Exploring the Uncertain Landscape of Academic Careers with Dr. Birte Seffert
10/24/23 • 25 min
Ever wondered what lies ahead after your graduation? We're pulling back the curtain on the often daunting world of academia with our distinguished guest, Dr. Birte Seffert, head of advisory and funding programs at the German Scholars Organization and systemic coach. This episode is a deep exploration of the common insecurities haunting graduate and postgraduate students, including the frightening scarcity of permanent positions, the knowledge gap about alternative career options outside academia, and the puzzling process of articulating academic experiences into a compelling job application.
We're diving into the nitty-gritty of career prospects for graduate and postgraduate students. Dr. Seffert brings her expert advice to the table, emphasising the power of networking, the importance of self-reflection, and the courage to create opportunities for yourself. She also sheds light on the impressive resources offered by the German Scholars Organization to propel researchers in their career journey. Her key message: the secret to a successful academic career is to start early and plan ahead. This episode is a must-listen for those looking for an authentic understanding of the academic career landscape and a treasure trove of tips to prepare for life outside of academia.
Useful links:
German Scholars Organization: www.gsonet.org
Transcripts:
https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com
Get in touch:
[email protected]
In the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Be smart and stay well!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ever wondered what lies ahead after your graduation? We're pulling back the curtain on the often daunting world of academia with our distinguished guest, Dr. Birte Seffert, head of advisory and funding programs at the German Scholars Organization and systemic coach. This episode is a deep exploration of the common insecurities haunting graduate and postgraduate students, including the frightening scarcity of permanent positions, the knowledge gap about alternative career options outside academia, and the puzzling process of articulating academic experiences into a compelling job application.
We're diving into the nitty-gritty of career prospects for graduate and postgraduate students. Dr. Seffert brings her expert advice to the table, emphasising the power of networking, the importance of self-reflection, and the courage to create opportunities for yourself. She also sheds light on the impressive resources offered by the German Scholars Organization to propel researchers in their career journey. Her key message: the secret to a successful academic career is to start early and plan ahead. This episode is a must-listen for those looking for an authentic understanding of the academic career landscape and a treasure trove of tips to prepare for life outside of academia.
Useful links:
German Scholars Organization: www.gsonet.org
Transcripts:
https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com
Get in touch:
[email protected]
In the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Be smart and stay well!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode
A Deep Dive into Anxiety Disorders in the Academic World with Prof. Ulrike Lüken
Anxiety keeps you up at night? Well, get ready to dive deep into this complex topic with us and our esteemed guest, Prof. Ulrike Lüken. She provides an overview of anxiety disorders, its symptoms, triggers, and treatments. We discuss the different types of anxiety disorders, with a special focus on the role of avoidance, which can hinder the learning and mastering of new skills, a crucial insight for students and early career researchers.
We also venture into the area of fear and arousal, the fascinating Yerkes-Dodson law, and the implications of procrastination as an avoidance behaviour. We reflect on the impact of anxiety on academics' work and well-being, the importance of professional help, and the stigma attached to mental health in academia. This episode is full of insights for anyone seeking a better understanding of anxiety in an academic setting.
Useful links:
More about the Yerkes-Dodson law: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerkes%E2%80%93Dodson_law
Outpatient clinic for anxiety disorders at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin: https://www.psychology.hu-berlin.de/de/praxis/ambulanz/spezial_angst
Transcripts:
https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com
Get in touch:
[email protected]
In the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Be smart and stay well!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode
From Pay Gap to Role Models: Delving into Women's Experiences in Academia with Dr. Petra Metz
Why do women in academia have a harder time climbing the career ladder? Dr. Petra Metz, an expert on gender equality and career development in science, joins us to delve into the pressing issues female researchers face. We unpack the persistent challenges of the gender pay gap and limited opportunities for career advancement. Dr. Metz, the driving force behind the Women in Natural Sciences (WINS) program at Humboldt University, shares how initiatives like WINS are creating nurturing environments and empowering women to thrive in their academic pursuits.
In a world where only a handful of PhD graduates continue to work in science, we examine the crucial role of mentorship. A compelling narrative from one of Dr. Metz’s own PhD students shows us how powerful role models can be in uncovering alternative career paths and realizing our own dreams. The conversation takes a serious turn as we navigate the complexities of sexual harassment and inequality in academic workspaces. Finally, we arm you with practical tools and cognitive exercises that can help foster self-awareness, cultivate positive belief patterns and combat the mental toll of inequality. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on how academia can become a more equitable space for all.
Useful links:
Women in Natural Sciences (WINS): https://fakultaeten.hu-berlin.de/en/mnf/wisskar/wins-adlershof/winsenglish
Transcripts:
https://smartandwell.buzzsprout.com
Get in touch:
[email protected]
In the event of an acute mental or psychological crisis, please seek professional help, e.g. https://www.berliner-krisendienst.de/en/. If you need urgent medical help, call 112 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Be smart and stay well!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Smart & Well - Exploring the Uncertain Landscape of Academic Careers with Dr. Birte Seffert
Transcript
Hello and welcome to Smart and Well , a podcast supporting mental health and well-being for students and early career researchers from all academic fields . In today's episode , we will talk about career insecurities among academics . Despite the scarcity of permanent positions in academia , the number of people deciding to pursue an advanced academic degree , be it master's or doctoral degr
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