This is not an easy question to answer and it highly depends on your academic courses and the profession you are aiming for. But if you are looking for a short answer: Don’t expect too much. The journey continues Any academic qualification or title is usually just the beginning and not the endpoint of your professional journey. Don’t expect that after completing your studies, you will be equipped for every professional task or challenge in the future. Embrace new beginnings…
Be suspicious if you hear these three statements
As a fresh graduate, you don’t have any other frame of reference than your first job. Sometimes it is hard to know what to believe and what not to believe. But you should at least be suspicious if you hear one of the following three sentences: You won’t get a job anywhere else Depending on your personal situation, the job marked, or the economic climate, this could be true. Still, you should be definitely alarmed if your boss repeatedly reminds…
Smartphone Apps I wish I used earlier
Some smartphone apps make your life easier. Personally, I wish I had started using them earlier. Read here which are these apps are and why they are helpful at work, in life, or at uni. The LinkedIn App The LinkedIn app stands for the app of the professional network of your choice. It does not have to be LinkedIn. Using the app on your smartphone makes it much easier to be active on the professional network on a regular basis.…
Six takeaways from the book „Made to Stick“ for scientists
Every Scientist knows the problem. You are presenting at a scientific conference or giving a talk at a lecture series to a mildly interested audience. You don’t know how to stand out and be remembered from the gazillion of presenters your audience heard before and will hear afterwards. Thankfully Chip and Dan Heath have written a super helpful book about how to make things stick in peoples’ heads. So make yourself and your talk stay in your listeners’ memories with…
Why it’s ok to be second best
Why is it ok to be second best? Should you not always strive for being the best? We are taught to aim for excellence. Surely, we must not be second best or, even worse, average. Without a doubt, you should always give your very best in whatever you do. But let me explain why it is sometimes good enough to be second best. You still might get the job You are only the second best candidate for the position. But…
Four questions I never dared to ask
As a student or your young professional, some encounters left me with burning questions. Unfortunately, back then I did not have the courage to ask the questions that came to mind. I was either too shy and did not want to embarrass anyone. Or I did not believe I was entitled to ask. Don’t be like me and learn from the four questions I wished had the courage to ask: What about mediocre people? Students might have discussions with supervisors…
Worst reasons to take a job
If you are currently contemplating whether to accept a job offer, you might be motivated to do it for the wrong reasons. Ask youself whether one of the following motivations might appyl and reflect if it is the main reason to take the job. Here are the five worst reasons to take a job: You are fascinated by a charismatic leader It is easy to be captivated by a charismatic boss, CEO, or leader. Admittedly, charismatic people are very interesting,…
Quick formatting hacks for your thesis
If you are in the final stages of writing your thesis right now, the last thing on your mind is the formatting of your thesis. Chances are that you do not have time to fiddle around with your layout for hours. Still, it is important for your thesis to look neat to make a good impression. For this reason, I have compiled for your five Microsoft Word formatting hacks. They will make your thesis look polished and professional instantly: Structure…
Three unexpected questions to ask in a job interview
When interviewing for an open position, some of us find it hard to be our usual relaxed and inquisitive self. Yet, this is exactly what your interview partner needs to see. It is very unhelpful for both sides if you can only show our shy and rehearsed self. During preparation for the interview, you might have prepared impressive and very suitable questions to ask. But remember to keep it light, too. Here are three question, which have the sole purpose…
Questions to ask your supervisor as a student
You are currently working on your bachelor or master thesis. Ideally, you have a friendly supervisor to support you with your work. I hope that your supervisor encouraged you to ask questions and has an open door for you to come and talk about the problems you face. But apart from the technical stuff, what are the questions you should ask your supervisor? Here are four questions I wished I had asked my supervisors, and recommend you to ask: What…