a research project which matches your target funding program and, on the other hand, to write it up in a grant proposal of high quality. We will also discuss opportunities and limitations of integrating AI into the proposal writing process.
Details
Tue, June 23, 2026

Scientific Writing. What Makes a Good Paper and How to Write It (Two-day)
Publications of research results is the currency in modern science. It might not be your favourite occupation, but it is a decisive one, strongly determining your future research and career opportunities. In this course, you will be introduced to the process of writing a scientific paper. In order to deepen and apply this knowledge, you will also actually produce a manuscript based on your research data (and one that might serve as the foundation for a journal submission). Questions about other forms of text like conference papers can also be discussed.
Details
Mon, June 22, 2026

Conference Presentation Training. Engaging the Listener in Your Talk (Two-day)
For young scientists, it is a regular and important task to present their work to others. At the same time, however, to persuasively communicate one’s ideas to colleagues or decision-making bodies is often considered challenging. Yet, being a good speaker is often just question of developing a set of skills and techniques such as the use of voice and body language, an effective presentation structure and the dynamic use of language.
Details
Tue, June 02, 2026

Effective poster design and presentation
Workshop covering the key elements for effective poster design and presentation of the poster during a poster session. This workshop would be customised to those in attendance with all attendees invited to send materials about their research in advance of the workshop. This would include past posters (if available), past presentation slide decks, and research papers.
Details
Mon, May 11, 2026

Thesis Defense Training (Two-day)
The oral defense of the dissertation marks the final milestone of a PhD and poses unique communication challenges. This workshop is designed for doctoral candidates who wish to prepare intensively for their disputation.
Details
Mon, May 04, 2026

Storytelling-Principles for Scientists. Giving Your Arguments the Persuasive Edge
As a scientist, you are constantly competing for attention—whether you are presenting your research to the public, applying for funding, or positioning yourself for the next career step. In these moments, expertise alone rarely sets you apart. Your competitors are often just as capable, and facts or logic while essential, seldom carry the persuasive weight needed to truly engage an audience.
Details
Tue, March 24, 2026

Präsentieren (zweitägig)
„Facts tell, stories sell“. Die bloße Auflistung der eigenen Laborergebnisse mag für eine Publikation in Fachzeitschriften genügen. Wer aber einen nachhaltigen Eindruck hinterlassen will – sei es zum Anstoßen von Forschungskooperationen bei Tagungen, zur Einwerbung von Fördermitteln bei öffentlichen Geldgebern und Industriepartnern, aber auch bei der Kurzpräsentation der eigenen wissenschaftlichen Tätigkeit im Rahmen eines Vorstellungsgesprächs – umgibt seine fachlichen Leistungen mit einer ansprechenden Verpackung.
Details
Tue, March 17, 2026

Visualizing Science (Two-day)
Scientific research is often difficult to comprehend for individuals both outside the respective discipline and academia in general, particularly if it is communicated solely in technical terms. However, in times in which it becomes ever more important for scientists to exchange information across disciplinary boundaries and with the public, it is vital that they know communication tools that help non-specialist audiences to gain a better understanding of their research. Given that humans generally process and store visual information (e.g. images, sketches) more effectively than text-based information, we focus on techniques that allow you to graphically present your research topics for a lay audience.
Details
Fri, March 06, 2026

Souverän auftreten, effektiv kommunizieren
Als Nachwuchsforschende wird von Ihnen in erster Linie erwartet, wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse zu befördern. Dabei ist es eine Sache, die Forschungsergebnisse mit dem nötigen fachlichen Handwerkszeug zu erzielen; eine ganz andere Sache ist es jedoch, die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse und die eigene Forscherpersönlichkeit auch überzeugend und souverän nach außen hin zu vertreten. Genau darauf kommt es jedoch in vielen Situationen auch an. Sowohl innerhalb der Wissenschaft, wie auch für zukünftige Positionen außerhalb der Wissenschaft kann dieser zweite Aspekt ein Erfolgsfaktor für die Karriere sein.
Details
Mon, February 02, 2026

Scientific Writing. Improving Your Scientific Writing Skills in English (Two-day)
This workshop focuses on the language you use when writing scientific papers. Our aim is to improve your writing by talking about conventions in the field, producing your own texts and discussing further questions which arise whilst writing.
Details

Management

Wed, January 28, 2026

Basiswissen BWL (zweitägig)
Betriebswirtschaftliches Verständnis und betriebswirtschaftliche Kompetenzen sind in vielen unterschiedlichen Bereichen des beruflichen Alltags immer häufiger erforderlich. Da das jeweilige fachwissenschaftliche Studium diese Kenntnisse oftmals nicht vermittelt, wird im Rahmen dieses Workshops eine wissenschaftlich fundierte, grundlegende sowie anschauliche und praxisorientierte Einführung in die zentralen Bereiche der Betriebswirtschaftslehre gegeben.
Details
Fri, February 13, 2026

Strategien für ein gelungenes Selbst- und Zeitmanagement (dreitägig)
In Ihrem Alltag sind Sie vielfältigen beruflichen und privaten Anforderungen ausgesetzt, die zu Zeitdruck und Zeitnot führen können. Die vielfältigen Anforderungen im Wissenschaftsalltag wie Lehre, Forschungsprojekt und Veröffentlichungen, die erwartete Flexibilität und der ständige Druck verstärken dieses Gefühl noch. Den täglichen kurzfristigen Erfordernissen wird häufig Vorrang gewährt, während die wichtigen oder langfristig angelegten Vorhaben in den Hintergrund treten und persönliche Interessen zurückgestellt werden. Unzufriedenheit, Zweifel und Erschöpfung können die Folge sein.
Details
Mon, February 23, 2026

Project Management for Research Projects (Two-day)
Research has always been project-focused. However, the increasing complexity of projects and project consortia means that old approaches are no longer enough. Modern project management allows you to get the most out of your resources and to perform more research with fewer resources, at lower stress levels.
Details
Mon, March 02, 2026

Working Smarter with AI. How LLMs can help you turning knowledge into action more effectively (Five-day)
With the rise of Generative AI chatbots, you can now apply advanced professional skills far more effectively than before. Techniques that once required long practice before they could be applied (e.g. in the realm of communication or creative problem-solving) can now be operationalized far more quickly with guided AI support. This shifts the focus in developing professional skills from lengthy acquisition to immediate application in collaboration with AI.
Details
Thu, March 05, 2026

Successful Project Management - Fundamentals
Students who successfully passed this module • are familiar with a fundamental project management framework • are able to present a business case and initiate a corresponding project • are able to understand the influence of stakeholders and how to communicate or report (intermediate) project results • are able to plan a project and to apply techniques of requirements-, time-, scope- and resource management • are able to assess and describe the overall effort for the project work • are able to identify risks qualitatively and quantitatively and how to adequately respond to risks in general • are able to understand how a project is executed • are able to monitor and control project work and judge if corrective action is necessary
Details
Tue, March 10, 2026

Translating Research into Impact: Design Thinking & Systems Thinking for Scientists
Curious whether your research—or you—have entrepreneurial potential? Join our interactive PhD workshop led by YES-certified trainers Lena and Luisa and discover how to uncover the hidden impact of your research and broaden your perspective from analytical to systemic thinking. Learn how to apply user-centred design, sustainable problem-solving and entrepreneurial thinking to your scientific work—and your future career. Whether you envision a path in industry or dream of launching your own venture, the skills you gain will be valuable in any field.
Details
Wed, March 11, 2026

Agile Project Management (One-day)
Agile project management allows running projects in changing and uncertain environments. Originally developed in the IT sector, agile project management is now widely used across various fields to respond flexibly and effectively to evolving conditions.
Details
Thu, March 19, 2026

Getting Started. Managing Your Dissertation Project Successfully (Two-day)
Writing a doctoral thesis is very challenging. But if you take a smart approach early on, you are likely to reach your objectives faster and achieve superior results. This workshop focuses on the critical elements for a successful doctoral journey: Which mindsets, tools, and processes make a real difference on the way to a PhD? We concentrate on three areas: The efficient organization of tasks and notes, the productive communication with supervisors and the research community, and the structured reading and writing of academic papers. In each area, we will reflect on effective mindsets, tools, and workflows. The goal is for each participant to take away at least three specific ideas on how to substantially improve their own approach.
Details
Mon, April 13, 2026

Basics of Project Management (Three-day)
Project management is an essential competence for researchers. It supports the successful completion of complex tasks in everyday academic work and is equally relevant for future roles outside academia. Projects succeed when professional expertise is combined with solid management and self-management skills.
Details
Thu, May 07, 2026

Handlungsspielräume entdecken. Stresskompetenz im Wissenschaftsalltag (zweitägig)
Stressmanagement ist heutzutage eine wichtige Kompetenz, um gesund und ausgeglichen die vielfältigen beruflichen und privaten Aufgaben und Anforderungen zu bewältigen. Gerade im Wissenschaftsalltag sind die Anforderungen und Erwartungen besonders hoch. Vielleicht fühlen Sie sich manchmal erschöpft oder angespannt und möchten gelassener durch die Promotion oder die Postdoc-Phase und Ihr Forschungsprojekt gehen – oder wollen einfach nur potenziellen Stressbelastungen und ihren Auswirkungen vorbeugen. Um gestärkt durch den Wissenschaftsalltag zu gehen, sind neben fachlicher Expertise und hoher Motivation auch eine gewisse Stressresistenz, ein gutes Selbstmanagement und ein Gleichgewicht zwischen Anspannung und Entspannung wichtig. Schon kleine Veränderungen können viel bewegen, wie beispielsweise innere Ansprüche zu hinterfragen, Energieräuber zu identifizieren und die persönliche Motivation, Selbstwirksamkeit und Produktivität zu steigern. Dieser Workshop bietet Ihnen ein abwechslungsreiches Angebot aus Informationen, Selbstreflexionen und praktischen Übungen zur Entwicklung der persönlichen Stresskompetenz.
Details
Tue, June 16, 2026

Die Freude am Forschen. Persönliche Produktivität mit mentaler Stabilität und Flexibilität im Promotionsprozess (zweitägig)
In der wissenschaftlichen Arbeit stehen wir als Forschende mit unserer persönlichen Produktivität vor täglichen Herausforderungen durch die Komplexität der Forschungsfelder, die Vielfalt an beruflichen und sonstigen Aufgaben und anspruchsvolle Kommunikationsprozesse in der Wissenschaft.
Details
Tue, June 30, 2026

Short-Cuts to Industry. Initial Insights into Leadership [E-LEARNING]
A career in industry is an attractive option for many young scientists after completing their doctorate or postdoc phase. And quite a few actually choose to leave academia with the aspiration of entering responsible positions in the private sector.
Details
Tue, July 07, 2026

Grundlagen des Projektmanagements (zweitägig)
Projektmanagement ist eine Schlüsselkompetenz – sowohl für zukünftige Aufgaben außerhalb der Wissenschaft, als auch für den Arbeitsalltag von Forschenden. Projekte gelingen, wenn fachliches Können mit soliden Management- und Selbstführungskompetenzen kombiniert wird.
Details
Fri, November 13, 2026

Strategies for a Successful Self and Time-Management (Two-day)
Young scientists like you often face an onslaught of daily challenges like teaching, research projects or administrative tasks. Given that academics are also often expected to be flexible and constantly available, it is only natural that you feel at times overwhelmed. Moreover, those many last-minute, short-term assignments often take precedence and can keep you distracted from more important, long-term goals and ambitions as well as your personal interests.
Details
Thu, November 19, 2026

Getting Started. Managing your Dissertation Project Successfully (Two-day)
Writing a doctoral thesis is very challenging. But if you take a smart approach early on, you are likely to reach your objectives faster and achieve superior results. This workshop focuses on the critical elements for a successful doctoral journey: Which mindsets, tools, and processes make a real difference on the way to a PhD? We concentrate on three areas: The efficient organization of tasks and notes, the productive communication with supervisors and the research community, and the structured reading and writing of academic papers. In each area, we will reflect on effective mindsets, tools, and workflows. The goal is for each participant to take away at least three specific ideas on how to substantially improve their own approach.
Details
Wed, November 25, 2026

Workshop Projektmanagement in der Industrie (zweitägig)
Ganz gleich, in welcher Branche Sie sich nach Ihrer Promotion etablieren: Ohne Projektmanagement geht es in der Regel nicht. Ob als Freiberufler oder als leitende Mitarbeiterin in großen Konzernen: wesentliche Teile der Arbeit werden oftmals als Projekt geplant und durchgeführt.
Details

Good Scientific Practice

Thu, November 05, 2026

Online Seminar Good Research Practice (incl. Generative AI) (Two-day)
Researchers are responsible for ensuring that their own conduct complies with the standards of good research practice. The workshop will introduce basic issues of research integrity by addressing important guidelines of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and specific regulations of KIT for safeguarding good research practice – relevant for every early career researcher@KIT.
Details

Research Data Management

Workshop "Introduction to Research Data Management"

The responsible and far-sighted handling of digital research data is becoming increasingly important. Management, storage, exchange and access to large amounts of data, including the corresponding metadata, is challenging.
In this workshop, researchers learn in a first block basic skills to handle their research data safely and sustainably. Ways to publish and re-use research data are discussed. The new “Guidelines for Safeguarding Good Research Practice”, published by the DFG, are addressed in the context of research data.
In a second block, the functionalities of the data exchange and analysis platform Kadi4Mat will be discussed on the basis of the Kadi4Mat web interface. Using examples, the researchers learn how to collaboratively work on a common description of research data and how to document, manage and share their own research data.

There are several workshops on RDM offered throughout the year. Please refer to the Upcoming Events section for upcoming workshops.

Due to the significance of Research Data Management in POLiS, participation in RDM workshops is mandatory for all doctoral researchers funded by POLiS!

0.5 CPs within "Good scientific practice / Research ethics" will be accounted for the participation.

 

Workshop "Advanced Research Data Management: Kadi-apy and Workflows"

Automated data processing allows data sets to be processed in a faster, more reliable, and reproducible manner, making a significant contribution to the generation of FAIR research data. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use command line tools for automated data processing.

In a first step the basic concept of Kadi4Mat is reviewed. In a next step, the software package kadi-apy is introduced, with which it is possible to communicate with the Kadi4Mat database via its programmatic interface. Possibilities to import and to export data will be discussed. In addition, the concept of workflows is explained using examples and exercises for the participants.

There are several workshops on Advanced Research Data Management offered throughout the year. Please refer to the Upcoming Events section for upcoming workshops.

0.5 CPs within "Good scientific practice / Research ethics" will be accounted for the participation in combination with the completion and submission of an exercise with an own data set.

Equal Opportunities / Diversity / Mentorship

Mon, February 02, 2026

Workshop with individual Coaching - Career development with PhD
Pre-Modul: Teilnehmende reichen Lebenslauf bei der Trainerin ein, die diese prüft. Online-Modul (Virtual classroom) What are my strenghts and weaknesses? - Why self-analisis and planning? Who I am and who I would like to be? - Strenghts and Potentials - How to develop your personality? Where do I fit (or not)? - Which possibilities are in and outside university? - Differences in organizational cultures, career paths etc. How could I apply? - Application: How do I present me and my qualifications? - As/sessment/Interview: How do I present myself? For what should I be prepared for?
Details
Wed, February 04, 2026

Persönliche Standortbestimmung zur Karriereorientierung. Was kann ich und wo will ich hin? 2026
Im Rahmen einer persönlichen Standortbestimmung nehmen Sie sich Zeit, Ihre aktuelle berufliche und private Situation bewusst zu reflektieren. Sie befassen sich dabei mit Ihren persönlichen Zielen und Wünschen und leiten daraus konkrete Schritte für Ihre weitere Karriere- und Kompetenzentwicklung ab. Was habe ich bereits erreicht? Welche Kompetenzen zeichnen mich besonders aus? Worin liegen meine Stärken? Was ist mir wichtig? Wie stelle ich mir eine gelingende Zukunft vor? In der Veranstaltung geht es zunächst darum, den derzeitigen Status Quo genauer zu beleuchten und ein Verständnis für Ihre gegenwärtige Situation zu generieren. Eine solche Bestandsaufnahme hilft Ihnen, Ihre Lebens- und Karriereplanung fokussiert zu gestalten, eine Reflexionsgrundlage für Ihre längerfristigen beruflichen und privaten Entscheidungen zu erstellen sowie an den eigenen Entwicklungsfeldern zielgerichtet zu arbeiten.
Details
Wed, February 25, 2026

Kollegialer Austausch zu überfachlichen Herausforderungen während der Promotion
„Ich komme mit meiner Promotion nicht richtig voran.“ – „Mein/e Betreuer/in ist kaum erreichbar.“ Solche und ähnliche Fragen oder Schwierigkeiten können während der Promotion auftreten – egal ob man selbst promoviert oder andere bei der Promotion betreut. In dieser moderierten kollegialen Fallberatung haben Sie die Möglichkeit, eigene Anliegen oder herausfordernde Situationen bezüglich der Promotion(sbetreuung) einzubringen. In einer kleinen, interdisziplinären Gruppe schauen wir gemeinsam und strukturiert auf die Fälle, entwickeln neue Perspektiven und erarbeiten konkrete Ideen für den weiteren Umgang. Das Format bietet einen geschützten Rahmen und lebt vom aktiven Mitmachen – entweder mit einem eigenen Fall oder durch die Unterstützung anderer mit konstruktivem Feedback.
Details
Mon, March 02, 2026

How to Be More Employable in Industry
Despite world-class expertise in their field, many PhDs discover their CVs don't even make it past initial screening. The reality is stark: academic credentials alone rarely secure industry positions. Companies seek scientists who understand business priorities, can lead projects and teams, and can demonstrate how their specialized knowledge creates market value—a translation that most PhD programs never teach. There's a significant advantage here: once you understand the unwritten rules, you can navigate this transition with confidence.
Details
Thu, April 16, 2026

Basics of Leadership 2026
As a young researcher, you often take on leadership tasks for the first time – in your current position or in the course of your next career step. Being new to a leadership role can be challenging in itself while experiences might differ in terms of gender and personality. This workshop will support you as a young leader to build a good understanding of what it means to establish a successful leadership style. Motivation, flexibility and transparency regarding communication and delegation are key factors to meet the demands of your role as a leader. An awareness of your inner attitude, self-reflection and a conscious development of your role with its various conditions help to create value in a positive and sustainable manner. Which mindset enables you to fulfill the role as a leader convincingly? What are your expectations of your team members and what are their expectations of you as a leader? Where do you find yourself in terms of “command and control” versus “confidence in the ability of your members to organize themselves” and fulfill their tasks? Alongside these general leadership topics, it will be helpful to discuss if there are specific challenges or chances as a female or male leader and how to deal with them.
Details
Thu, April 23, 2026

After the Doctorate. Career Planning for Doctoral Researchers
Crafting Your Career Path – Finding the Job That Fits You! Are you immersed in your doctoral research but wondering what comes next? Questions like, "Should I stay in academia or explore opportunities outside of it?" or, "What unique qualifications do I have that employers value?" often arise during this stage. This workshop is designed to help you gain clarity about your future career and identify the path that aligns with your strengths and aspirations.
Details
Fri, May 08, 2026

The ABC of great international communication
How do we overcome the challenges of working internationally – language, culture and distance? The answer might be as simple as ABC. This interactive workshop uses the ABC model to enhance your international communication skills and professional practices. Through practical examples, real-life role plays, and effective use of international English, you will gain the tools to navigate cultural difference, build stronger relationships and succeed in the global workplace.
Details
Tue, May 12, 2026

From Postdoc to Professorship!/? Academic Career Options, Requirements, and Strategies for Your Next Steps (Two-day)
Academic careers are risky business: as a postdoc, you have to make wide-ranging decisions about how to develop your research and your career. This workshop will help you plan your next steps. Through short impulses from the trainer, individual research and reflection, and group discussions, the workshop will deepen your understanding of both the conditions that shape academic careers in Germany and of the opportunities and challenges of international academic careers.
Details
Fri, May 22, 2026

Successfully managing stress questions, IQ and logic tests in job interviews
Through this seminar participants learn how to behave in stress interviews. Using a change of perspective, they first receive concrete feedback on how their stress resilience is perceived. Participants then explore different types of stress questions used in job interviews and the objectives behind them. In addition, the seminar covers the purpose of the commonly asked "weakness question" and provides strategies for answering it effectively. Various types of logic tests and out-of-the-box thinking are also introduced, practiced, and reflected.
Details
Fri, July 03, 2026

Job Focus: From Research to Profession for Doctoral Researchers and Postdocs
This seminar is specifically designed for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. Participants explore and shape their career perspectives based on their individual strengths, values, and ambitions. The approach developed by Richard Bolles provides a strong foundation, as it focuses on identifying transferable skills, competencies that can be applied across a range of professional contexts. Through guided reflection, peer feedback, and success-mapping exercises, participants develop a personalized career strategy.
Details
Fri, July 31, 2026

Successfully entering professional life after the doctorate: Strategic networking as access to the (hidden) job market
Focus: non-academic job market. After completing a doctorate or a postdoc position, many are faced with the challenge of starting a career outside the university. The question often arises: “What do I want to achieve professionally and how do I find the right job?” The search for job advertisements may seem obvious, but it does not always lead to success. In fact, over two thirds of all jobs in Germany are awarded without being advertised. How does an application process outside the academic world work and how do you get these hidden jobs? The key lies in contacts and networks. Some of these connections already exist, others you can build up specifically. These contacts not only provide access to job opportunities, but also valuable insights into different career fields, specific tasks and company cultures. This information will help you to choose the right career direction for you.
Details
Mon, September 21, 2026

Self-Management in your PhD-Process: Strengthening Resilience & Self-Care
Successfully navigating a PhD requires more than research skills — it demands focus, self-awareness, and the ability to cope with pressure and uncertainty. This interactive workshop helps you strengthen your resilience, reflect on your goals, and develop practical strategies for time management, stress reduction, and sustainable self-care.
Details
Thu, October 08, 2026

How to Shape Your Future. Career Planning for Postdocs
What are my unique abilities and interests critical in determining the right career path for me? Can I combine my ideas about a fulfilled life with a university career? How can I develop a strategy for embarking on an academic career path or other career choices? This workshop will help to answer these – and other – questions for those who want to plan their career development strategically. It focuses on supporting experienced scientists and researchers. It offers possibilities to reflect upon future university careers or alternative career choices. Based on their individual profiles, participants will develop their own vision for their future personal and professional lives.
Details
Tue, November 17, 2026

“Was kann ich? – Was will ich?” – Wege zur Profilschärfung und Karriereorientierung
Die eigenen Kompetenzen erkennen und beschreiben zu können, ist ein wichtiger Schritt im Prozess einer gelungenen Karriereentwicklung. Um herausfinden zu können, welche Karriereziele zu Ihnen passen, benötigen Sie das Wissen über Ihre fachlichen und überfachlichen Qualifikationen und Fähigkeiten sowie die Erkenntnis darüber, welche Aspekte und Rahmenbedingungen Ihnen in Ihrem beruflichen Umfeld und bei Ihrem Aufgabenspektrum besonders wichtig sind. Mit bewährten Methoden aus der Karriereberatung erarbeiten Sie Ihr persönliches Kompetenzprofil. In Einzel-, Partner- und Gruppenarbeiten schärfen Sie Ihr Profil und erhalten interdisziplinäres sowie fachliches Feedback für die Gestaltung möglicher weiterer Karriereschritte.
Details
Thu, December 03, 2026

Personal Roadmap for Career Orientation. What Skills Do I Have and Where Do I Want to Go? 2026
As part of a personal roadmap, you take the opportunity to consciously reflect on your current professional and private situation. You will look at your personal goals and wishes and derive concrete steps for your further career and skills development. What have I already achieved? What skills particularly characterize me? What are my strengths? What is important to me? How do I visualize a successful future? The first aim of the event is to take a closer look at the current status quo and generate an understanding of your present situation. Taking stock in this way will help you to take a focused approach to your life and career planning, create a basis for reflection for your longer-term professional and private decisions and work on your individual areas of development in a targeted manner. In this way, you can develop goals for your further career planning from a holistic perspective and derive the first specific steps
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