Career dialogues for researchers in temporary positions
At MPE we help our researchers in temporary positions (PhD students, postdocs and assistant professors) to make meaningful choices about their future careers. Whether within or outside academia. We do this through career dialogues between the employee and the employee's supervisor and by offering our researchers in temporary positions to participate in events and workshops with a focus on career awareness and development.
Career dialogue
Within one year of employment, the supervisor must hold a career dialogue with his or her PhD students, postdocs or assistant professors. The purpose of the career dialogue is feedback, guidance and individual clarification so that the employee is better equipped to make meaningful choices about their future career.
At MPE we have decided that the career dialogue should be held in continuation of the SDD (and/or in connection with a possible extension of employment). Generally, the dialogue is conducted by the employee's supervisor, but it can also be held with the head of section if the employees wish.
While the SDDs focus on well-being and task-solving, the career dialogues focus on initiating new reflections on career movements – thereby clarifying the opportunities and limitations inherent in job movements within and outside Aarhus University. This is to help the employee to take the next wise and possible step in their career.
Preparation and guidance
In order to conduct good career dialogues, a preparation guide can be filled out beforehand. In mitHR there is one: Dialogue Guide for Career Dialogues (available from 1 September 2025) The employee can use the guide for reflection, but also has the opportunity to share their thoughts and considerations before the meeting with their immediate manager – just as the case with the SDD practice.
In mitHR, goals and agreements from the dialogue can also be documented, for easy follow up.
Career development
You can find inspiration materials and tools that can help being more career-conscious on the AU HR page Take charge of your career.
AU Career PhD & JR can also help you to be more career-aware, as they offer, among other things: individual career counselling, tools for career clarification and job searching, career planning advice and an overview of career paths.
