Coaching is a support process that can cover both professional and private topics. The coach accompanies the coachee in reflecting on their needs and supports them in developing their own individual solutions.

Coaching can be helpful when it comes to deciding on the next steps in your career. If you are not sure whether you want to stay in academia or pursue a career outside academia or university, coaching can also support you. Other topics that may be relevant include strengthening your academic profile, applying for third-party funding, applying for a professorship, work-life balance and dealing with stress.

It is possible to apply for and participate in the coaching programme at any time. The prerequisite is that the person interested in coaching is a postdoctoral researcher employed at the University of Siegen.

• Application by e-mail to coaching-hyt@uni-siegen.de including an informal letter (PDF).
• Mandatory introductory interview with the responsible HYT contact person.
• Selection of a suitable coach from the coach pool with support from the HYT if required.
• HYT establishes contact between coachee and coach.
• First non-binding meeting and subsequent coaching sessions are arranged individually.
• After completion, the coachee is invoiced for their own contribution; the majority of costs are covered by the HYT.

• Maximum co-payment of EUR 125.
• Payment via cost centre is possible if arranged in advance.
• Travel expenses cannot be reimbursed.

Coaching sessions can take place in person at the coach’s premises or online, depending on the agreement.

The total duration of the coaching programme may not exceed 270 minutes (three sessions of 90 minutes each).

Coaching can take place in both German and English.

The HYT finances one coaching per person. Further coaching must be paid for entirely by the coachee.

The coaching programme is aimed at postdoctoral researchers employed at the University of Siegen.

The dissertation must have been submitted and the defence scheduled. Contact with the coach is established after the defence.

A one-page informal letter (PDF) outlining your current professional situation, academic career and coaching needs must be submitted by e-mail.

No, apart from the informal letter of application, no additional documents are required.

You will be contacted to arrange an introductory interview and discuss the next steps.

The interview clarifies coaching needs, main topics and organisational steps and provides an opportunity to ask questions.

The introductory interview is conducted by the responsible contact person at the HYT.

The introductory interview prepares the coaching process and organisational aspects. The first meeting is conducted with the coach and clarifies the framework and compatibility. It is not a coaching session.

The interview usually takes place online via Webex or at the House of Young Talents on Campus Hölderlinstraße.

The introductory interview usually lasts around 30 minutes.

• Reason for coaching
• Coaching goals
• Topics and concerns
• Expectations, format and billing
The interview is strictly confidential.

No special preparation is required.

• Selection of a suitable coach
• Contact established by the HYT
• Non-binding first meeting
• Documentation via protocol sheet
• Maximum duration: 270 minutes

Yes, the content of the coaching is strictly confidential. Only duration and number of sessions are documented.

The HYT works with external professional coaches selected based on qualifications and experience with postdocs.

• Applications and professorships
• Career development
• Communication and voice
• Conflict management
• Leadership
• Stress management

Please contact the HYT immediately. We will find a solution and mediate if necessary.

Additional sessions must be paid for by the coachee. The HYT can assist in finding a suitable coach.

The coach submits the signed protocol sheet to the HYT for billing purposes.

The invoice is issued after completion unless payment via cost centre has been arranged in advance.