Shaping Your Future: Career Planning

What comes next after earning your doctorate? Should you stay in academia, explore alternative careers, or consider opportunities in another country? This workshop is designed to help doctoral candidates and researchers develop a clear and strategic career plan. Through guided exercises, self-reflection, and expert insights, participants will explore career options within and beyond academia, analyze their skills and values, and learn how to adapt their CVs for different job markets. The workshop also addresses key factors such as gender and origin in career development, strategies for increasing professional visibility, and effective job search techniques. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all solution, this session provides tools and frameworks to consciously plan diverse career paths and prepare for multiple future scenarios. 

Dates & Times:

The course will take place from from 4 June 2025, 09:00 -16:30 to 5 June 2025, 09:00-13:00. Please note that this worshop is GIGA internal only.

About the Trainer 

Dr. Umilaela Arifin is an accomplished biologist who supports international scientists, especially those who come to Germany from other parts of the world, in building careers that align with their values, goals, and personalities. With her expertise in securing prestigious grants like the Marie Curie Individual Fellowship, she provides guidance on career development and funding opportunities. Her research has been featured in Forbes and Discovery Channel Canada, and her career journey was highlighted in the 1MillionSTEM initiative. As a strong advocate for internationalization and intercultural diversity, she actively engages in mentorship, public outreach, and lectures to inspire and empower scientists worldwide.