Navigating Academia: Strategic Career Planning for Doctoral Students
A workshop offered by the Bonn Graduate Center
This interactive workshop supports doctoral students in preparing for a successful transition to the postdoctoral phase. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the academic system, its career paths, expectations, and implicit rules.
Online Workshop
Thursday, July 30, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 31, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Trainer
Dr. Annika Bartsch
Language
English
Location
Online
Target Group
Doctoral students
Track(s)
Research
Certificate
11 units are applicable within the Doctorate plus certificate
Description
The transition from doctoral studies to postdoctoral research is one of the most critical and formative phases in an academic career. It is a period of increased independence, strategic positioning, and important decisions that shape long-term career trajectories. This interactive workshop supports doctoral students in preparing for a successful transition to the postdoctoral phase. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the academic system, its career paths, expectations, and implicit rules. Special emphasis is placed on the strategic demands of the postdoc stage — including research profile development, publication strategy, funding acquisition, networking, and academic visibility.
Through guided reflection and practical exercises, participants will:
- Decode the academic system: structures, career logics, expectations, and informal rules
- Understand what “counts” in the postdoc phase: building your academic profile and reflecting on your career portfolio (research agenda, publication strategy, funding pathway, networks)
- Define concrete and achievable next steps for the upcoming 12 months
Content
- Understand the academic system, career paths, and their requirements
- Design an individual academic career portfolio
- Develop a career strategy
- Plan the next steps
Creditable for the Micro Credential 'Careers & Transitions'
Micro Credentials for doctoral students offer the opportunity to systematically add key future skills to your professional expertise. You can apply for a Micro Credential if you successfully complete at least four workshops from one area of expertise.
Contact
Bonn Graduate Center
Address
Alte Sternwarte
Poppelsdorfer Allee 47
53115 Bonn
More Workshops?
Have a look at further workshops offered in our Doctorate plus program this semester.
Also see
Certificate Doctorate plus
Acquire the Doctorate plus Certificate in one of our three career tracks and apply for an 'Add-on' in your track (job shadowing or career coaching).
E-Training
With our on-demand e-training courses, you can continue your education at your convenience.
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