International Researcher Day

10-10:55 am

Content

What is the difference between universities and universities of applied sciences? Are universities the only place where you can do research? When entering the German research system, many questions will occur. Therefore the first aim of this short workshop is to get deeper insights into structures of scientific institutions in Germany and to learn more about the organization of universities, research institutions and funding agencies. This helps to better navigate and to run research without the feeling to live and work in unknown territory.

Trainer

Dr. Jan Schmidt holds a PhD in Humanities and is head of Münster Universities Graduate Centre since 2012. Having ten years of experience in providing workshops and advisory service for doctoral candidates and postdocs, Jan Schmidt focuses on the needs of young researchers. His passion is to facilitate development by addressing the questions and needs of the participants.

11-11:55 am

Content

During your doctoral studies you build on existing skills and develop new competence sets. Knowing and advancing this portfolio is essential for building the career (and life) that you want – or for figuring out exactly that. The input will cover the following topics and you get the chance to discuss your questions.

• A competence portfolio as part of your Career Strategy
• Differentiating between skills and strengths
• How to identify such skills and strengths (including your blind spots)
• How to use storytelling to identify skill sets and communicate them based on evidence
• Dealing with common narratives, such as being “overqualified”
• Discussing relevant future skills

Trainer

Dr. Anne Schreiter is Executive Director of the German Scholars Organization (GSO), an independent nonprofit that advises, connects, promotes, and funds researchers who want to build a career in Germany. After receiving her PhD in Organizational Sociology from the University of St. Gallen, she spent a year as postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley, USA.

1-1:55 pm

Content

Navigating a career in academia is always challenging. In order to make informed decisions and strategically plan your next step in the German research landscape, it is important to know how the system works and what options you can pursue. The session will cover the following topics and you will get the chance to discuss your questions:

• An overview of academic career paths in Germany
• Specifics of the German System
• Funding options
• How to build a strategy for your next steps
• Managing your expectations and tapping into resources

Trainer

Dr. Anne Schreiter is Executive Director of the German Scholars Organization (GSO), an independent nonprofit that advises, connects, promotes, and funds researchers who want to build a career in Germany. After receiving her PhD in Organizational Sociology from the University of St. Gallen, she spent a year as postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley, USA.

2-2:55 pm

Content

A session based on the standards of project management as used in business and science – but applied to the doctoral project. The following content will be addressed:

• What is project management and how can I use it for my doctorate? Basics of classic and agile project management and their combination.
• How do I keep an overview and do not lose track of time? Working with work breakdown structures and Gantt charts.
• How do I stay flexible and plan as efficiently as possible? Agile boards and other instruments for short-term planning.

Trainer

Dr. Alexander Egeling is a certified trainer and coach for scientists. He studied and worked at universities in Germany, Australia, and Canada. Specializing in research management, career planning and communication, he has more than 10 years of experience in higher education training.

2-2:55 pm

Content

Did you know that a mismatch between the expectations of a doctoral candidate and those of the supervisor increases the doctoral candidate’s propensity to drop out of a doctoral program? Here’s good news: There are ways to prevent or remedy the expectation mismatch that may turn the supervisory relationship into a nightmare. This interactive hands-on session is designed to encourage you – international doctoral candidates – to proactively engage with your supervisor(s) to define, discuss and modify mutual expectations, and to tap into all available resources to make your doctoral journey a positive and successful experience. This session is ideal both for those who are at the very beginning of their doctoral candidacy, and for those who seek ways to keep their existing supervisory relationship on the desired track.

• Understand why the alignment of expectations surrounding the supervisory relationship matters
• Get tips to work out and communicate your expectations in line with your university’s regulations and related literature
• Know sources of support that you can draw upon to meet your expectations

Trainer

Dr. Iva Ognjanovic is Training & Development Officer at the Graduate Center of the University of Münster. Figuring out what makes people tick and using this knowledge to make a positive difference to their lives has guided Iva’s life choices. Her background includes, among other things, collaborative curriculum design, teaching, and career counseling in China, and support services for international doctoral candidates at the University of Münster.

3-3:55 pm

Space 1: Planten un Blomen

Meet Your Fellows – A Virtual Get-Together With the HRA Doctoral Council

The HRA Doctoral Council represents the interests of doctoral researchers in Hamburg and promotes networking among them. Learn more about its activities and get to know other doctoral researchers in Hamburg.

Space 2: Övelgönne

Ask Us Anything: All You Might Want to Know About Doing Your Research in Hamburg – A Virtual Get-Together With HRA Experts

All you might want to know about doing your research in Hamburg! Dr. Linda Jauch and Saskia Pfeiffer introduce you to the vibrant research landscape in Hamburg and navigate you through the wide range of institutions and services for doctoral researchers, including information on our activities and workshop program.

Space 3: Landungsbrücken

Facilitating Your Time in Hamburg – Welcome Service (UHH) and the Hamburg Welcome Center (FHH)

We provide information, advice, and help with everything you need for your stay and life in Hamburg: residence permit, health insurance, dealing with authorities, and even looking for a suitable kindergarten.

Space 4: Fischmarkt

Beyond the PhD: Discover Career Opportunities Outside Academia in Hamburg – Hamburg Welcome Center (FHH)

End of your doctorate in sight – Those who have completed a PhD are finding more opportunities to work outside of academia than ever before. Discover the different career options available in Hamburg. We offer information about the job market, job search, the application process, and we introduce the relevant services of the Hamburg Welcome Center to you.

Space 5: Sternschanze

Spotlighting the Social and Cultural Life in Hamburg – PIASTA (UHH)

We offer a space for intercultural exchange and provide tips for the best spots to discover the city and to meet new people and enjoy your life in Hamburg.

4-4:55 pm

Content

For anybody who is mad enough to pursue an academic career but doesn’t want to let it drive them crazy! In this short workshop, Dr. Hendrik Huthoff will present the evidence-base regarding problems with mental health in academia, provide a short testimonial of his own struggles with mental health and present actionable strategies for improving wellbeing. There will be ample time for discussion and highlighting the support structures that are available.

Trainer

Dr. Hendrik Huthoff is the Head of Education at the Jena School for Microbial Communication where he is responsible for the training program of doctoral and post-doctoral researchers. During his chemistry studies and his PhD research, he developed a severe anxiety disorder that had a major impact on his life despite finding ways of successfully completing his scientific work. Nowadays, he is active as a mental health advocate to improve support at institutes of higher education and to highlight that wellbeing can flourish through finding the right general, local and individual solutions.

4-4:55 pm

Content

The Active Bystander training program aims to empower doctoral and early career researchers to challenge poor behaviors, and bring about cultural change through the reinforcement of messages defining the boundaries of unacceptable behavior.

• An understanding of what bystander apathy is and the importance of being an active bystander
• Learn skills and techniques to positively challenge bullying, harassment, micro-aggressions and other inappropriate behaviors
• Agreed steps to take to be an effective bystander
• Decision-making techniques to help delegates overcome fear and self-doubt when faced with a challenging situation
• Assertiveness techniques to give delegates confidence and tools to speak out, whether they are dealing with the challenge directly or calling for help from others.

Trainer

Mo Forgan worked as a barrister for 17 years, practicing in crime and family law. She was a pupil supervisor for many years which involved being a mentor/trainer for younger, aspiring barristers. A change of direction led her to the charitable sector. She initially ran an international scholarship fund helping students from the developing world study Masters degrees in leading UK universities,  and latterly, and to date, works with SATRO (an educational charity based in Guildford) which brings STEM learning, mentoring and employability skills into schools. 

5-5:55 pm

Content

This session deepens your understanding of how networks may positively influence your personal and professional development. It offers impulses on the use of strategic networking to help you achieve your goals and on particular challenges related to international contexts and careers. There will be room for your questions and ideas.

Trainer

Dr. Matthias Zach has undergone his scientific training in Oxford, Paris and Tübingen. He worked many years in research, teaching and science management at universities in Great Britain, France and Germany as well as a freelance translator. As a member of the Karriereberatung für Akademiker*innen network, Matthias Zach counsels researchers and scientists on all relevant aspects of their careers.

5-5:55 pm

Content

In this session we will examine how differences in international academics’ working styles, which stem from their diverse cultural backgrounds, can present not only difficulties but also opportunities. The ways in which we work, communicate and explain concepts are influenced to a large extent by cultural, academic and philosophical traditions. In this short workshop we will become aware of these differences by examining tendencies along a number of dimensions, e.g. ‘direct vs indirect’, ‘hierarchical vs egalitarian’ and ‘content-oriented vs relationship-oriented’, all of which are deeply rooted in international academics’ socialisation backgrounds. We will also discover some tendencies in traditional presentation styles, for example arguments can be ‘linear’, ‘circular’ or ‘branching’ and our reasoning can be inductive or deductive, pragmatic or theoretical. Some of these styles will be examined through concrete examples, and participants will have the opportunity to apply these concepts to their everyday dealings with international colleagues. The session is intended to inspire participants to want to deepen their insight and skills in this field.

Trainer

Dr. Peter James Witchalls, born in London, has held workshops and seminars on communicating between cultures in higher education and companies across Europe for over 20 years. With a PhD in cultural communication styles, he currently lectures at the University of Hamburg. He constantly reviews and updates his understanding of a commonly misunderstood subject, speaks German and Spanish fluently and has recently qualified as an intercultural coach.