Berlin University Alliance

Discover and develop your professional skills: Take part in our self-assessment and gain valuable insights into your strengths and areas for growth.

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About the Online Competence Tool

The Online Competence Tool is an innovative self-assessment designed for doctoral researchers and postdocs to identify and develop their interdisciplinary skills. Initially created at TU Berlin and later refined through the Postdoc Academy, it reveals hidden strengths and supports career development both within and beyond academia.

In today’s dynamic world, interdisciplinary skills – often referred to as soft skills – are essential for both personal and professional success. But what exactly do they entail? Think of communication, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, project management, and leadership. These competencies extend far beyond specialized knowledge and are highly valued across academia, industry, and the public sector.

Many doctoral researchers and postdocs dedicate themselves fully to their research, often overlooking the broader value of their skills beyond academia. A common misconception is: "I’m only trained for research – what else could I possibly do?" The reality is quite the opposite: The skills you develop in academia are highly transferable and can open doors to diverse career paths. The key is recognizing their value and learning how to use them to your advantage.

How Does the Online Competence Tool Work?

This tool is not a standardized test but a self-reflection instrument that allows you to assess and refine your interdisciplinary competencies. It covers six main competence fields, each divided into four subcategories. The questionnaire helps you:

• Identify your strengths and areas for improvement
• Gain personalized insights into your interdisciplinary skills
• Track your development over time by completing the self-assessment multiple times
• Receive a graphical evaluation of your competencies to guide your career planning

You can register online with your email address to gain access to the tool. The self-assessment tool is designed to be used flexibly and repeatedly, allowing you to reflect on your progress at different career stages.

Contact

Please contact the Online Competence Tool team if you have any questions:

satkompetenzen(at)zewk.tu-berlin.de

Your Online Competence Tool Team
Dr. Simone Bartsch & Christoph Lakner

Privacy Policy

Your data is handled in accordance with privacy regulations. For further details, please refer to our full privacy policy.