Career Paths

The period after completing a doctorate degree is also a time of orientation and decision-making. Many researchers are faced with the question as to how to move forward professionally and whether to pursue a career path in academia. Early-career researchers have a wide spectrum of careers to choose from that match their individual strengths, interests and life circumstances.

Academic careers

After completing a doctorate degree, academic careers are divided into postdocs, assistant professorships and professorships, or alternative leadership positions, e.g., lectureships. An academic career cannot be planned in its entirety, and the selection process from postdoc to professorship is rigorous. However, scientific independence, management of research projects, conducting courses, networking and mobility can help increase the chances of success. Lately, alternative academic career goals, such as lectureships, have also gained in importance.

Habilitation

In some academic fields, a postdoctoral qualification (habilitation) is necessary to be awarded a professorship. A habilitation is the highest university degree and grants the right to teach (venia legendi). It demonstrates the ability to conduct independent research and teaching in the respective academic field. Although in recent years appointment procedures have become more open, alternative qualification models have emerged and an equivalent to a habilitation is being discussed, the habilitation as a “second book” is still of great significance in many academic fields, especially in the German-speaking world. Due to subject-specific differences, habilitations at the University of Bern are governed by faculty-specific habilitation regulations (in German).

Careers outside of academia

A career in academia is just one of many options to pursue after a postdoc. Highly qualified researchers are also sought after in industry, in public administration or in the third space, where they can expect to find exciting and challenging positions. Whether a career path is in or outside of academia, the University of Bern supports postdocs with extensive career opportunities and transferable skills.