After the Doctorate

After completing a doctorate degree, the opportunity to continue working in research and teaching, to gain scientific independence and to build an international network is what makes a scientific career particularly appealing. At the same time, this career path requires perseverance: Most positions in academia at intermediate staff level are temporary, and the path to a professorship is demanding.

Academic career

As a rule, the two- to six-year postdoc phase begins after completing a doctorate degree. During this phase, junior-level academics expand their professional profile, build national and international contacts –e.g., through publications, conferences and lectures– and acquire skills in obtaining funding.

The aim of a postdoc is to earn the qualifications for a professorship or other leadership position within the university. A lectureship is another attractive career goal, particularly for scientists whose focus is on teaching.

Careers outside of academia

That being said, the majority of doctoral graduates opt to pursue a career outside of academia. This decision is in no way a “Plan B”; rather, it opens up a wide range of possibilities – be it in research and development within industry, in public administration, in international organizations, in human resources management, in advising and consulting, in science management or in entrepreneurship.