Karrieresprung 2022How do I make the transition to the non-academic labor market?

The day started with an orientation session: What's on my schedule and where do I need to go?

This year, the careers day took place at the Design Offices in Hammerbrook for the first time. The open, social venue provided a good environment for exchange with other doctoral researchers.

“All roads lead to Rome. When it comes to careers, there are plenty of Romes! Find your personal Rome. We will help you find the road that will lead you there,” said Prof. Dr. Marc Föcking of the Hamburg Research Academy in his opening speech.

The opening panel consisted of Dr. Jannika Bock, alumna of Universität Hamburg and managing retail director at Google Germany, Dr. Eva Gümbel, state secretary for science, research and equalities of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, and Prof. Dr. Jetta Frost, vice president of Universität Hamburg.

Moderator Petra Boberg talked with her guests about their personal career trajectories and the decisions they made along the way.

“What you need now is confidence and optimism: the skills shortage has freed up plenty of space in the labor market for you. You just need to know where you want to go,” Dr. Eva Gümbel said encouragingly.

Dr. Jannika Bock advised her audience not to accept compromises right away: “You are excellently educated; you have everything you need. Pursue your dream job first.”

Audience questions primarily focused on reconciling work and family life. Dr. Jannika Bock recommended to screen companies for family-friendly policies. Modern companies need to offer attractive working models.

From the panel to one-on-one advice: during the CV check, the participants polished their application documents.

A photo shoot helped them make a professional first impression.

Ask me anything: during the lunch talks, the participants exchanged their views and thoughts in small groups. The photo shows Dr. Tilman Hüneke of Envacis AG, a renewable-energy supplier.

In her lunch talk, Dr. Reemda Tieben granted her audience insights into her work at Google Germany.

Enabling research: Dr. Florian Mundt of Universität Hamburg introduced the profession of research and higher education management in his lunch talk.

Dive into a new world—quite literally, in some cases: at the Opportunities Fair, the academics got to know the world of work beyond the university gates.

What occupations and companies are out there?

What positions exist inside the company?

What entry options are there?

Alongside the companies, institutions such as the Knowledge Exchange Agency and Universität Hamburg’s HR Development department offered information about support programs for academics seeking an industry career.

In compact workshops on a wide range of topics relating to non-university careers, the participants received valuable input . . .

 . . . and asked the trainers individual questions.

Finally, our experts provided pragmatic tips for entering an industry career during a panel talk. (You can see some of them in the information box below.)

Gianna Possehl talked about her experiences with starting a consultancy agency and provided a useful analysis of the factors that motivate her. Dr. Silke Richter granted insights into her career with large companies such as Vattenfall and the mentoring program she set up at the University Society Hamburg. From Dr. Anja Stadeler, the audience learned how to have a successful career in fintech as a classicist.

We wish all participants all the best for their future career paths!