Professional Skills Training

In addition to scientific training, the MPGC places strong emphasis on the development of transferable skills that prepare doctoral researchers for careers both within and beyond academia. To this end, MPGC students benefit from two complementary training structures: the Soft Skill Weeks @ Max Planck Campus and the workshop program of the Gutenberg Academy.

Soft Skill Weeks @ Max Planck Campus

The Soft Skill Weeks @ Max Planck Campus are organized twice per year and offer interactive in-person workshops for MPGC doctoral reserachers as well as other doctoral researchers at the Max Planck Institutes in Mainz. The courses focus on practical competencies that support the doctoral journey and collaborative research, including topics such as:

• Scientific writing

• Presentation and communication skills

• Career development

Workshops offered by the Gutenberg Academy

In parallel, MPGC doctoral researchers can participate in the training program of the Gutenberg Academy at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. These workshops cover topics such as academic writing, good scientific practice, intercultural communication, project management, and career preparation.

Within the Academy, the natural sciences branch Network NatLife offers additional workshops specifically designed for early-career researchers in STEM fields.

Together, the Soft Skill Weeks @ Max Planck Campus and the Gutenberg Academy training program provide complementary professional development opportunities for the MPGC doctoral researchers.