How did the career coaching session go?
The coaching was a really inspiring experience for me. It helped me to pause and consciously think about where I am and where I want to go. Together with my coach, we analyzed my current strengths and goals and also specified my professional aspirations. I particularly liked the fact that the coaching was so individually tailored to me. I was able to talk openly about my ideas, but also address unanswered questions. The result was a clear strategy for my next career steps and lots of valuable food for thought.
Have you gained new insights about yourself and your career goals? If so, which ones?
Yes, definitely! I realized how important it is for me to combine my scientific way of thinking with practical, economic topics. I also realized that I would like to work in a role that offers plenty of scope for creative problem-solving and strategic action. At the same time, I realized that a permanent position that offers long-term prospects and where I can put my strengths to good use is important to me. During this process, it was nice to realize how much I had taken with me from my doctorate, be it determination, international experience or the ability to communicate complex topics in an understandable way.
What advice did your coach give that you found particularly helpful?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice was to focus on positions that combine scientific and economic interests. That was exactly what I was interested in and made me realize that I didn't have to choose one side, but could combine the two. I also thought it was great how specific my coach was. She gave me names of suitable companies and institutions and showed me that there are actually jobs that are a perfect fit for me and my skills. That gave me a lot of motivation.
What are the next steps in your career planning?
After successfully submitting my dissertation in December - a moment I'm really proud of - my focus is now on job applications in the Bonn region. It's an exciting process in which I'm not only looking for jobs, but also continuing to work on my profile. I have realized how much I enjoy authentically presenting my strengths and discovering new perspectives for myself in the process. It is particularly important to me to find a position that is versatile, offers long-term security and in which I can contribute my enthusiasm for innovation and problem-solving.
What would you recommend to other doctoral students?
I would recommend career coaching to anyone. It's a great opportunity not only to discover career prospects, but also to get to know yourself better. What I particularly liked was the combination of personal reflection and very practical tips. It helped me to gain more confidence in my strengths and to set realistic but also ambitious goals. If you have already thought a bit about your career aspirations, the coaching can help you to formulate them even more clearly and develop concrete steps. I found the coaching to be a real support - and it reinforced what I wanted: A position that suits me and my skills.
We would like to congratulate Anna Ludwig on the submission of her dissertation and wish her continued success!