How to Shape your Future – Career Planning for Postdocs

What are my unique abilities and interests that are crucial for determining the right career path for me? Can I reconcile my ideas about a fulfilled life with an academic career? Or should I probably better leave the academic working environment? 

This online workshop for postdoctoral researchers helps to answer these and other questions for all those who want to plan their career strategically. It offers possibilities to reflect upon future career choices, mostly whether to leave the academic field or not and possible other career choices. Based on their individual profiles, participants develop their own vision for their future personal and professional lives. 

• You reflect upon your professional career path and develop a well-orchestrated plan for a career inside or outside of academia. 

• You develop a biographically-based profile that highlights und evaluates your individual qualifications, skills and job visions. 

• You explore different occupational alternatives: Career at a research centre / as a scientist or “outside”, e.g. in industry, business, public service, etc. 

• You get information about formal and hidden requirements for career development (with special focus on Germany, Austria and Switzerland). 

• You share experiences and are encouraged by other scientists who are in a similar professional situation. 

The workshop consists of three group phases and individual coaching sessions. 

Date & Time

The course will be held online on 14-15 October 2025.

• 14 October

  • 09:00 – 11:30 → Group phase

  • 14:00 – 17:30 → Group phase

• 15 October

  • 09:00 – 11:30 → Group phase

  • 14:00 – 18:00 → Individual coaching session

About the trainer

Matthias Merkelbach is an expert in career strategy and team communication. With a degree in philosophy and German studies, he has many years of professional experience as a journalist, author of specialist books, and lecturer. Until 2011, he was the educational director of ISD GmbH, Stuttgart, where he was responsible for the continuing education program for internationally active companies, giving him a total of eight years of experience in a management position with personnel responsibility, including the recruitment of new employees. Since 2009, the certified coach has been leading workshops for doctoral students and postdocs with a focus on career planning, application preparation, and team communication.