Does academic education really prepare you for working life?This is not an easy question to answer. It strongly depends on your field of study, your university, and the profession you are aiming for. But if you are looking for a short and honest answer—especially if you are currently in a jobsearch—it is this: Don’t expect too much. Academic Education Is the Beginning, Not the Destination Any academic qualification or title is usually just the starting point of your professional journey—not…
Four Career Questions I Never Dared to Ask (and Why They Matter for Your Jobsearch)
As a student or young professional, certain encounters can leave you with burning questions. During my early career, many conversations sparked doubts and curiosity—but I rarely spoke up. Sometimes I was too shy. Sometimes I didn’t want to embarrass anyone. And often, I didn’t feel entitled to ask. Looking back, staying silent cost me valuable insights—especially during my jobsearch. So learn from my mistakes. Here are four career questions I wish I had dared to ask earlier, and why they…
Should You Take Up a Fixed-Term Position? Pros and Cons for Your Job Search
Fixed-term contracts are more common than ever—especially for young professionals and recent graduates entering the job search. When browsing job ads today, temporary or fixed-term positions often seem like the norm rather than the exception. If you’re early in your career, you might be wondering: Should I apply for fixed-term roles, or focus only on permanent positions during my jobsearch? While it’s true that you don’t always get to choose the type of contract you’re offered, understanding the pros and…
Why It’s OK to Be Second Best in Your Job Search
Why is it okay to be second best—especially during a jobsearch? Shouldn’t you always strive to be the best? From an early age, we’re taught to aim for excellence. Being second best often feels like failure, or even worse, like being average. Without a doubt, you should always give your best effort in everything you do. But when it comes to your jobsearch, being second best isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can sometimes work in your favor.…
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.…
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…
You think you are not qualified – Think again!
When you are job hunting, you are browsing many job ads. If you are anything like me, reading through the job requirements makes your stomach turn. At first glance, you do not seem to have any of the qualifications. No point applying for the job then? Stop! Reconsider. Maybe you have the qualifications or work experience without even realizing it. The following helps you to realize that you have a lot of experience. So apply for interesting positions. Your have…
How to stay motivated when job hunting
Unfortunately, job hunting can be a lengthy process. The longer it takes the more difficult it becomes to keep your motivation up. Especially, when receiving a lot of sorry letters or, even worse, no feedback at all, everyone’s motivation can take a nosedive. This is normal and nothing to worry about. The important thing is that you keep going and that you keep your motivation up long term when job hunting. So follow these four tips to stay motivated when…
How to do a video application to get your next job
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face interview meetings have been reduced a lot. In addition, meeting your future employer on networking events such as job fares is also less likely due to various restrictions. Because of this, a video applications are a great way to allow a possible new employer to get a somehow personal impression of you as a person. Besides, video applications are not very common, yet. That makes your application stand out from the crowed. A video…
Integrity in working life – dos and don‘ts
Working or interacting with colleagues with impeccable professional integrity, is pure joy. Those individuals are held in high regard and immensely respected. Be like them. However, at times we do not act in accordance with our values and thus compromise our integrity. More often than not, this happens rater out of neglect than out of bad will. Professional integrity should be the norm. But it can’t hurt to recall a few guidelines: Show integrity as a manager As a line…