Report on the first networking event for postdocs

On December 10, 2019, the COAST team invited the DESY Postdocs to the first networking event.
Around thirty postdocs gathered in the canteen in a pre-Holiday atmosphere with punch and cookies.
The desire for cross-departmental networking events was one of the results of the survey that the COAST team conducted as part of the application for the Career Center for Postdocs.
An "Ice-breaker-event" at the beginning made sure that all postdocs got into conversation with each other while giving the opportunity to discover common ground.
The subsequent presentation about the results of the survey gave all participants an overview of the needs and wishes for a Career Center at DESY.
The COAST team used the opportunity to introduce its members and inform about planned pilot events and next steps.
The afternoon ended with animated discussions and the planning of joint activities.

The next network event for postdocs is planned for Spring 2020.

networking-event in a pre-christmas atmosphere

Exchange and getting to know each other during the „ice-braker-event“

presentation of the results of the survey

Behind the scenes:

We are in the process of forming and structuring career services for postdocs at DESY starting in 2020. In the first phase, we will offer career services and career counseling to postdocs from the DESY fellowship program. We will be expanding services for postdocs with contracts from other institutions in the future.

Why was COAST formed?

Statistics show that about 80 % of all postdocs have to find employment outside of academia. The Helmholtz Association and DESY recognize that more support is needed for postdocs in finding suitable employment opportunities.

What will COAST offer?

In collaboration with the PI’s, COAST will offer resources, training and counseling in order to prepare for the next career steps, including:

• An initial personal interview
• An initial workshop
• Personal career counseling
• Workshops on specific topics (networking, CV writing, presentation skills, transferable skills, etc.)
• Networking events