Berlin University Alliance

Job Shadowing Program

The Postdoc Academy Job Shadowing Program offers an invaluable opportunity to gain insight into diverse professional fields within and beyond academia. Through this program, you’ll "shadow" a leading professional (your host) for a week, observing their daily tasks and responsibilities. Rather than actively participating, you'll engage by "looking over the shoulder" of experienced leaders to understand the day-to-day operations and challenges they face.

This program is designed to help you gain firsthand exposure to unique career paths, job profiles, and professional environments in academia, science management, and related sectors. The experience is ideal for exploring new fields, building connections, and making well-informed decisions about your career path based on your competencies and aspirations.

Our Esteemed Hosts and Mentors

We partner with distinguished professionals across various fields, allowing participants to learn directly from the best in the industry. Among our hosts are:

• University Professors
• Members of Presidential Boards
• Institute Directors
• Managing Directors
• Leaders of Research Infrastructures
• Scientists in Core Facilities
• Senior Managers in Science-Related Institutions

Flexible and Personalized Job Shadowing

You and your host can work together to customize your Job Shadowing Week. If you're interested in specific topics or responsibilities, let your host know in your preliminary meeting to tailor the experience to your interests. While the primary focus is on observation, short tasks may be included to enrich your understanding. The program concludes with a final meeting, providing an ideal moment to ask questions, gather feedback, and discuss future connections.

Discover more about our program's impact! Below, you'll find a press release detailing the outcomes and experiences from our first Job Shadowing Event.

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Press Release: Insights into Professional Careers – BUA Postdoc Academy Job Shadowing Event

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.

Summary

The Job Shadowing Event underscored the importance of looking beyond one’s own immediate field and actively exploring new career perspectives. The program offers postdocs the chance to gain realistic insights into attractive professional fields, enabling them to make well-informed decisions about their future career paths.