The workshop aims at improving non-native English speakers’ academic writing skills by highlighting typical features and composing elements commonly applied and expected by native speakers of English. Participants will be equipped with a textbook written by the trainer that covers all the features introduced during the sessions, they will have ample opportunity to ask individual questions, and they will receive immediate feedback on their own writing. During the workshop we will

• reflect on how the character of the English language influences the Anglo-Saxon academic writing style and identify subsequent features in academic texts
• highlight pitfalls non-native speakers of English are vulnerable to when writing in English and introduce straightforward strategies to avoid them
• present techniques for developing a fluent and lively academic writing style
• introduce resources, aids, and methods to enlarge and retain vocabulary
• edit text passages written by the participants

• Preparation and phases of interviews
• Answering trick questions 
• Salary negotiation strategies
• Determination of salaries
• Self-presentation practice in small groups

For many scientists, writing job applications tends to be quite difficult, especially for jobs beyond the academic system. In fact, misapprehensions and mistakes in the application dossier often prevent them from securing jobs they are perfectly suited for. This workshop will help you write a convincing application.

Doctoral students, PostDocs

• How to prepare and write an application for jobs in Germany?
• What distinguishes applications in academia from those in other sectors (industry etc.)?
• What are typical mistakes? How do I avoid them?
• How do I present my competencies in a convincing manner? How do I develop a storyline that fits the job?
• How do I make an unsolicited application? 
• New trends in application procedures
• What is different in other countries? – Some hints and points for discussion

Scientists have lots of job options, but are often not aware of them. This workshop will support you to see more them on the German labour market. You will learn to go the different steps of job search: to be aware of your competencies, skills and knowledge and to build your career strategies based on them.

Doctoral students, PostDocs

• My competencies, skills and knowledge: How to be aware of them?
• German and international labour markets: How markets influence job search
• Private or public sector: Where should I go to?
• Until when should I leave academia, if I prefer to stay but I am not successful enough?
• Where do I find jobs for scientists – jobs that suit me?
• Career search strategies
• How networks help to get jobs soon
• How to read job ads?
• What does “career” mean? How to plan and how to develop my career
• Life goals and career paths – how to make them fit together?

In recent years Python has become more and more popular. According to the Tiobe Index it is about to overtake Java and to be the number two in the list of the most important programming language in the world. In the fields of numerical programming and Machine Learning, Python is the leader. It is not just easier to learn than other languages but programs in Python can also be faster written and are characterized by their easy readability. One of the reasons for this are the user-friendly data structures and the easy to grasp syntax.