This event is part of the RMU Postdoc Career Weeks 2026

Researchers interested in career opportunities outside the university system often wrestle with questions such as:

• “Am I qualified for positions beyond academia?” 
• “How do I find suitable openings?” 
• “Which skills and experiences are attractive to non‑academic employers?”

Content:

• The situation of PhD holders – Dr. Without Prospects?
  • Data, statistics, facts
• Guiding principle – What matters to me?
  • Values, career motivations 
• Options – What’s available?
  • Search tools, networking with professional representatives 
• Competencies – What do I bring?
  • Analyzing skills and deriving capabilities 
• Applying – How do I sell myself?
  • The application process outside academia 

Benefits and Goals:
The aim of the workshop is to help participants develop viable, individualized ideas for career alternatives to an academic trajectory. First, the current situation of PhD graduates on the German labour market will be presented. Through analysis and self‑reflection exercises, participants will be guided to explore their own interests and values. Subsequently, a framework and strategies will be provided for researching career options and mapping their competencies for the non‑university job market. Finally, practical tips and advice for the first steps of the application process will be offered.

Trainer: 
Dr. Cécile Schain – Diplom-Psychologist, values intentional action, space for creativity, and the surprising moments along people’s personal development paths. Drawing on her own extensive professional experience in both academia and the health and social services sectors, she is well acquainted with the specific challenges of these fields. The specialists and leaders she supports at schainundkuchenbrandt therefore come predominantly from these areas. She is equally pleased to assist individuals from other professional fields. She works through individual, group, and team coaching as well as workshops. Her key focus areas include strengthening self-worth, stress management, communication, conflict resolution, leadership, and professional reorientation.

Registration is required at prowewin@uni-mainz.de. Participation is limited to 12 people.

Target group: Early Career Researchers (R1, R2, R3) from TU Darmstadt, JGU Mainz and GU Frankfurt.

Language: German