Career Development
In collaboration with the departments, the Language Centre and the Max Weber Programme, Academic Service organizes a range of activities to help the transition of doctoral researchers and postdoctoral fellows to the Labour Market. These services aim to provide researchers with the tools necessary to conduct a job search and to find a position in the highly competitive Ph.D./post-doc job market.
Activities focus on academic teaching and skills of a more generic nature, such as university teaching, how to make a presentation, interviews and public speaking. Information seminars give insight on issues which are as important as thesis writing, e.g. cv and application letter writing, publishing research findings, applying for research grants or managing the job search.
While most of the activities aim to prepare candidates for a career in academia, some training seminars are directed at researchers who are interested in a non-academic career. These researchers are the target of the annual Alumni Career Event involving alumni who work in jobs beyond the academic world.
Most of the career development activities are open to researchers from the first year onwards.
Alumni Career Event
Organized in co-operation with the Alumni Association, this annual event always takes place on a date near to that of the Conferring Ceremony.
Aimed at EUI researchers not interested in an academic career, alumni from European insitutions, international organizations, legal and consultant firms are invited to present their jobs and work experience, illustrating the wealth of advice and information available to researchers through the Alumni network.
Teaching Skills Week
Aimed at broadening a theoretical and practical knowledge of good teaching in Higher Education, external experts guide a maximum of twenty five researchers through the preparation of a course outline.
At the end of the week, the outlines are assessed and successful particpants are awarded a Teaching Training certificate.
Preparing a Teaching Portfolio
This seminar addresses teaching in universities and opportunities on the international job market.
It is held by Matthieu Lietaert, a former EUI researcher and member of the network for First Time University Teachers.
Open to third and fourth year researchers, it covers:
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introduction to learning and teaching theories, course design
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how to prepare an application and a teaching portfolio in answer to an academic job offer
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the drafting of a teaching portfolio
Public Speaking
Andrea Savelli, a theatre director, uses theatrical techniques to teach researchers how to use the spoken word effectively.
In a course comprising eight lessons, he takes into consideration:
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techniques to control emotions
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physical resources useful in performance (voice and body)
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exercises in relaxation, self-discipline and vocal expression
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improvisation
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memory and concentration exercises
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preparation of spoken scenes
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public performance
Generic Skills
These short seminars, taught by EUI staff, relate to topics of general interest.
Past seminars include:
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research management - how to prepare a research proposal
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personal career planning - how to best prepare the transition to professional life
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academic integrity
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getting research publishes - publication strategies
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e-tools for seminar management and communication
Every year, fourth year researchers in the Economics, Law, Social and Political Sciences and History Departments, are invited to take part in a mock interview.
Participants choose a fake or real job advertisment and write an application letter for that appointment.
The ensuing simulated interview, held by academic staff / fellows from the Departments, is designed to test and develop the communication skills of the interviewee.
The interviewing panel gives constructive feedback relating to style and response. The candidate also receives a videotype of the interview.
A searchable database of all EUI researchers and post-docs arranged by department, experience, language skills and professional goals is in preparation. It will allow eventual employers to identify researchers whom best correspond to a pertinent job profile.
A group of public and private organizations offer teaching and / or training opportunities to EUI researchers
For further information contact Judith Przyrowski in Academic Service.
The Academic Careers Observatory, at the Max Weber Programme gives information on curriculum, promotion requirements, salary levels and practical information on the academic profession in the field of Humanities and the Social Sciences.
Additional actions to be taken into consideration:
Internet
New employment sites are appearing daily on the Internet. Many sites offer advice on conducting an effective job search in a particular field, while others offer job listings /electronic CVs.
Many professional associations host web sites that list available positions. Companies post jobs and accept CVs and applications through these web sites.
Networking
This is one of the most effective ways of finding a job. Make a list of people who would be willing to assist you in the job search (relatives, friends, faculty, EUI alumni, former employers, professors of former universities, and other professionals).
Provide each of them with a copy of your CV. Ensure that they are aware of your career goals. Ask people in your network for the names of employers who would potentially be interested in your qualifications.
Create a network through people you meet in professional meetings, seminars, or conferences.
Newspapers and Trade Magazines
Although convenient they are of limited value. Many people, including those with years of experience, have access to these job listings. As a result, competition is very high for these positions.
Targeted Mail Campaign
If a potential employer is identified, consider sending a targeted cover letter with CV.
Area Job Fairs
Fairs are an efficient method of talking to many employers under one roof. Distribute your CV and use business cards on the day of the event.
Other Sources of Employment Opportunities
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Employment/Third-Party Agencies
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Government Personnel Offices
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Chambers of Commerce
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Employment Directories
Career planning and decision-making
The following web sites provide detailed information and advice on career development and job search:
Wriiting curricula and cover letters, interview preparation, evaluating job offers
The Departments and Services at the EUI are requested to forward external job and post-doctoral announcements to the Academic Service.
Offers are posted in the Public Folders in EUI Outlook and, in a printed version, on the board in the Bank Corridor of the Badia Fiesolana.
To advertise a job announcement, please contact Judith Przyrowski.
Job Search Sites and Research Funding Options
The Academic Careers Observatory webpages have a list of links to and descriptions of job databases and funding resources. These sources are not limited to jobs in academia.
Academic Service
Departments
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Department of History and Civilization: Prof.
Sebastian Conrad, Tel. [+39] 055 4685 587
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Department of Political and Social Sciences: Prof.
Friedrich Kratochwil, Tel. [+39] 055 4685 220/244
Max Weber Programme