Berlin University Alliance

Postdoc Career Fair 2025 Schedule – Thursday 26 June 2025

Exploring Career Opportunities Beyond Academia

9:00 – 10:30  Welcome: Vice President for Research -

                      Key Note: Career change to the business world       

10:30 – 11:00 Break

11:00 – 12:00 Panel discussion: Private Industry

The private sector comprises companies that are privately owned and operate in a competitive market with the aim of generating profit. It is considered a particularly dynamic area of the economy, often offering higher earning potential than the public sector. In this session, guests from VW, Bayer, KWS, and Leica will share their insights.

11:00 – 12:00 Panel discussion: Academic Management and Communication

In recent years, the professional fields of science management and science communication have developed dynamically at universities and science-related institutions – and they continue to grow.  Subject-specific expertise combined with interdisciplinary skills makes it easier for doctoral graduates to enter these career paths. The panel features guests from the University of Bremen, the Center for East European and International Studies Berlin, the HU Berlin and the Berlin University Alliance.

12:00 – 13:00 Panel discussion: Start up

Berlin is by far Germany’s leading start-up hotspot. We are delighted to welcome three start-ups – AIOS, Talonic and Pramomolecular – whose representatives will share their challenges and successes during this panel discussion. They will also be available to answer your questions. Additionally, three experienced university advisors from the TU, HU and FU will be present to provide guidance on all aspects launching a spin-off.

12:00 – 13:00 Panel discussion: Non-university research institution

Non-university research institutions are attractive employers for postdocs who wish to remain closely connected to their field of research. The emphasis here is on research rather than teaching. Berlin is home to a large number of such institutions. Representatives from the following organizations and institutions will be present: Berlin-Brandenburgische Akademie der Wissenschaften, Humboldt Graduate School, Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung.

13:00 – 14:00 Lunch Break

10:00 – 17:00 Individual Career Counselling

11:00 – 16:00 Career Fair - Introducing employers and training opportunities

13:30 – 14:30 Speed Dating - an offer to support the participants

14:30 – 15:00 Break

15:00 – 16:00 Panel discussion: Consulting

Since many academics, including those with doctorates, work as consultants – a broad and diverse field– we will be dedicating a panel discussion to this topic and are looking forward to welcome guests from: d-fine, WiFOR, Employers for Equality, Kortendick Solutions.

15:00 – 16:00 Panel discussion: Non-Profit-Organisations   

The non-profit sector includes organizations such as associations, foundations and NGOs. It also offers specialized positions for academics who want to make a meaningful impact. Representatives from the Bertelsmann Foundation, the Einstein Foundation, Acker e.V., and Berlin Partner will be joining the panel.

16:00 – 17:00 Closing Lecture: Academics on the labor market

Looking Back: Career Fair 2024

Last year’s event highlighted the growing demand for career orientation beyond academia. Postdocs engaged in eight panel discussions with experienced researchers, advisors, and recruiters, covering key topics such as industry entry paths, future skills, work-life balance, and career preferences. With around 150 postdocs in attendance, the most sought-after sessions included discussions with HR professionals, direct exchanges with employers, and career coaching opportunities. During the lunchtime career marketplace, participants connected with 15 organizations, further education institutions, and companies, gaining deeper insights into job profiles and requirements.