Workshop No. 01 – Career Planning
31.03.2023, Stralsund University of Applied Sciences
This year I got the opportunity to participate in a mentoring program for female university graduate students from Stralsund and associated universities in Mecklenburg Western Pomerania. Throughout a whole year, the program offers a framework for open exchange, professional advice, interesting learning experiences, and empowerment of young professionals to start their career in their respective industries.
https://www.hochschule-stralsund.de/studium-und-lehre/services/karrierestartmentoring/
What’s the program about?
- Monthly meetings with you personal mentor (a professional leader from your industry and field of profession who becomes your coach and contact partner for questions and advice)
- A range of workshops and trainings delivering important professional skills such as
- Communication
- Leading negotiation
- Successful applications
- Resource activation
- Goal setting
- Preparing a good elevator pitch
- …
- Building up a professional network by attending events, fairs and benefitting from your mentor’s contacts
- Support in setting up your profiles and crafting your digital presence
- Team building seminars and other activities with your mentee group
When I think of the word “career”, I think of …
a non-linear development and growth process one source of fulfillment a way to make an impact
Career Planning
with Maria Lenz
In this first workshop, we took an approach to career planning that surprised me but shed a different light on the topic. Instead of receiving individual suggestions about positions or professions that might suit your personal and academic profile, I was encouraged to think of my career as a continuous loop process consisting of the following steps:
- Know who you are
- Know what you want
- Communicate what you want
- Make the best of what you get
Key Take Away
Instead of trying to define a profession that you what to grow into, start small. Build self-awareness about your personal values, and pay close attention to the small, daily activities that you take pleasure in. Then, consciously use your resources, your talents and skills, to communicate what you want, and be open and flexible to discover new opportunities alongside your way.
The workshop was fun and surprisingly deep. I was amazed by the stories that my fellow mentees shared in the group and felt admiration and inspiration as I listened to them attentively and engaged with them.