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Competencies for all career paths

Transferable skills training

The transferable skills training program of the Graduate Center is specifically tailored to the respective career phase and complements the subject-specific qualification. In addition, we inform doctoral researchers here about many other qualification opportunities at the TU Dortmund University – from academic teaching to scientific writing.

Transferable skills for the doctorate

Subject-specific expertise is essential for a successful doctorate. However, transferable skills also play a decisive role in the success of a doctoral project. The skills support doctoral researchers in efficiently organizing their work in research and teaching and effectively communicating research results. In addition, transferable skills training facilitates targeted preparation for career goals within and outside the academic world.

Transferable Skills Training

Workshops at the Graduate Center

The Graduate Center TU Dortmund offers you a series of transferable skills workshops and information events, which you can choose freely. Participation is free of charge. Workshop cover the following areas:

  • Project-, Time, & Self-Management
  • Presenting, Communicating, & Teaching
  • Research, Writing, & Publishing
  • Careers in Academia & Beyond
  • Transfer & Entrepreneurship
Whiteboard mit Stiften © Rudy and Peter Skitterians​/​Pixabay

In addition, you will find numerous other events, which we are constantly expanding in response to your wishes and suggestions. You can find our current program with link to registration on the page Events.

Further services at the TU Dortmund University

Academic staff members of the TU Dortmund University benefit from the comprehensive range of academic teaching offered by the Center for Higher Education (zhb). Whether you are designing a new seminar, preparing exams, or conducting personal discussions with students – the zhb courses support you in your teaching tasks.

The zhb also offers advanced training in teaching specially tailored to the needs of young academics:

We especially recommend the certificate program “Professionelle Lehrkompetenz für die Hochschule” (“Professioanl teaching competence for the university”; available only in German so far). The program was developed within the Netzwerk Hochschuldidaktik NRW (“Network of University Didactics NRW”; website available only in German), comprises at least 200 work units, takes place in modules, and concludes with a nationally recognized certificate. Detailed information can be found on the zhb-website (available only in German).

How can research results be effectively communicated in writing? The Department of Foreign Languages of the Center for Higher Education (zhb) offers doctoral researchers a comprehensive program in academic writing:

The Center for Higher Education (zhb) publishes a new program of in-house continuing education once every six months. Whether executive development, project management, or the right body language: employees of the TU Dortmund University are offered a wide range of qualification opportunities. You can find an overview of the continuing education programs on the website of the Department of Continuing Education of the zhb.

The TU Dortmund University is a pacesetter for innovation and supports researchers in the implementation of their ideas – whether it is applying for a patent or founding their own company. With the Science and Technology Campus Dortmund, one of the largest technology parks in Europe exists in the direct vicinity of the university.

You can find all information on the support offered at the Center for Entrepreneurship & Transfer.

Doctoral researchers wishing to improve their foreign language skills will find a comprehensive program with courses in 13 modern languages at the Department of Foreign Languages of the zhb.

For international doctoral researchers, tailor-made formats are offered under the title “German for International PhD Students”.

A list of all courses, and the registration portal, can be found on the website of the Department of Foreign Languages of the zhb.

Doctoral researchers receive support from the Centre for Statistical Consulting and Analysis (SBAZ) for questions concerning statistical methods. An overview of the services offered can be found on the SBAZ website.

The zhb regularly offers an introduction to multivariate data analysis with R (in German only).

Doctoral researchers in the Humanities & Social Sciences can hone their method skills at the Dortmunder Methoden Werkstatt (Methods Workshops). The workshops focus on quantiative and qualitative methods of empirical social research. Please note: Whereas most of the workshops are held in German, some are also conducted in English.

The TU Dortmund University Library offers a variety of useful services for doctoral students. These include:

  •     Literature management and knowledge organization with Citavi – regular (online) courses and individual advice for advanced students
  •     Advice on your own visibility: ORCID, ResearchGate, etc.
  •     Open Access publications – information and support
  •     Advice on the publication of the dissertation

Research Academy Ruhr

Through the Research Academy Ruhr (RAR), doctoral researchers at the TU Dortmund University can also take advantage of offers from the RUB Research School and the Graduate Center Plus of the University of Duisburg-Essen as well as the RAR's own formats for doctoral researchers (Frühjahrsakademie, Herbstakademie, Dialogue, Mentoring³, etc.)

Events of the RAR

Program

Upcoming events


Further services for doctoral researchers