Please click on the workshop titles in order to see the further details concerning dates, venue, registration, content and testimonials from previous participants.
Brief Description: For postdoctoral researchers with an international background, it can be a real challenge to get into Germany's non-academic job market following an academic position. The entry routes into jobs are not always transparent, candidates are often not well-informed about what to expect in the application process and not everyone can offer German language skills. Where and how you can look for a job outside classic academia depends on your qualifications and skills set, on your individual life situation as well as on knowing about possible entry paths and strategies, the (unwritten) rules of the game and other parameters. This workshop, tailored specifically for the needs of international scholars, offers assistance with this. More information will follow soon.
Testimonials: "Great workshop about the navigation of the non-academic job market. The focus on international people issues was a great plus.";
"As an international postdoc, I was unaware of many aspects of the German job market as well as how as an international person could contribute to a different job market. This workshop navigates and instills hope in finding all these and how unique our skills in industry.";
"Philippa gives a well-rounded overview of the German job market, equips the participants with valuable tools, and is very engaging. "
Brief Description: Post-doctoral positions are usually not that hard to get but finding the right one that can firmly establish a professional career is really challenging. At the same time, scientists towards the end of their PhD don’t have a lot of time to spend on the search for the right post-doctoral position. Therefore, this workshop provides a compact overview of relevant aspects and the opportunity to explore one’s own preferences. Specifically, participants learn to define their own criteria for a successful post-doctoral position, develop their targeted search and application strategy, assess the relative benefit of post-doctoral grants and prepare to harness the full potential of their post-doc interview. More information will follow soon.
Testimonials: "This is a really great workshop, well thought out and well organized. It helps you take a structured approach to a fairly nebulous and variable process, categorizes the various aspects to consider, including ones you may have missed, in addition to making you reflect on yourself and your needs when it comes to applying for a post-doc. It also utilizes the diversity of its participants to highlight the many different factors and paths to consider in the process of applying for post-docs.";
"This workshop is an absolute must for late stage PhD students and early career postdocs. Do it as soon as you can; it shall help you set goals and organize your plan for a successful academic career."; "Depending on the type of experience has had during their PhD, looking for a post-doc may feel more or less overwhelming. This course assists one to find out what are their competitive edges (publication, strength of recommendation letters, etc.) and points to strengthen. The community built during the course was incredibly encouraging and I found incredibly fruitful the chance to bounce ideas off of peers with varying opinions."
"The workshop is extremely helpful for PhD students in their last year. It gave me insight and useful information of how to apply for a post-doc."
Brief Description: Whether you're applying for postdoctoral positions (domestic or abroad), preparing for selection interviews for competitive grants, or aiming for junior group leadership or professorship roles, this workshop is designed to help you excel. In this interactive workshop, participants will develop and practice key skills to leave a strong, professional impression in academic interviews. Effective preparation strategies, presentation techniques, and ways to navigate the unique expectations of academic hiring processes are covered and the specific challenges of academic job applications will be addressed. More information will follow soon.
Testimonials: "The workshop was a really valuable experience. It was interactive, engaging, and packed with practical insights. The mock interview was by far the most helpful part — it gave me confidence and a clear sense of how to improve. Highly recommended!";
"The workshop gave me a clear understanding of the interview procedure for junior professorship and how to how to structure my responses and present myself impressively. The real-world insights from experienced participants were also invaluable. With a clear understanding, I feel less intimidated. I highly recommend it for PhD or postdocs aiming to pursue career further in academia.";
"Being confident during the interview process is already half the job done. For those who are about to face interviews soon, this workshop will prepare you for what to expect and help you become more confident.
Brief Description: In this workshop, participants learn to prepare for upcoming application procedures and especially the different phases and requirements of a job interview. After this workshop, participants can effectively describe their individual job-relevant skills and unique strengths, present themselves professionally in a job-interview and are able to master unforeseen or difficult situations confidently. The workshop focuses on the reflection of individual competencies, practical exercises on frequently asked questions and techniques in interviews and dealing with critical or unknown questions. Finally, participants will develop their own authentic self-presentation. Methodologically, the workshop focuses on a change of input phases, feedback rounds and guided exercises. More information will follow soon.
Testimonials: "It is one of the best workshops that I ever took part in. I liked everything as a combination of factors: prepared material, practical tasks, answers to questions, and the friendly atmosphere. The trainer paid a lot of attention so that all participants could learn everything that interests them, absolutely all additional questions from the participants received detailed answers. I would definitely recommend this workshop to those who is preparing to the interview now or want to be prepared in future.";
"Most useful workshop I have attended regarding the job search, especially moving from academia to industry! Christelle gave us not only many useful tips and feedbacks but also a lot of motivations that we can all do it :) I really liked the exercises and discussions with others as well. I think it is easy to get lost or demotivated, especially in academic settings where moving to industry is seen as failure. But together with people who have same goals and share similar challenges helped me to overcome such negative thoughts. Highly recommend! ."
"This workshop has helped me to identify strengths and competencies that are translatable to any other non-academic job. I've learned about the format and content of job interviews and received valuable information about how/what to prepare."
Brief Description: This course has been designed for Postdocs to provide you with theoretical and practical knowledge about leadership. The word "leader" goes together with "people". Leaders are expected to improve human performance and manage resources. Yet many professionals focus only on technical or scientific qualifications - not on complex social interactions. These professionals quickly learn that poor leadership and communication skills can undermine credibility and overall effectiveness. Whether in academia or industry, leaders are likely to manage 'knowledge workers' (smart, creative, highly professional people) - who expect to be treated with respect and given opportunities to develop their potential. For these roles, working collaboratively with others, understanding their motivations, making sound decisions and influencing a group towards win-win goals will be valuable skills. You will take steps to learn how to identify your own leadership type, clarify leadership ideals and behaviours, script successful meetings and discussions, listen to get complete information, empower your people, give constructive feedback and manage conflict. More information will follow soon.
Brief Description: Are you sometimes struggling to balance the demands of research, professional development, and personal life? This workshop is designed specifically for PhDs and postdocs who want to master the art of time- and self-management. With a focus on directly applicable, well-proven methods, you'll gain actionable insights to set clear goals, plan effectively across different time horizons, and reduce stress in competitive academic environments. Join this engaging, interactive session to take control of your schedule, overcome distractions, and build habits that lead to long-term success—in your PhD, postdoc, and beyond. More information will follow soon.
Brief Description: By participating in this workshop, you will get an overview of the German research funding landscape including selected EU programs and learn how to identify the right funding opportunity for your research endeavor. Furthermore, you will benefit from learning what makes a fundable research project, how to tailor your case for support to meet the evaluation criteria and how to structure and schedule the writing process. More information will follow soon.
Testimonials: "The workshop was highly practical, teaching me how to effectively structure a research proposal and design a project within time and budget constraints. The 'Lean Canvas' method and insights into European funding were especially useful. It’s an excellent resource for those new to grant writing.";
"The workshop was extremely beneficial and more fun that I anticipated. The balance between the lectures and the interactive exercises was really good. Thomas expertly managed to summarize a great deal of information in a very short time, in a very condensed but clear form. Thank you!";
"The workshop gives a compact overview of the German funding landscape and provides excellent efficiency strategies for grant writing. A great way for early -but also for late- career scientist to learn about funding options and how to successfully approach them!"
Target Group: Postdocs and late-stage PhDs planning to apply for a research grant in the near future and would like to inform themselves about different funding schemes and what is essential to write a competitive grant application.
Brief Description: The workshop provides participants with an overview of the most important research funding organisations at national and European level as well as the funding instruments relevant to their current career situation. The project planning, application and review processes will be explained in detail. This provides participants with the tools for the independent acquisition of third-party funding. Therefore, strategies and tools for the concrete design and preparation of applications as well as common review procedures will be presented. In this sense, the workshop provides insights into formal and informal aspects of the review process. Dealing with the rejection of applications will also be covered. Participants will be supported in developing ideas as to which instruments could be particularly suitable for their individual career situation and the strategic development of their research projects. More information will follow soon.
Testimonials: "I suggest this workshop if you are late PhD students (as it was in my case) or early postdoc. It gives a very good introduction about the possible funding opportunities and its application process. It helps you to take initial steps towards the application of your own funds. You can also get more information through participants who might be actively applying for the funds.
I would highly recommend the workshop.";
"It is very informative and helpful if you are a young researcher and want to apply for a grant."
"I think it is a nice workshop for people that did not do prior research on the research institutions and funding programs by themselves yet, as one gets the feeling of the most common funding agencies and programs. In particular, for all DFG-related projects/grants, it is very informative. Some exercises are performed and allow one to interact with other researchers."
"The ideal workshop for early-career scientists who are planning to write their first proposal."
Date: Monday, 24 August 2026, 13-18h and Tuesday, 25 August 2026, 9-17h
Location: in person on North Campus
Target Group: Postdoctoral scientists and late-stage PhD students who are currently applying or planning to apply for a position in industry or other areas outside academia
Brief Description: The workshop deals with how to write a professional application. Participants will learn about the requirements regarding form and content of CVs and the respective differences between academia and industry. They will reflect about how to convey their strengths and motivation in response to a job advertisement, but also how to approach speculative applications. Moreover, participants will train their self-presentation skills in the job hunting process, including self-presentation on career fairs, conferences and in interviews. The workshop will include various training sessions partly accompanied by video recording for a follow-up analysis. More information will follow soon.
Testimonials: "A great workshop to get into the mindset of applying and interviewing for jobs and lots of useful information to prepare for that.";
"This course provides invaluable insight into the other side of the recruitment process. You'll get the chance to discuss the difficulties and insecurities that you're facing with the move to industry with like-minded early career researchers who share many of your worries. The trainer encouraged continuous discussion and addressed all our wishes for the course. This turned the 1.5 days into a great opportunity to practice self-presentation, prepare for common interview questions and ultimately better understand our worth on the job market."
"Great and very useful workshop for your future industry job applications!"
Brief Description: Professional networks are an important driver of visibility, collaboration, inspiration and career development in academia. This engaging and interactive four-hour workshop is tailored for researchers and scientists at the University of Göttingen who want to take their networking skills to the next level.Participants will explore their individual networking goals, learn how to build and maintain meaningful professional relationships in- and outside academia, and discover practical tools and strategies for both in-person and digital networking. Through a balanced mix of expert input, hands-on exercises, and peer exchange, this workshop provides a safe space to reflect, experiment, and grow your networking confidence. Key topics include reflecting upon your individual strengths, networking with authenticity, navigating academic hierarchies, and using platforms like LinkedIn effectively. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your existing network, this workshop offers fresh perspectives and concrete methods to support your next step. More information will follow soon.
Brief Description: Making your expertise and personal profile visible – clearly, concisely, and authentically – is an essential skill for researchers engaging with academic and non-academic audiences. In this hands-on three-hour workshop, participants will learn how to present themselves and their work with confidence and clarity in a short, impactful format: the elevator speech – whether in conference conversations, networking situations or job interviews.
Through a combination of trainer input, self-reflection, small group work, and practical feedback, participants will develop and refine their own elevator speech. The workshop introduces the elevator speech concept using real-world examples and invites participants to connect their academic identity with the expectations of different audiences. Participants will explore their strengths, interests, and personal style to craft a message that is both compelling and authentic. In addition, the workshop offers input on body language and presentation techniques to strengthen delivery. A final round of presentations with feedback provides concrete tips for structure, presence, and impact. The workshop provides a safe and supportive environment to experiment, receive feedback, and grow. More information will follow soon.
Brief Description: This workshop intends to facilitate synergistic effects and implement basic project management culture to increase the efficient use of resources and improve teamwork. The trainer will pick up existing problems and work on solutions together with the participants in a mixture of „ex-cathedra“ teaching, jointed and group phases. More information will follow soon.
Testimonials: "Peter is a great teacher! His workshop covered the basics of how to plan any project effectively. I've learned important lessons on how to respond to unforeseen challenges and how to produce a concrete, adaptable plan. Highly recommend this course to anyone!";
"Dr. Peter Schröder is a great speaker. He was able to keep my attention throughout the whole session. As a former PI, Dr. Peter Schröder has a deep understanding of our struggles and can give us the information and tools we need."
"It is a great workshop to join if you want to learn about project management and apply it to everyday research life in just two days. The lecturer gives wonderful explanation what every step of the project management is used for and uses vivid examples to show how to do them. I am surprised how much I learnt within this short time to make a positive change in my plans."
Brief Description: Are you currently working as Postdoc or finalizing your PhD? Do you plan to transition to your next position in or outside of academia, but feel unprepared for the job hunt? In this highly interactive workshop, you will get a comprehensive set of career development strategies which will help you master this process. You will learn to decide what your next career step should be and how to be effective in the application process including compiling a convincing application. More information will follow soon.
Testimonials:
"Alex is a knowledgeable, motivating, skilled coach. The exercises were extremely helpful. I feel much better prepared for hiring processes in the future.";
"It’s a really great workshop that helped me figure out what I exactly need to do to start looking for and applying for jobs.";
"I got all the answers to my questions regarding job search. Now I feel more confident. I acquired a system of practical exercises to help me and peers whom I can ask for advice or opinion.";
"Good opportunity to engage with people who are in the same situation (trying to find a job), to be pushed out of your comfort zone and to express your worries and questions in a confidential setting. This was a great workshop, with new information and training for writing a CV/a cover letter."