Evaluating your options, charting your course, establishing practical relevance
The University of Konstanz prides itself on providing comprehensive support to its up-and-coming talent. We support all our junior researchers as they transition into academic careers or take on leading roles in industry and society.
With the "Alternative Career Paths" program, we offer you as a researcher at the University of Konstanz tailored support if you would like to explore your alternatives to a university career. Whether you are aiming for an expert or leadership position in business and society, want to create options early on as a "safety net" for your academic career or are still undecided and want to make an informed decision. The offer is aimed at academics from all disciplines and qualification levels.
Programme overview
Take a moment to read about all the services that we offer. You may sign up for several individual services. It is important to us to fit our services around your schedule and to address your current situation and specific needs. Please get in touch to arrange a one-on-one consultation on the support that’s available through the “Alternative Karrierewege” (alternative career paths) programme and discuss your needs with us.
Orientation and information
Pursuing a doctoral or post-doctoral qualification can be a demanding and time-consuming activity. In order to make it as quick and easy as possible for you to get an overview of possible areas of employment, we offer a wide range of individually tailored information.
We work closely with the Career Service to provide you with information and support services
for job hunting, planning self-employment and receiving additional advice on the topics that matter to you. At our information events that we offer in collaboration with the University of Konstanz’s Career Service, we advise academics working in the humanities and social sciences on pursuing careers outside academia. In addition, you will learn about a range of exciting events organised by other service providers.
Continuing education and additional qualifications
In order to further enhance your transferable skills, we offer comprehensive continuing education and interdisciplinary qualification programmes. Besides giving you the chance to earn additional qualifications, these services are designed to assess your individual situation and skills.
Orientation workshop "Perspectives outside academia - developing career options"
As a scientist, you have excellent opportunities to choose a career path that suits your skills and values, that inspires you in the long term and leads to satisfaction. The workshop will help you to concretize this path.
Interdisciplinary training
In our event program, we offer you various workshops to deepen your career-relevant, interdisciplinary skills, such as project management, communication or negotiation skills.
Addidional qualification
The “Führung, Management, Wissenschaftskommunikation und -transfer” (leadership, management, science communication and knowledge transfer) certificate provides documentation of interdisciplinary and transferable skills that you’ll need if (in the future) you take on a leadership position.
Counselling and coaching
Counselling concerning for "alternative career paths"
We provide you with strategic counselling on possible career paths at the German and international job market, on your application and on suitable further training and additional qualifications. If you require further support, we will be happy to provide you with information about the relevant service institutions and respective contact persons.
Academic Staff Development coaching services
ASD’s in-house coaching service can help with questions and concerns about alternative career paths. We will help you find the solution that is best for you and your situation and guide you through professional decision-making and transition processes.
“Brücken in die Praxis” (bridges to the world of work)
“Brücken in die Praxis” (bridges to the world of work) offers valuable insights into various occupational areas, general orientation as well as tips on how to contact prospective employers. Are you an academic working in the humanities and social sciences? Do you want to increase your visibility and get an idea of what occupation outside of academia you would enjoy? Then “Brücken in die Praxis” is for you!
Career Lunch Events/ (fireside chat) events
Come along to one of our “Karriergespräche über Mittag” (career lunch) events on occupational areas outside academia and let us help you develop your objectives and make new contacts. Experts from different professional fields will offer exciting insights into their career paths, their decision-making processes and experiences while also pointing out possible occupational fields and career opportunities. There are two events per semester.
Our broad range of services are also available to those interested in pursuing an academic career.