Berlin University Alliance

Job Shadowing Program

Discover New Career Horizons: The Job Shadowing Program for Postdocs

For many postdocs, staying in academia might seem like the natural next step. After years of dedication to research and specialization, pursuing a professorship or a tenure-track position is one possible career path.

However, the reality is that most postdocs go on to build successful careers outside traditional academia. With their advanced expertise, analytical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, postdocs are highly sought after in diverse fields such as science management, administration, and communication. These sectors offer intellectually stimulating environments that build on academic experience while providing fresh professional challenges.

To help postdocs explore this broader career landscape, the Berlin University Alliance (BUA) has launched the Job Shadowing Program — a unique opportunity to explore exciting possibilities outside traditional academia.

 

About the Program

The Job Shadowing Program invites postdoctoral researchers to step beyond the boundaries of traditional academia and gain hands-on insights into science-related careers. The program gives participants (“shadowees”) the opportunity to closely observe professionals in their daily work.

Over one week, participants follow leaders in fields that intersect with science but extend beyond the traditional confines of academia. Whether it’s observing high-level decision-making, understanding operational workflows, or witnessing leadership in action, shadowees gain an insider’s perspective on careers they may never have considered.

Shadowees not only learn how their academic skills translate into other sectors, but they also build invaluable networks and leave with a clearer sense of where their career could lead.

Job shadowing provides a better understanding of the roles available in science-related professions and the steps needed to pursue them.

 

Program Goals

The Job Shadowing Program main goals are:

1. Broaden Skills and Perspectives: Participants learn about roles, responsibilities, and required skills in various professional fields by observing leaders in action. They also discover how their own academic experiences and expertise can translate into these contexts.

1. Support Confident Career Choices: By reflecting on their strengths and interests, postdocs are equipped to make informed, confident decisions about their career paths. This is particularly valuable during the critical postdoc phase when individuals must make pivotal decisions about their career trajectories.

Additionally, the program fosters valuable networking opportunities. Shadowees connect with industry leaders and organizations, laying the foundation for potential collaborations and career advancements.

 

Fields to Explore

The program spans a wide range of fields, allowing participants to tailor their shadowing experience to match their interests:

• Science Communication: Participants can shadow professionals responsible for corporate communications or public relations in scientific organizations. These roles often involve making complex scientific concepts accessible to diverse audiences.
• Science Management and Administration: Shadowees can learn from managing directors, administrative leaders, or coordinators who oversee the operations of research institutes and scientific organizations.
• University Administration and Policies: From deans of education to university presidents, this field offers insights into governance, strategic planning, and policy implementation in higher education institutions.
• Corporate Development and Research & Development: Participants interested in innovation and industry can shadow professionals working in corporate development or R&D, exploring how scientific knowledge is translated into practical applications.
• Foundations and NGOs: Shadowees can observe leaders in foundations and non-governmental organizations that support research and innovation, gaining insights into strategic planning and external relations.
• International Cooperation and Networking: Opportunities in this field allow participants to observe how international partnerships are forged and maintained in academic and research contexts.

 

Who Can Apply?

The program is open to postdoctoral researchers affiliated with the institutions of the Berlin University Alliance: Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin. Both early-career postdocs in the orientation phase (R2a) and more advanced postdocs (R2b) are encouraged to participate.

Language requirements vary depending on the host organization. While many opportunities require German proficiency (B2-C1), some roles are open to English-speaking candidates, particularly in international settings. Regardless of language proficiency, applicants should have a genuine interest in the field they wish to explore and be willing to engage with their chosen field.

 

How to Get Started

Two times per year, the call for applications are announced at the BUA-Postdoc Academy website and the Newsletter Interested postdocs can apply by submitting a completed registration form, available online, and following these simple steps

1. Complete the online registration form, indicating your preferred fields and including a brief motivation statement.
2. Wait for your application to be reviewed and matched with a suitable host.
3. If selected, attend a preliminary meeting with your host to outline the goals and schedule for your shadowing experience.

Successful applicants will be notified in February and in July 2025.

Missed out the first round in 2025? Apply for the next one in May 2025!

 

What to Expect During the Program

The shadowing experience typically spans five days and is highly flexible. Participants work closely with their host to craft a schedule that aligns with their interests and the host’s responsibilities. Whether it’s observing key meetings, understanding strategic planning, or gaining insight into daily operations, shadowees get a comprehensive view of their host’s role.

Hosts include leaders from prominent research institutions, universities, foundations, and corporations. Their expertise spans various fields, ensuring that shadowees can gain insights into a wide array of professional environments. Examples of host organizations include the Max Delbrück Center, the Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, and the Berlin Leadership Academy. Hosts also serve as mentors, sharing advice and fostering connections that could shape participants’ futures.

At the end of the program, participants and hosts meet to reflect on the experience, discuss next steps, and address any final questions. Participants are also asked to complete a short evaluation and submit a summary of their experience.

Each shadowee can get a certificate of participation in the Job Shadowing Program, issued and handed by the BUA-Postdoc Academy.

Why Join?

The Job Shadowing Program is not just a learning opportunity; it’s a stepping stone for career growth. By participating, postdocs can:

• Gain firsthand insights into attractive career paths outside academia
• Identify transferable skills and areas for professional development
• Build professional networks with leaders and decision-makers in science-related fields
• Gain confidence in your career decisions by experiencing potential roles firsthand

For many postdocs, this program is a turning point, offering the guidance and clarity needed to make confident career decisions. Don’t miss the chance to redefine your career trajectory. Learn more and apply for the upcoming round in May through the official application form.

 

Job Shadowing Event

The BUA Postdoc Academy Job Shadowing Event is an annual gathering that brings together hosts, shadowees, and prospective participants to exchange experiences, insights, and career perspectives. The event serves as a platform for networking, reflection, and inspiration, helping postdocs explore professional pathways beyond traditional academia.

 

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BUA Postdoc Academy Job Shadowing Event 2024

On September 26, 2024, the evening event for the BUA Postdoc Academy Job Shadowing Program took place at Ballhaus Wedding in Berlin. This program offers postdocs a unique opportunity to accompany a leading professional in science or a science-related field for one week, gaining a close-up view of their daily work routine. The event provides an ideal platform for exchange, inspiration, and the development of new perspectives.

 

Event Highlights

The day began with a warm welcome and an open discussion about the unique challenges faced during the sensitive postdoc phase. Prof. Dr. Annette Mayer from TU Berlin and Prof. Dr. Thomas Sommer from MDC emphasized the importance of networking and communication within the scientific community. Under the theme “Out of the Shadows,” the Job Shadowing concept was introduced as a way to gain fresh perspectives and explore diverse career paths.

 

Rethinking Leadership

Dr. Daniel May from FU Berlin led a session on the theme of “Leadership,” posing the question, “What does leadership mean?” He highlighted key qualities of leadership, including trust, vision, and a sense of duty. Central to the discussion was the post-heroic leadership model, which positions leaders as integral team members who foster a culture of learning.

 

Pimp My CV

Another program feature was the "Pimp My CV" workshop, where participants learned strategies to address career gaps and tailor their applications for various professional opportunities. The workshop focused on building awareness of the cultural shift from academia to other sectors and on authentically presenting one’s competencies.

 

New Horizons and Farewell to the Postdoc Role

The “How to Job Shadow” workshop prepared participants for their week as “shadowees,” offering practical tips on how to maximize the experience. Additionally, the session addressed the emotional and professional challenges of moving beyond the postdoc role. Participants reflected on the transition out of academia and the mixed emotions, such as excitement and loss, that often accompany it.

 

Building Valuable Connections

The event also offered numerous networking opportunities, enabling participants to connect with decision-makers across different sectors of science and science management. In the concluding “World Café” session, participants exchanged insights and gathered new ideas for their personal career development.