Our doctoral researchers were able to participate and exchange ideas in several sessions devoted to the general organisational structure of academia in Germany, highlighting the freedom of research, employment conditions based on different contract types (including teaching responsibilities), and career planning aspects in academia and beyond, supported by statistical insights and examples from the natural sciences. The sessions also included the sharing of relevant job platforms, underlining the importance of networking, as well as discussions on time management and family planning.
As many who have completed a PhD would agree, this is a special period of life that offers unique opportunities to devote oneself to research while also requiring a high level of focus and resilience in the face of doubts and uncertainties. At the same time, it is a valuable phase for broad professional development within an inspiring academic environment that can serve as a strong foundation for diverse career paths in academia and beyond, which appear particularly promising in the natural sciences.
The workshop was characterised by a friendly and supportive atmosphere. The opportunity to openly express doubts, realise that others share similar experiences, and gain an overview of relevant career fields contributed to strengthening participants’ confidence regarding their current PhD phase and their future perspectives.