Exchanges with other people – on both a specialist and a personal level – are an integral part of successful research, as well as being an important factor in an academic career. Becoming aware of this at an early stage brings decisive benefits. The Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes) helps doctoral researchers and postdocs to develop their competences in the field of network building and creates space for interdisciplinary networking among doctoral researchers and postdocs both at our University and beyond.
There are various networks at Münster University, in Germany, and across the world, in which doctoral researchers and/or those already with a doctoral degree, as well as postdocs, are networked. One important aspect – but not the only one – is for people to contribute to discussions on matters relating to education and universities and to make their own voices heard as regards their own views and their experience. The wish for peers to act as contacts also plays a role, as does the opportunity to network with other researchers who are at the beginning of their careers inside and outside the academic world.
Do take a look at the website run by the doctoral researchers’ representatives, which operates under the umbrella of the AStA (the General Students’ Committee) – or discover the Postdoc Network Münster (PNM) at our University. Both networks provide newsletters with invitations to free-time activities, as well as to subject-based exchanges and more. At the national level, the interdisciplinary network “Netzwerk für Promovierende und Promovierte Thesis” provides a platform, and on the international stage there is for example the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers Eurodoc.
At the beginning of every semester, Münster CERes organises kick-off events for doctoral researchers and postdocs which give you insights into the (service) offers at the University. You’ll hear of questions which you should be asking as you embark on your research journey. You can get advice from peers. And – you’ll have a good platform for networking.
Getting started is difficult for all doctoral researchers – all the more so if you have to get acclimatised in a new city or a new country. Talking to experienced peers helps in overcoming the challenge of getting the informal, often centralised knowledge. The buddy programme brings together newcomers and experienced buddies, making it easier to get settled in and start networking.
Life needn’t always consist of collecting and evaluating data. Digging up vegetables is also a good thing – in our community garden “InchbyInch”. After all, taking a break and doing something different clears your head and provides opportunities for meeting other people. As a result, networks can be established which remain after projects have come and gone. And – your own sense of well-being will increase.
Out of the world of work, or into it: we set up exchanges between (international) doctoral researchers and postdocs on the one hand and retired people in Münster and the Münsterland on the other. Münster CERes provides a platform for people to meet – and how it develops varies from case to case. Mentoring, regional information, help for families. Intergenerational exchanges with a potential for mutual assistance.
