Mission Impossible? Planning a Scientific Career
A workshop offered by the Bonn Graduate Center
Planning a scientific career? You may think this is a mission impossible. Scientific careers are so unpredictable and uncertain that the idea of planning one seems to be like squaring the circle. On the other hand: Walking a challenging trail is not impossible. You just need to be better prepared. This workshop is dedicated to the question: How to prepare for this path?
Online Workshop
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Trainer
Dr. Jan Schmidt
Language
English
Location
Online
Target Group
Doctoral students
Track(s)
Research
Certificate
16 units are applicable within the Doctorate plus certificate
Description
This workshop is dedicated to the question: How to prepare for this path? As with any hiking tour, we will start with getting an overview of the terrain and the different paths that lead to the destination postdoc, junior professorship, junior group leader - what are the differences, what are the similarities? Are there additional opportunities outside university?
But it´s not only the path or the track you will take a closer look at. There is also the
question of skills and achievements: What do you need to be successful in the end - no
matter which path you choose? Finally we need to look at personal profiles: What are
your strenghts? What are you challenges?
Your personal development plan (PDP) will also be part of the workshop: After analysing
the opportunities, the requirements and your personal profile, we will work on individual
strategies and concrete steps to prepare you in the best possible way.
Content
- Career paths leading to a professorship at a German university
- Necessary experience and skills for an academic career
- Reflection on own profile and identification of personal strengths and challenges
- Personal development plan and next steps
Feedback from Participants
"Very engaging trainer, many different topics covered, information in a very interactive environment, all information even from discussions between participants is structured and saved." (Participant 2024)
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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