Alumni Program

Career Week for International Junior Researchers

Technische Universität Berlin's “Career Week for International Junior Researchers” - a cooperation project by the Alumni Program and the Center for Junior Scholars - aims at giving international PhD students and postdocs insights into the diversity of academic and non-academic career prospects on the German job market as well as information about requirements for non-EU nationals to work in Germany.

The English-language information and networking event brings international junior researchers in contact with TU Berlin alumni working in the fields of academia, industry and business startups. Additionally, the "Career Week" offers a variety of career orientation sessions. It combines in-person and virtual components to give participants the greatest possible flexibility.

In 2023, the "Career Week for International Junior Researchers" was awarded the Hans Raffée Alumni Networking Prize by the University of Mannheim. 

This year's "Career Week for International Junior Researchers" took place from 11 to 14 March 2024

Program 2024

Monday, 11 March: Career Perspectives & Learning from Peers (on site: Strasse des 17. Juni 135)

TimeProgram ItemVenue
9.30 - 10.00 amArrival and RegistrationOn site: Main Building, Strasse des 17. Juni 135
10.00 - 10.15 amWelcome & Introduction to the Career WeekOn site: Main Building, Strasse des 17. Juni 135
10.15 - 11.15 amCareer Perspectives of International PhD Holders in GermanyOn site: Main Building, Strasse des 17. Juni 135
11.15 – 11.30 amIntroduction of AlumniOn site: Main Building, Strasse des 17. Juni 135
11.30 am - 12.30 pmLearning from Peers - Session 1:
o Group A: Careers in Academia
o Group B: Careers in Business & Industry: Analysis & Management
o Group C: Careers in Business and Industry: Research & Data Science
On site: Main Building, Strasse des 17. Juni 135
12.30 - 1.00 pmCoffee BreakOn site: Main Building, Strasse des 17. Juni 135
1.00 - 2.00 pmLearning from Peers - Session 1:
o Group A: Careers in Academia
o Group B: Careers in Business & Industry: Analysis & Management
o Group C: Careers in Business and Industry: Research & Data Science
On site: Main Building, Strasse des 17. Juni 135
2.00 - 3.00 pmMeet the Speakers: Networking LunchOn site: Main Building, Strasse des 17. Juni 135
2.00 - 4.00 pmCV Check (on site registration)On site: Main Building, Strasse des 17. Juni 135

Tuesday, 12 March: Academia, Industry & Requirements to Work in Germany

TimeProgram ItemVenue
10.00 am - 12.00 pmCareer Planning Session: Find a Job in Germany's IndustryOnline via Zoom
1.00 - 2.30 pmVisa Requirements for Work and Residence Permit in GermanyOnline via Zoom
3.00 - 5.00 pmCareer Planning Session: Career Options and Career Planning in German AcademiaOnline via Zoom

Wednesday, 13 March: Competencies for Non-Scientific Practice & Starting your Own Business (on site: Fraunhoferstr. 33-36 & Hardenbergstr. 38)

TimeProgram ItemVenue
9.30 am - 12.00 pmCareer Planning Session: I can't do anything but research - can I?! Discovering Non-Scientific Competencies for Non-Scientific PracticeOn site: Fraunhoferstr. 33-36
12.00 - 2.00 pmCV Check (on site registration) 
1.00 - 3.00 pmCareer Planning Session: Technology Transfer with the Centre for EntrepreneurshipOn site: Hardenbergstr. 38

Thursday, 14 March: Salary Negotiations & Online Tools for Visibility

TimeProgram ItemVenue
10.00 am – 12.00 pmCareer Planning Session: How to Negotiate your Salary SuccessfullyOnline via Zoom
1.00 - 3.00 pmCareer Planning Session: How to Use Online Tools for Visibility and Career DevelopmentOnline via Zoom

A variety of topics and personal exchange - recap: "Career Week" 2023

Four participants look back on 2023's "Career Week for International Junior Researchers".

"The event was interesting because it gave us international colleagues the opportunity to come together, share knowledge and face the dilemma of 'what can I do next'. The different speakers gave a variety of perspectives on the very complex topic of future careers. What I particularly enjoyed was the interactive exchanges with the speakers, especially when it came to understand our values, skills and strengths as researchers in order to make our future decisions. The event also allowed me to consider some opportunities that I never really had in mind before."

Giulia Vannucci, Research Assistant at the Rathgen Research Laboratory (Staatliche Museen zu Berlin), external PhD student in Heritage Studies, Faculty I + IV of TU Berlin

"During the PhD, you develop numerous skills, but I wasn't sure to what extent they would be useful. I always wondered if I was building a career that would eventually force me to work only in academia. About the event, I especially liked the 'learning from peers' sessions because it was great to ask questions openly and engage in discussions based on real-life examples provided by experienced people from business and academia."

Muzaffer Citir, Research Associate Smart Mobility Systems (SMS), TU Berlin

"As I approach the final stage of my PhD program, I am curious about my options for the next step as an international graduate on the German job market. This event helped me make an informed decision by hearing from alumni, who have already been in my position, and by participating in workshops on career perspectives and processes in both academia and industry. It was really nice that the event was a mix of in-person and virtual formats where I had the opportunity to talk to our alumni in person, but also participate in other workshops from my lab. I also appreciated the variety of topics discussed during the event - from careers outside academia to immigration procedures. I also liked the overall informal and relaxed atmosphere of the organization."

Suman Ghosh, PhD student at the Department of Robotic Interactive Perception, TU Berlin

"I appreciate that the event focused on international researchers, who often face particular challenges when trying to find their way on the job market in another country. When it comes to questions about their professional future, early career researchers have various concerns, such as what career path to take, how to market their skills, and how to navigate a competitive job market. The "Career Week" helped significantly to address some of these questions by providing orientation and support through information sessions, networking opportunities and career coaching."

Li Lou, TU Berlin

Film: Career Week 2017

© Christian Kielmann

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