People You Should KnowInterview with Dr. Alexandra Franzke, Head of the international graduate school office SICSS at Universität Hamburg

10 October 2022

Photo: privat

In our monthly series People You Should Know, we introduce people from Hamburg’s academic community who may be helpful contacts. It also gives you the opportunity to learn more about various aspects of research and higher education management. Today we are talking to Dr. Alexandra Franzke, Head of the international graduate school office SICSS at Universität Hamburg.

What exactly do you do and why is your work relevant for doctoral and early career researchers?

I work at the international graduate school—the School of Integrated Climate and Earth System Sciences, or SICSS for short, at the Center for Earth System Research and Sustainability (CEN). I oversee coordination. We support master’s students and doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in climate and Earth system sciences by offering networking activities, opportunities for further qualifications, consulting, and coaching at every stage of their careers. This lets us provide the best career prospects. Doctoral and early career researchers benefit from our services along their individual career path and from the close personal contact to our members.

What made you go into this field / how did you come to take on this position?

I used to work at TU Dortmund University at the graduate center and at the Research Academy Ruhr as well as in research funding and career guidance at the University of Freiburg. For many years, I have been a systemic coach and I have also done a doctorate in climate-related research in biology. My experience and the interesting new possibilities that the position at Universität Hamburg offered motivated me to apply.

What are the 3 most important pieces of advice for doctoral and early career researchers?

Doctoral and early career researchers often have a lot of responsibilities in addition to their research. They should keep their career and qualification goals in mind. It is very important to create space for your own development and, ideally, to take on only those tasks that get you closer to your goals. It is also a good idea to forge cooperation and networks early on, whether in research or with the companies in which you might later like to work. And exchange with people who have the same or the next-higher level of qualifications is a good way to reflect on your own progress and plan your next steps. Taking advantage of advising and coaching and advanced training is also important. An external perspective often means other people see more than you do and they can provide targeted support as you reach your goals or if you have problems. At Universität Hamburg, we have a lot of very good, free opportunities.