CORA Coaching Women for Research and Academia

About the program

As a woman researcher at the end of the doctoral process, you are planning your further career in academia. You are well aware that career and personal development are essential to professionalism. And you are looking for the right strategy to attain your career goals. You want to consciously plan each phase of your career and reflect on the subject-specific conditions required. The University of Freiburg aims to support you professionally with coaching and workshops on strategic career planning.

The current call for applications runs until March 20, 2023!

The new round of the program will begin in May 2023 and end in May 2024.

Target group

The program is intended for female researchers at the University of Freiburg who have submitted their thesis, female postdocs, assistant professors, and group leaders from all faculties.

No. of participants

Ten annually.

Program content

One-on-one coaching with a maximum of eight sessions.

Exclusive training sessions to complement the University’s regular advanced training program.
Motivation through regular get-togethers of a peer group.
Development of a network of female researchers.

Requirements

A requirement for participation is the intention of qualifying for a responsible position in research and academia. You should be prepared to take part in the CORA events.

Applicants must compile and submit their own applications, which must include the following (also see Downloads):

Curriculum vitae
List of publications
A letter of motivation outlining the reasons and, if applicable, the urgency for participation in the coaching program as well as your further academic career plans.
Academic degree certificates, particularly your doctoral degree certificate (when appopriate, proof of submission of the dissertation); awards, etc.
Documentation of an employment contract with the University of Freiburg for at least a year from the start of the Coaching (1st of May 2023).

Please send all these documents in electronic form (please attach ALL in ONE PDF format, max. 3 MB). Please send the key data table separately in Excel format.

Only complete application documents will be accepted and processed. Please contact us if you have any questions about the program before you send off your application documents.

Pre-selection

If there are more than ten applications which meet the formal criteria, lots will be drawn.

Coaches

The University of Freiburg has a pool of professionally-trained, certified coaches.

Conditions

Confidentiality: Names of participants and the goals and contents of the coaching are confidential.

Quality assurance: Because the program is in a pilot phase, we request that you make an interim evaluation after five sessions. At the end of the coaching the program will be evaluated to ensure the quality of the service.

Scope

Coaching: The purpose and the aim of the coaching are explained in the initial consultation with the coach. A framework agreement is signed by you, the coach, and the university. You and the coach decide together how often you will meet.

Training sessions: A maximum of four exclusive training sessions are offered.

Network meetings: You meet with the other CORA participants every six to eight weeks.

Possible topics of coaching

Clarification of roles
Greater reflection
Strategic planning for a visible external profile
Reflecting on values
Dealing with ambivalence
Strengthening your research profile
Making strategic plans
Working on your vision
Breaking the creative block
Improving time management and setting priorities
Reconciling academic and private life
Dealing with extraordinary burdens
Further developing your social competence (communication, leadership skills, team skills)
Strengthening your ability to manage conflict
Working conflict-solving