And what do you think about your career?
Whether you want to do research long-term in the academic world or are looking for alternatives: every career goal has specific requirements and can often be reached by different paths.
But what does “career” actually mean? Based on the triadic model drawn up by Kornelia Rappe-Giesecke (2008), we understand “career” as being the result of a complex interplay between personal biography, professional career and development as a specialist under the conditions prevailing in the system in question.
We aim to take all these dimensions into account in our advisory processes and, in doing so, give you individual support in planning your career.
Careers are not always meteoric or linear.
In advising you, we help you to deal with challenges, dead ends and turning points. In our training programme we also offer you opportunities to further develop your self-management and self-leadership skills.
Academic careers
There isn’t just one single academic career. Depending on the culture prevailing in your subject, on your personal biography and on your academic portfolio, there is a variety of possibilities for shaping your individual path as a researcher. As in every system, in academia too there are certain general conditions, official and unofficial rules, codes and success factors which need to be taken into account when planning a career. We will gladly help you find the best path suitable for you to reach your goals.
Are you interested in career options in research?
Do come and talk to our advisors at CERes! We’ll help you to clarify your needs and objectives, identify the training measures and steps needed and, if necessary, direct you towards the relevant people to contact.
Regarding questions on international mobility (incoming & outgoing), please contact the team at Welcome Centre & Staff Mobility.
For questions relating to funding for your doctoral and postdoc phase, as well as to acquiring third-party funding, please contact the team at SAFIR - research funding support.
Are you on the lookout for further academic training or job advertisements?
You might find what you’re looking for here:
- FIT-Newsletter for current funding programmes and advertisements
- ELFI - Database for searches for research funding offers
- ZEIT Online Stellenmarkt (job adverts in the ‘Zeit’ newspaper
- Research Gate Jobs
- myScience Jobs
- The Career Service has an overview of more job portals
Other career paths
There are many reasons for researchers to familiarise themselves with career opportunities outside the academic world. After all, one year after gaining their doctoral degrees, only just under 30 percent of people with a PhD are still engaged in an activity within the academic system (BuWiN 2021). We at CERes do not see career paths outside the academic world as a Plan B or a makeshift solution. We will be glad to help you get more information and make decisions. The Career Service provides a comprehensive advisory service.
You’d like to learn more about careers outside the academic world?
Then take a look at Münster alumini stories or browse through the collection of professions at the Steinbeis-Institut. Network portals such as LinkedIn or Xing also contain details of a wide range of careers.
You’re looking for opportunities for further training or job advertisements outside the academic world?
You might find what you’re looking for here:
Information giving you guidance – questions which make you think – methods which serve your interests. We listen to you, ask questions, and help you to take on board new perspectives, identify goals and embark on the next steps.
Would you like to arrange to talk about career planning?
Whether it’s in person here, via Zoom or in a walk-and-talk session – we’re here to help you. Do get in touch with us with your thoughts and we’ll look for the next possible time for a meeting. Our consultations are free of charge and can be held in German or in English.
For taking a more comprehensive look at your career planning, we’re offering a series of peer-assisted workshops from summer 2024. The format is aimed at all doctoral researchers and postdocs – regardless of whether you’re just embarking on a new phase, or would like to prepare for transitions, or are looking for guidance in the middle of the phase.
Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Learn more about the IDP and how you can use it to plan your career.
Doctoral Researchers
Postdocs
You’re looking for advice on career paths outside the academic world?
Dr. Andreas Eimer and his team from the Career Service provide advice on questions relating to transitioning from working in the academic to working in the non-academic world, as well to application processes. The Career Service’s offers are aimed at all doctoral researchers at the University of Münster – up to a year after they have completed their degree.