CareerDesign@TUM

Who is CareerDesign@TUM intended for?

CareerDesign@TUM is a TUM-wide program for all mid-level academic staff in research and research management. It is aimed at individuals who, typically after completing a doctorate, have at least 1–2 years of professional experience or several years of professional experience (depending on the qualification program) in an academic setting and wish to further develop their skills in order to take on a position of responsibility in the future.

Who is involved in the design of CareerDesign@TUM?

CareerDesign@TUM was developed under the leadership of Executive Vice President Prof. Dr. Claudia Peus. The detailed design of the qualification programs for the five career paths is in the hands of project groups comprising representatives from the relevant fields of activity (e.g., ProLehre, UnternehmerTUM, TUM ForTe, the central research institutions, and the faculties). As part of the development of CareerDesign@TUM, intensive discussions are being held with representatives and members of the academic mid-level faculty (including the Convention of Research Staff).

Are other universities planning similar programs?

CareerDesign@TUM is a qualification program unique in Germany through which TUM is addressing one of the “key challenges facing the German research system” (German Research Council, 2017) as part of the third round of the Excellence Initiative. CareerDesign@TUM is a flagship human resources strategy project of the TUM Agenda 2030 aimed at opening up new career paths that foster talent alongside the professorship.

What qualification paths are offered by CareerDesign@TUM?

The CareerDesign@TUM portfolio includes five qualification paths—corresponding to the performance dimensions of the German academic system: research, teaching, knowledge transfer, science management, and (digital) infrastructure. Currently, two of these programs are being offered: TUM Science Manager and TUM Digital Transformation Manager.

• TUM Learning Professional (formerly TUM Lecturer): The TUM Learning Professional qualification pathway is designed for individuals who, drawing on their subject expertise and experience in research and teaching, wish to contribute to the development of (digital) course offerings, academic continuing education, and learning counseling and support for students. The program focuses on competencies such as program development and management, quality assurance, and advising and supporting learners.

• TUM Researcher: The TUM Researcher qualification track is designed for individuals who aspire to a position of responsibility with a direct research focus and who wish to continue applying their subject-matter and methodological expertise in challenging research projects as well as in research-based teaching, while also taking on tasks in research management and coordination. This track focuses on competencies such as third-party funding acquisition and management, the coordination or leadership of research consortia, science communication, and trends in research such as Open Science and Big Data/Data Science.

• TUM Science Manager: The TUM Science Manager qualification track is designed for individuals who, drawing on their own experience in research and teaching or their professional experience in an academic setting, wish to take on planning, steering, and management responsibilities. Science Managers primarily perform coordinating, development, or advisory roles, which may be situated in both the scientific and science-supporting sectors.

• TUM Digital Transformation Manager: The TUM Digital Transformation Manager qualification track is designed for dedicated staff in science management as well as postdoctoral researchers who are eager to actively help shape the digital transformation: guiding people through change, jointly refining processes, and meaningfully integrating digitalization into everyday work. A formal background in IT is not required

• TUM Entrepreneurship Advisor: The TUM Entrepreneurship Advisor qualification track is designed for individuals seeking a career in innovation and spin-off management. It prepares participants to support young entrepreneurial talent in starting companies, particularly in the technology sector. To this end, we equip you with skills in areas such as developing new business models, startup financing, legal aspects of spin-offs, patent and licensing law, as well as consulting and team development.

How long does it take to complete the qualification program?

CareerDesign@TUM is a modular, multi-stage qualification program. Each qualification level typically takes about 1–2 years to complete. After completing a qualification level, participants are expected to first prove themselves in their roles at TUM and apply the knowledge and skills they’ve gained in their daily work.

Does participation in CareerDesign@TUM take place during work hours?

Yes, participation takes place during working hours. This requires the approval of the supervisor. However, participants’ commitment to dedicating some of their free time to the program is still desired and necessary. The training components are integrated as closely as possible with current work duties (e.g., through a transfer project), thereby enabling the direct application of the acquired skills.

To what extent is CareerDesign@TUM compatible with family and career?

CareerDesign@TUM promotes equal opportunities. Therefore, the program is distinguished by its modular structure, which allows participants flexibility regarding the duration of the qualification. This simplifies it for participants to reconcile their personal life (e.g. family obligations, part-time employment, etc.) with their professional interests and ambitions.

Who is the contact person for CareerDesign@TUM?

You are welcome to send us your questions and suggestions:  careerdesign@lll.tum.de

What is the application process for CareerDesign@TUM?

To join CareerDesign@TUM, you must submit a proactive application. We recommend scheduling a preliminary consultation with the CareerDesign@TUM team. The following application materials are required:

A written application, including a cover letter and resume One (or two) letters of recommendation from your supervisor and another manager

Who decides on admission to the program?

Admission to CareerDesign@TUM is granted following a positive decision by the CareerDesign@TUM Board, based on the application materials and a personal interview.

Can previously acquired skills be credited?

Participation in existing course programs and qualification initiatives (e.g., as part of ProLehre, TUM horizons, Sciencemanagement@TUM, and, in some cases, external continuing education providers) can be credited.

Can I recommend a colleague for CareerDesign@TUM?

You are welcome to inform colleagues about CareerDesign@TUM and recommend a consultation. However, a proactive application is required. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us:

careerdesign@lll.tum.de

To what extent does one’s current role influence the choice of qualification track?

Mid-level faculty members are generally eligible to apply for all career tracks. The chosen qualification track may be based on current and/or desired future areas of focus. For the second qualification level, several years of relevant professional experience in the respective field of activity is a prerequisite for admission.

How flexible are the individual tracks? Is it possible to pursue multiple tracks simultaneously?

Of course, it is conceivable that participants’ career goals may change over the years. A change in the chosen qualification path requires a new application. The decision regarding a switch to a different qualification path and the recognition of previously completed qualification elements is made by the CareerDesign@TUM Board. In general, participants are expected to take early responsibility for their own career development by attending information sessions, participating in counseling sessions, and completing a guided self-assessment, and to make a well-founded decision when applying for a qualification path.

Can I apply for CareerDesign@TUM even if I have a fixed-term employment contract?

CareerDesign@TUM is open to all members of the academic mid-level faculty. This modular professional development program can be completed on a flexible schedule and alongside one’s current job, in line with equal opportunity principles. A prerequisite for participation is an existing employment relationship with TUM for the anticipated duration of the program (typically 1–2 years from the start date) or the prospect of continued employment until the end of the program. There may be formal obstacles to participation for individuals funded by third-party grants. In this case, please contact us before applying.

Is CareerDesign@TUM also open to non-academic staff?

CareerDesign@TUM was primarily developed for mid-level faculty members who, after completing a doctorate, are pursuing a career outside of a professorship. Non-academic staff members may also apply, for example, those in leadership roles in research support areas whose job profile has an academic focus. The CareerDesign@TUM team will be happy to advise you on whether CareerDesign@TUM is suitable for you.

What offers are there for people who are already at the third qualification level, i.e. in leadership positions?

For individuals whose competencies are comparable to those of the third qualification level due to many years of professional experience, the TUM Institute for LifeLong Learning offers a wide range of continuing education opportunities. Of course, these individuals are free to participate in CareerDesign@TUM in order to benefit from the special offers such as mentoring and job shadowing as well as the networking opportunities.

Is the approval of the supervisor required to participate in CareerDesign@TUM?

The support of the supervisor is essential for one’s own career development. Since CareerDesign@TUM is largely completed during working hours, participants need the approval of their superiors. Accordingly, the TUM Executive Board, the deans and the team of CareerDesign@TUM actively promote the further qualification of the mid-level academic staff. The CareerDesign@TUM team supports supervisors in advising employees and in writing letters of recommendation. The CareerDesign@TUM Board also advises and supports you in cases where your supervisor initially does not agree to your participation. Please feel free to contact us confidentially.

Is CareerDesign@TUM also open to external participants?

The application is only open to TUM employees. Individual qualification elements are planned in cooperation with TUM-external partner organizations.

How are the acquired qualifications and competences documented?

CareerDesign@TUM is designed as a certificate program, meaning that after the successful participation in a qualification level a certificate of participation is issued. The certification allows to document and to visualize formally and informally acquired competencies.

How accredited is the participation and certification within CareerDesign@TUM?

TUM is one of the most innovative and strongest research universities in the world and one of the best universities in Europe. It can be assumed that certification within the framework of CareerDesign@TUM will be nationally and internationally recognized. Cooperation with non-university research institutions, international research partners and corporate partners will ensure that the requirements and needs of external institutions are also considered. Thus, CareerDesign@TUM can also open up attractive career options outside of the TUM.

Does CareerDesign@TUM result in changes in the employment relationship?

Participation in CareerDesign@TUM does not result in changes in employment. Existing regulations for promotion and classification as well as regarding the permanent or temporary nature of contracts remain unaffected by CareerDesign@TUM.

• Neither the participation in the program (admission) nor the successful completion (certification) automatically leads to a promotion and/or to a permanent contract. 
• A promotion and/or change of contract does not require a participation in CareerDesign@TUM also in the future, because it is strictly based on the collective bargaining agreements and, thus, on the performed activities or on the labor law requirements.
• Academic careers with the designation as “Akademische/r (Ober-)Rat/Rätin” remain unaffected by CareerDesign@TUM and a promotion is of course possible according to existing laws and regulations without a participation in CareerDesign@TUM.
• CareerDesign@TUM will not create any new jobs.

What role does CareerDesign@TUM play in the internal staffing of positions in the mid-level academic staff?

CareerDesign@TUM can help to create more transparency in job requirements. It is for example possible, that in internal job advertisements the certification within a CareerDesign@TUM track is indicated as desired qualification. At the same time, the certification can be included in an application as proof of competence. It is important to note that the participation in CareerDesign@TUM does not guarantee a candidate’s consideration for the filling of open job positions; at the same time, the participation in CareerDesign@TUM is not a prerequisite for applying for an open position.

To what extent can generalist-oriented job profiles in mid-level academic staff be combined with the possibility of specialization within CareerDesign@TUM?

The newly created qualification program CareerDesign@TUM offers the opportunity to set focal points of activity. CareerDesign@TUM enables participants to pursue their own talents and interests. There will still be many mid-level academic staff employees who have a broad-based job profile.

How will the unity of teaching and research at a university be ensured if there are two career tracks (TUM Researcher, TUM Learning Professional)?

The connection between research and teaching is a central quality feature of university teaching and will not be weakened by CareerDesign@TUM. The tracks TUM Researcher and TUM Learning Professional focus on research (with autonomous research) and on teaching (development of teaching formats, learning advice and coaching), but do not mutually exclude activities in teaching or research, respectively.

Does CareerDesign@TUM make the “Habilitation” obsolete?

CareerDesign@TUM addresses mid-level academic staff at TUM, who are looking for an alternative career path aside from a professorship. Accordingly, CareerDesign@TUM does not make the “Habilitation” obsolete. In many subjects, a “Habilitation” is still a prerequisite for an appointment as professor in Germany. Whether or not a “Habilitation” is conducive for achieving one's own career goals depends on the respective subject area. Of course, participants of CareerDesign@TUM are able to apply for external professorships. TUM follows common standards; this means home appointments are only possible in very well-founded exceptional cases.