The University of Potsdam - A portrait
Transfer
From the University into Practice
Services for Career and Start-Up
Photo: K. Fritze
The goal of a well-working transfer of knowledge and technology is to connect the results from research and teaching with practice in an efficient manner. To meet this goal, the University of Potsdam has created several complementary institutions.
The Career Service supports students and graduates during the transition phase from study into practice. The courses offered impart key skills. Students receive orientation in the profession and learn to develop the appropriate application strategies. If the desired profession is not quite clear, a profile analysis in the Career Development System can help to discover one's strengths, interests, and abilities. Personal wishes and values also shape the expectations of the future professional career. In line with that, students develop a plan with milestones and specific fields of development. The opportunities for internships and contacts to business and administration are constantly being expanded. The Brandenburg-wide program "Mentoring for Women - Shaping the Future Together" is directed especially at female students and doctoral candidates who are in the final phase of their studies or their dissertation. Experienced specialists and leaders from the region offer support as mentors, strengthen self confidence, and share their work experiences.
"From the start-up laboratory to our Career Service -
we have developed a comprehensive start-up infrastructure
that has earned first place for the University of Potsdam
in a 2009 national start-up ranking."
Dr. Dana Mietzner,
BIEM CEIP , Institute for Start-Up and Innovation
at the University of Potsdam
Photo: private
The University of Potsdam's central academic institution in the start-up area is the Institute for Start-Up and Innovation BIEM CEIP. Here, teaching programs, research projects, and the Ph.D. program in start-up management are coordinated. A particular focus is the coordination of the start-up service and contacts with domestic and foreign partners. For those who want to start a business, BIEM CEIP offers consultation services in site management. Before "taking the plunge," future business owners can test their start-up competences in the institute's assessment center and develop a solid business plan with qualified help. With the support of experienced executives, the Senior Coaching Service assists young entrepreneurs in the difficult beginning period.
To keep in touch with its former students, the University of Potsdam has created the alumni program. Its goal is to support activities between members of the university and its alumni and thus create strong ties between theory and practice. The program also supports the contact of alumni with each other or to current students. Naturally, the networking with international alumni can open up new opportunities for former students and for the university.
The alumni program of the University of Potsdam is available to all former students, doctoral students, guest scholars, and to university employees.
