Survive and Thrive at work! How to settle in, find your feet and thrive in the academic workplace
A space for international doctoral candidates and postdocs
- Attendance:
- Presence event
- Event location:
-
- Witzenhausen, Steinstraße, H12
- Event Organizer:
-
- Graduate Academy
- Category:
-
- Workshop
- Target groups:
-
- Doctoral candidates
- Junior Research Group Leaders
- Postdoktorand:innen/Postdocs
- Sprache:
- English
Moving to a new country to take up an academic position can seem daunting at first – you want to get off to a good start with your research but so much is new and different and there seems to be so much admin to manage! On top of that, being away from your normal support networks can often make things seem even harder – especially if there’s a language barrier! That’s where we can step in to help you with this informative yet relaxed and interactive two-day package full of helpful information, tips and strategies for success in Germany. You can learn about the academic system here in Germany, what’s expected of you in the workplace, what are the cultural norms as well as the unwritten rules to be aware of. There will be plenty of chance to ask questions and voice your concerns, gain vital insights, as well as lots of opportunity to meet and share experiences with people in a similar position to you from all over the world. You might even build up a lasting network to stay in touch with for your time here (and beyond).
Learn the vital facts about the German academic system and possible career paths, get practical tips and advice for surviving and thriving in Germany (e.g. workplace welfare, housing, healthcare, social interactions), gain key insights into cultural norms and values in German, have the opportunity to interact and build relationships with other international scholars.
Qualification Outcomes
- Empowerment and networking,
- navigating uncertain or unclear situations,
- landscape of the German academic system,
- Intercultural understanding,
- demands and responsibilities in the workplace,
- my network as a resource for success
Methods
The workshop is interactive and involves
- shorts inputs,
- group work,
- peer/trainer feedback,
- reflective activities,
- Q&As and bonding activities.
Interviews conducted with successful international researchers will be used to empower participants.
The atmosphere is considerate to all issues of diversity and inclusion.
Requirements
English language.
Extras (optional)
At the end of the first day (4:30-5:30 pm), we will offer a guided tour of the tropical greenhouse. The tropical greenhouse in Witzenhausen is unique in Germany: Here, everything revolves around tropical and subtropical crops. Around 480 plant species grow across 1,200 m²—ranging from food and spice plants to medicinal and dye plants, as well as aromatic, fiber, and energy crops. Participation is optional. Please indicate whether you are interested when you register.
More information about this event
Event location:
Witzenhausen, Steinstraße, H12
H12
Steinstraße 19
37213 Witzenhausen
show on map
Event Organizer:
Graduate Academy
Contact:
Dr. Isabelle Schulze
Universität Kassel
Graduate Academy
General Manager
0561-804 1968
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Speaker:
Dr. Philippa Cook
Dr. Philippa Cook works as a trainer, coach and careers advisor with a focus on international doctoral candidates, postdocs and early career researchers. She has an international background herself – born and raised in England – and worked in research and teaching in German academia for many years before she became a consultant. She has specialised training in intercultural competence and has conducted numerous interviews with successful internationals in Germany. She speaks fluent English and German.