Interview with the speaker

1. Dear Ms. Brenner, for over 10 years you have been supporting the GDCh with workshops on job applications, networking, and salary negotiations. What questions do chemists ask you most frequently?

There's a strong need to become aware of one's own skills and strengths and to clearly emphasize them in the application process. At the same time, I see a particular hesitancy among chemists to truly embrace these strengths. The fear of overreaching is always present. Therefore, an important part of my work is helping them present themselves confidently and authentically. Another topic is assessing one's own market value and building and maintaining a professional network.

2. Is there a difference between career starters and experienced professionals?

For those entering the workforce, the question is what career opportunities are generally available. Due to the frequent lack of professional experience, such as industrial internships integrated into the program, insight into the world outside of academia is often lacking.
For those with professional experience, personal and professional development is a key focus. This target group is also concerned with the changing demands of the labor market under the aspect of Work 4.0 and the resulting need for qualifications. Another focus is the question of which paths one can take to reposition oneself from an existing employment relationship and avoid the risk of making a mistake.

3. How can you support us?

Since I also know the corporate side very well, an important part of my work is to facilitate a change of perspective and clarify the company's expectations. Dealing with HR representatives, in particular, is often difficult for chemists, as they have a completely different way of thinking and don't really understand the thrust of the questions.

4. Do professionals and managers with other academic backgrounds have the same questions as chemists?

In some areas, the questions overlap. A clear difference is that chemists are strongly specialized and often less consciously focused on interdisciplinary qualifications. The topic of "self-marketing" is also sometimes viewed with skepticism. A lot of convincing is required here to ensure that this has nothing to do with boasting or showing off. Rather, it's about communicating one's own strengths to the other person, based on seriousness, authentically and with examples.

5. This year, the GDCh is offering subsidized Online coaching sessions with you for the first time. What can participants achieve in just one hour?

Since the coaching sessions can be tailored to the individual's needs, the session offers plenty of space to clarify any open questions.
Be it discussing application documents, jointly evaluating potential career options, conducting an interview with subsequent feedback, or clarifying a difficult professional situation with alternative courses of action. These are just a few examples. Often, there is simply a desire for an outside perspective on one's professional development to date. This can help broaden one's perspective and provide new inspiration. And a shot of motivation is usually included for free.