This workshop is offered in cooperation with the High Performance Center Simulation and Software Based Innovation.

When?

Live sessions (online)

09.11.2026, 3:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

16.11.2026, 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m. or 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. (One session only.)

23.11.2026, 3:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m. 

Additional working hours

Between webinars: + 6,5 h for self-study courses and further individual work tasks

Training Goals

Leaving academia and looking for a job in the industry is an important and sometimes difficult step. This fundamental career training enables you to master interviews competently and to define and negotiate an adequate salary. Furthermore, it enables you to understand employment contracts and work regulations. It consists of live webinars and self-learning videos.

Target group

International and German doctoral researchers and postdocs who are looking for a new employment in the next 12 months and have little application knowledge.

Workshop content

• Determination of salaries
• Preparation and phases of interviews
• Salary negotiation strategies
• Self-presentation practice in small groups
• Answering interviewer questions

Subject “Salaries”

In a live webinar we will talk about typical salaries for job starters and criteria which can influence the salary. We practice a salary calculation method you can use to determine a salary for a specific position. At the end various research options are introduced which you can use to find out more about a company´s internal salary structure.

Subject “Job Interviews“

Afterwards you get general information about your preparation for job interviews, including suitable clothing, time of arrival and research about the company in a self-study training. You learn more about the classical interview structure and receive advice for a professional self-introduction and special interview situations such as online or by telephone. Subsequently, a video seminar explains the right approach to a salary negotiation and how to avoid common mistakes. Additionally, you get to know alternative options to substitute a lower payment offer.

In a further appointment you can exercise your self-presentation and receive feedback. In the final live workshop, we will also work out possible answers to typical questions asked by HR managers during the interview.

Subject “Employment Contract”

In the last video course, you will learn about the nine most important topics in an employment contract. For each topic, the minimum legal requirements, the expected conditions for an academic career starter and the maximum regulations in the industry are presented. In addition, typical formulations for the contract text are shown and the calculation of the gross salary to the net salary is explained. The course will give you a better understanding of the employment contract and enable you to decide whether the conditions offered are comparatively good or bad.

Other modules in this series:

• Online seminar "From Science to Industry – Job Search & Application“  (19.10.-02.11.2026))
• „Arbeitszeugnisse richtig interpretieren und schreiben“ (17.03.2026)

Prefer an application course in German? The modules will also be held in German in spring:

• „Bewerben in der Wirtschaft – Gehalt, Vorstellungsgespräch & Vertrag“ (16.04.-30.04.2026)
• „Bewerben in der Wirtschaft - Stellensuche & Bewerbung“ (26.02.-12.03.2026)

(Separate registration is required to participate in these modules!) 

Language

Live sessions will be held in English. Self-study courses are available in English and German.

Privacy

When registering for this seminar you agree to the following terms and conditions: https://www.push-your-career.com/privacy-policy/

Technical requirements and e-collaboration tool

• PC or laptop with (integrated) webcam as well as microphone and speakers (a headset would be optimal).
• Powerful Internet with a current browser.
• A quiet workplace.

The workshop will take place via the European platform ClickMeeting. Various websites will also be used to support an interactive learning atmosphere.

Trainer

Heidi Störr, Push Your Career - Career Consultancy. 

After her graduation in business studies with focus in Human Resources she worked as a Recruiter for several companies. In 2012 she founded Push Your Career a specialised career consultancy for doctoral candidates and post-docs. With her trainings, she provides concrete guidance for all steps of an application phase to start a career in Germany´s industry. Further trainer details: https://www.push-your-career.com/about-heidi-storr

Registration

Participation is limited. Registration opens approximately 3 months before course start.

When registering, please be sure to indicate: Start of application phase/expected end of PhD (the indication is possible via the comment field on the last page of the registration form).You will be informed about your admission to the course only after the registration deadline! 

The workshop is open to all young scientists at RPTU and of Fraunhofer ITWM and IESE. Participation is free of charge. Please note our information on the conditions of participation and on registration.

If you have any questions, please contact reach-info[at]rptu.de