Illustration for the programme of the career days

Programme of the Career Days

Overview of all workshops, talks and lectures
Illustration for the programme of the career days
Illustration: Melissa Fiebig

Here you will find all information about the programme and registration for the Career Days. The Career Days will take place from 12 to 14 November as an online event. There are three different event types: Short workshops, career talks and information lectures. On Thursday evening, there will be a networking event in the Auditorium of the Graduate Academy that will allow participants to get to know Alumni working in industry and society.

Registration is required for all events. There are only a limited number of places availible for the workshops and the networking event. We ask you to register for a maximum of two impulse workshops. Registration is also required for the career talks and the information lectures but places are not limited in these formats. Registration is possible from 15 October via the Qualification PortalExternal link of University of Jena. You can find more information on registration here.

Programme Overview

Programme of the Career Days

Graphic: Graduierten-Akademie

Dienstag, 12. November

  • 9am - 12am: Networking for your Next Career Step (Workshop)

    Research on recruitment trends shows that in Germany, a significant portion of jobs (31%) are filled through personal contacts, while popular internet job boards account for only 15%. This highlights how crucial a strong network is in the job search!

    This workshop will help you tap into this potential. You will learn what networking is, why it matters, and how you can leverage it to advance your career. You’ll assess your own network and networking skills, while exploring best practices. Additionally, we’ll cover how to effectively use online platforms like LinkedIn for professional networking.

    Trainer: Dr. Iris Köhler (The Scientist Coach)

    Language: English

    RegistrationExternal link

  • 9am - 12am: Überzeugen im Vorstellungsgespräch – Impulse und Tipps (Workshop)

    Wenn Sie die Einladung zu einem Vorstellungsgespräch erhalten, dann kommen Sie Ihrem neuen Job einen ganzen Schritt näher. Nun haben Sie die Chance, Ihr Gegenüber von Ihrem Profil zu überzeugen. In diesem Impulsworkshop zeigen wir Ihnen, was Sie im Gespräch erwartet und wie Sie sich gut darauf vorbereiten können. Sie erfahren, wie Sie Ihre Erfahrungen und Stärken gut verpacken und wie Sie souverän auch kritische Situationen im Vorstellungsgespräch meistern können.

    Referentin: Evelyn Hochheim 

    Sprache: Deutsch

    RegistrierungExternal link

  • 1pm - 2pm: Balancing Family and Career (Career Talk)

    Starting a family while pursuing your professional goals can be challenging. For this talk we invited three alumni who are successfully balancing family life and a career in industry, science management or academia. They will share their experiences, major challenges and how to overcome them.

    Speaker:

    • Prof. Dr. Dennis Eversberg (Professor für Soziologie, Goethe Universität Frankfurt am Main)
    • Dr. Juliane Brandt-Slowik (Manager Business Development & Sales, Schott)
    • Dr. Dania Rose-Sperling (Wissenschaftliche Koordinatorin, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena)

    Language: English

    RegistrationExternal link

  • 2pm - 4pm: Your CV - The Key to Unlock Opportunities (Lecture)

    First impressions matter. For a potential employer this first impression is your CV. As recruiters with a combined experience of over 10 years in high-tech recruiting, we will show you what to focus on regarding content and structure of your CV, as well as the differences between a resume for a career in research or industry. You will also learn how to present and prepare your expertise and experiences in a concise way to convince employers of your potential. In a subsequent Q&A, we will answer your individual questions.

    Speaker: Adrian Fuchs / Oliver Voigt (TECHNOLOGY RECRUITING EXPERTS GmbH)

    Language: Englisch

    RegistrationExternal link

  • 2pm - 4pm: Informationsveranstaltung zur HAW-Professur (Lecture)

    Sie möchten Ihre akademische Karriere vorantreiben und an einer Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (HAW) einen wesentlichen Beitrag zu Lehre und Forschung leisten? Dann könnte eine HAW-Professur der richtige Karriereschritt für Sie sein.

    In unserer Informationsveranstaltung geben wir Ihnen einen Einblick in das Berufsbild einer HAW-Professur. Sie erfahren, welche Anforderungen und Qualifikationen für diese Position erforderlich sind und wie ein Berufungsverfahren abläuft. Darüber hinaus erhalten Sie einen Überblick über die vielfältigen Aufgaben einer HAW-Professur, die von der Lehre über die Betreuung der Studierenden bis hin zur eigenständigen Forschung reichen. Im Anschluss gibt es die Möglichkeit Fragen direkt an einen Professor der HAW Hof zu stellen.

    Speaker: Jette Petzold (Hochschule Hof)

    Language: German

    RegistrierungExternal link

Mittwoch, 13. November

  • 9am - 12am: Skills of Tomorrow – How an interdisciplinary mindset may help you advance your career (Workshop)

    The ability to work and thrive in interdisciplinary contexts counts among the most important skills of tomorrow, both in terms of the general evolution of the labour market and in terms of researchers’ and scientists’ individual careers. In this workshop, you will learn about effective communication in interdisciplinary settings, and you will deepen your understanding of how an interdisciplinary mindset enhances your options on the labour market. The workshop is suitable for participants from all disciplines.

    Trainer: Dr. Mathias Zach (Karriereberatung für Akademiker*innen)

    Language: English

    RegistrationExternal link

  • 9am - 12am: Gehalt richtig bestimmen und verhandeln (Workshop)

    Im Workshop erhalten Sie einen Überblick über typische Einstiegsgehälter und gehaltsbeeinflussende Faktoren. Mit einer Kalkulationshilfe üben wir, wie man für eine Stelle das passende Gehalt bestimmen kann und wie man durch Recherche unternehmensspezifische Anpassungen vornimmt. Anschließend werden wir das richtige Vorgehen in der Gehaltsverhandlung besprechen, häufige Fehler und welche Alternativen zum Gehalt verhandelt werden können. 

    Referentin: Heidi Störr (Push Your Career - Bewerbungsberatung)

    Language: English

    Zur AnmeldungExternal link

  • 1pm - 2pm: From Academia to Industry (Career Talk)

    Are you thinking about leaving academia after your PhD or postdoc? You are not alone. The majority of PhD candidates will not stay in academia for the rest of their career. In this talk three alumni who successfully transitioned from academia to a career in industry or society will talk about their experiences. They will share valuable tips about job search, career development and working outside of academia.

    Speaker:

    • Lukas Köps (Expert Data Analysis Battery, PowerCo SE)
    • Marina Pekmezovic (Biopharma Strategy Consultant, Scitaris)
    • Rudrakant Sollapur (

    Language: English

    RegistrationExternal link

  • 2pm - 4pm: The Job Market in Jena: Career Perspectives for Doctoral Candidates (Lecture)

    Jena and its surroundings combine high quality of living with a large variety of exciting career opportunities offered by international companies like Schott, Zeiss and JenOptic as well numerous start-ups and smaller companies. This talk explores the opportunities available to anyone who considers to stay in Jena after completing their PhD or PostDoc at the Friedrich Schiller University. In particular, the situation of international researchers will be addressed. The talk will tackle the following questions: What are your options regarding financing and Residence Act (for non-EU-citizens)? What are the employment opportunities in Jena? How does the employer landscape in Jena look like and which sectors could be relevant for you? Which tools can you use for your job search in Jena and who can support you on the way to employment?

    Speaker: Dr. Alexander Schwarzkopf (Graduate Academy)/ Cornelia Meyerrose (Welcome Center Jena)

    Language: English

    RegistrationExternal link

  • 2pm - 4pm: Academic Careers in Germany: Positions, Career Paths, and Strategies (Lecture)

    Do you want to pursue an academic career after your PhD? Do you want to know about career opportunities and long-term positions in the German academic system?

    In this talk, you will learn about the different possibilities for long-term positions in academia. Since the main option in Germany is a professorship, we will talk about routes to get there (i.e. research and teaching positions, junior research group leadership, Junior professorship and Tenure Track positions, and also habilitation or equivalent). You will get information on the requirements for a professorship, the selection process and advice on how to improve your career chances in academia to find your individual career strategy.

    Speaker: Michael Wutzler (Graduate Academy)

    Language: English

    RegistrationExternal link

Donnerstag, 14. November

  • 9am - 12am: You've Got More Than You Know: Unlock Your Transferable Skills! (Workshop)

    Please note: As the speaker has been unable to give the workshop, it has been postponed to Thursday 21 November. 

    Knowing your own skills, knowledge, and values boosts your self-confidence and is crucial for many aspects of your job search and application. It enables you to identify relevant job opportunities more easily, write stronger cover letters and resumes, and present yourself more convincingly in interviews. In this workshop, we’ll explore:

    • What are competencies and why is it important to know them?
    • Your individual life profile: How can you derive personal values and competencies from your own biography?
    • Identifying and articulating your competencies: How do you find the right words to talk about your skills?
    • Strategies for further developing your competencies: building on your strengths and acquiring new ones.

    We’ll focus on your unique situation, personal experiences, and strengths. Through interactive exercises, you'll create your individual competency profile. We’ll work together in small groups and individual reflection so that by the end of the day, you can confidently say, "I know what I can do!"

    Trainer: Dr. Annika Bartsch

    Language: English

    RegistrationExternal link

  • 9am - 12am: Leadership Essentials – What does it Take to be a Young Leader? (Workshop)

    Often, young researchers have to take on leadership roles early on in their careers. In this workshop, you will learn about an inspiring approach to leadership which engages you and your team members. At the same time, it addresses current management issues.

    Workshop topics:

    • Leadership fundamentals: what is expected of an effective leader?
    • Tools and insights that help you to become a role model
    • How do I enter an existing team as a new leader?
    • What can I do to be accepted and appreciated by the other team members?
    • Health and Success: How to create a sustainable work climate

    Trainer: Wolfgang Leybold (Leybold Strategy Consultants)

    Language: English

    RegistrationExternal link

  • 1pm - 2pm: Karrierewege in Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft (Career Talk)

    Are you thinking about leaving academia after your PhD or postdoc? You are not alone. The majority of PhD students will not stay in academia for the rest of their career. In this talk three alumni who successfully transitioned from academia to a career in industry or society will talk about their experiences. They will share valuable tips about job search, career development and working outside of academia.

    Speaker:

    • Maja Kühne (Regulatory Affairs Coordinator, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG)
    • Dr. Franz Hack (Associate Director GMP Management, BioNTech SE)
    • Tba

    Language: English

    Zur AnmeldungExternal link

  • 2pm - 4pm: Successfully Acquiring Third-Party Funding - How to Write a Good Research Proposal (Lecture)

    This talk is aimed at advanced doctoral candidates and postdocs. Participants will first receive an overview of the research funding landscape in Germany, as well as target group-specific programmes. Then, specific examples will be used to explain the basic structures of a third-party funding application. There will also be plenty of opportunities to answer your questions.

    Speaker: Dr. Madeleine Holzschuh (Servicezentrum Forschung und Transfer)

    Language: English

    RegistrationExternal link

  • 2pm - 4pm: Career Opportunities in the Photonics Industry in Thuringia (Lecture)

    Photonics - the technology of light - offers a wide range of career opportunities, especially in the innovative region of Thuringia. We will show you the exciting prospects this industry has to offer. Thuringia, known for its strong research and development landscape, is home to more than 180 companies and institutes in the field of photonics. From laser production to optical communications and biophotonic applications, the fields of application are numerous. We will give you an insight into current trends and career opportunities, and how you can start your career in one of the most exciting and fastest growing fields of technology.

    Speaker: Tba

    Language: English

    RegistrationExternal link

  • 6pm - 8pm: Networking with Alumni Working in Industry and Society

    When you are looking for a job outside of academia a strong network is invaluable. During this in person event you can make new connections, that will help you to reach your professional goals. Four Alumni working in various fields in industry and society will talk about their career path. During a series of interactive discussions, you will have the opportunity to personally connect with them as well as share ideas with your peers. Afterwards you can continue networking while enjoying some drinks and finger food.  

    Alumni:

    • Dr. Jana Kampe (Referentin Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement, Zeiss Group)
    • Dr. Alexander Jügler (Product Manager, Jenoptik)
    • Dr. Sebastian Schlegel (Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter Provenienzforschung, Klassikstiftung Weimar)
    • Dr. Sindy Frick (Senior Account Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)

    Host: Yvonne Siewert

    Language: English

    Place: Auditorium of the Graduate Academy (Johannisstr 13)

    RegistrationExternal link

Highlight

  • Picture of people networking
    Image: Adobestock.com/Rawpixel
    Networking event

    On the evening of November 14, the event “Networking with Alumni Working in Industry and Society” will take place in the auditorium of the “Zur Rosen” building.

Registration Information

  • Woman participating in an online workshop
    Image: AdobeStock/shellygraphy
    Impulse workshops The impulse workshops take place in parallel online sessions from 9 pm to 12 am. As the number of places is limited, we ask you to register for a maximum of two workshops. We will try to ensure your participation in at least one of them. You will need a camera and a microphone to participate.
  • Panel talk
    Image: Jens Meyer (University of Jena)
    Career talks The career talks take place online from 1 pm to 2 pm. Registration is required for participating in the events. After registration you will receive the access information.
  • Mikrofon vor Menschen
    Image: istockphoto
    Information lectures The information lectures take place in parallel online sessions in the afternoon from 2 pm to 4 pm. Please register in order to take part. After registration you will receive the access information.

Kontakt

Graduierten-Akademie