workhier! is aimed at German and international postdocs in the early stages of their careers, as well as doctoral candidates nearing the end of their PhD. The programme is designed for researchers in STEM fields — mathematics, computer science, natural sciences and engineering — who want to explore career opportunities in industry and the German labour market, particularly in Berlin and Brandenburg.
Applicants must currently be affiliated with a German university or research institution.
The programme is conducted in English. However, we strongly encourage international participants to continue developing their German language skills, as this can significantly broaden their career prospects in the region.
What You Can Expect
Career Planning Support
Identify your unique skills and strengths and learn how to apply them beyond academia — with practical input from experts and professionals.
Legal and Practical Information
Receive accessible information on residence regulations, unemployment insurance, pension systems and other relevant topics related to working and living in Germany.
Networking Opportunities
Exchange ideas with peers and employers, build professional connections and expand your network in the Berlin-Brandenburg innovation ecosystem.
Participation Requirements
Participation in the programme is free of charge. Thanks to full funding, there are no participation or material costs for you. To make the most of this exclusive opportunity, participants are expected to attend all programme sessions.
The number of participants is limited to 30.
After completing the programme, you will receive a certificate of participation, which can be a valuable addition to your CV and reflects your active commitment to career development.
Application
You can apply for the workhier! programme using the application form below.
Completing the form takes approximately 15 minutes. Please note that it is not possible to save your progress and continue later!
Among other things, we will ask about your motivation for participating in the programme (max. 1,000 characters) and your desired outcome from the programme (max. 500 characters).
Application deadline: 20 November 2026
Programme Schedule
Over six months, you will take part in interactive workshops, networking events and career coaching sessions. The programme will help you reflect on your strengths and goals, navigate the Berlin job market, understand legal and practical aspects of working in Germany, and connect with local employers.
Duration: January – July 2027
Format: 6 interactive sessions, each from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., plus a closing event
Target group: Doctoral candidates and postdocs
Language: English
Below is an overview of what to expect in each session:
28 January 2027 – Opening Event
Objective: Introduction to the programme and first steps in career orientation
The opening event gives participants a comprehensive overview of workhier! and the upcoming modules. A keynote provides insights into the Berlin labour market and its dynamics. Programme partners introduce their services, and alumni share first-hand experiences of how workhier! supported them on their career journey — in an inspiring, practical and motivating way.
Delivered by: all partners
Language: English
25 February 2027 – Discovering Your Competencies, Shaping Your Career
Objective: Find out what you can do — and what you really want
In this workshop, you will reflect on your strengths, values and interests and develop a personal competency profile. Together, we will explore questions such as: What am I particularly good at? What motivates me? And where do I want to go next? This session helps you gain clarity about your next steps and long-term career goals — an ideal starting point for moving from academia into industry.
Delivered by: Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
Language: English / German
18 March 2027 – Navigating the Berlin Job Market and Application Strategies
Objective: Learn strategies for finding job opportunities in Berlin and connecting your skills with suitable employers
Berlin has more than 120,000 employers — from small and medium-sized enterprises to global market leaders. However, many of these opportunities are not immediately visible. In this session, participants learn strategies for identifying hidden opportunities and translating their skills into profiles that are relevant to employers.
You will also gain practical insights into the Berlin application process and receive guidance on preparing a strong CV, a convincing cover letter and an effective application strategy. Key industries and tools for building professional contacts will also be introduced.
Delivered by: Berlin Partner
Language: English
29 April 2027 – Legal and Practical Information on Working and Staying in Germany
Objective: Understand the legal and practical aspects of living and working in Berlin
This session provides essential information on work, the labour market in Berlin and Germany, and residence permits after study or research, with a focus on employment and self-employment. Participants will also be introduced to relevant advisory services, funding guidelines from the Federal Employment Agency, and practical topics such as childcare, the school system, housing and social security.
By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer roadmap for living and working in Berlin.
Delivered by: Employment Agency Berlin South
Language: English
27 May 2027 – Mastering Application Strategies and Practising Networking
Objective: Successfully navigate the application process and develop effective networking skills
In this hands-on session, you will explore the Berlin application process and practise how to read job advertisements strategically, respond to challenging interview questions and present yourself convincingly.
You will also train targeted networking strategies — from developing your own pitch to starting professional conversations — in order to leave a strong and lasting impression on potential employers.
Delivered by: Berlin Partner and WISTA Management
Language: English
24 June 2027 – Job Market Event: Networking with Companies
Objective: Meet companies and understand what they expect from PhD-level researchers
In this session, you will have the opportunity to connect directly with Berlin-based companies looking for highly qualified researchers. Representatives from various sectors — from global corporations to innovative start-ups — will share which skills, experiences and mindsets are particularly important to them.
The session will also be open to external guests and will provide a broader networking platform.
Delivered by: all partners
Co-organised by: Campus Club Adlershof
t.b.d. – Closing Event & Adlershof Summer Festival
Objective: Celebrate achievements and reflect on what you have learned
During the closing event, participants will receive their certificates and reflect on the experiences and insights gained throughout the seven-month programme. Programme partners will provide feedback and final advice for the next steps in participants’ career journeys.
Afterwards, all participants are invited to join the Adlershof Summer Festival, where companies, researchers and innovation actors come together — an ideal opportunity to strengthen and expand the networks built during the programme.
Delivered by: all partners
Hosted by: WISTA Management GmbH
What Former Participants Say:
- “Only through workhier! was I able to get in touch with the people at Yellow SiC Group, which eventually led to an interview and my new position there.
One month earlier, I had applied for the same position in writing and was rejected. It was only through the personal conversation at the Job Market that we had a deeper scientific exchange — and it became clear that I was actually a strong fit.
I would therefore like to sincerely thank everyone involved in making this workshop possible.”
- “Finding out more about my competencies and how I work as a person in the work context.”
- “I liked the diverse set of experts, lecturers and participants.”
- “I liked the structure of the workshop a lot. It helped me build awareness of my skills and goals. I particularly appreciated the pragmatism and the valuable suggestions for job seeking.”
