CONNECT participant (anonymous)
“It provides a space to contemplate other options outside of academia in a non-judgmental environment.”
unique opportunity for young women scientists and companies
CONNECT
Connecting Women's Careers in Academia and Industry
CONNECT encourages women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to plan and develop their career, and enables companies to engage with highly qualified women. It aims to inspire all participants to bridge the gap between academia, industry and public sector.
So far, CONNECT has brought together more than 100 PhD and Postdoc candidates with role models, HR representatives and inspiring speakers from industry and public sector.
Career planning, networking, knowhow transfer
Strong project partners from academia, industry and public sector
The seventh edition of a challenging program will launch soon
In 2018 seven academic institutions from ETH domain (ETHZ, EPFL, Eawag, Empa, PSI, WSL) and University of Zurich (UZH) decided to offer an interactive program to young women scientists to provide practical insights into career opportunities beyond academia. At the same time, companies benefit from CONNECT by gaining the opportunity to interact with motivated and highly qualified women who are eager to pursue their careers in industry or the public sector.
We are still open to considering sponsors and partners for Round 7.Please get in touch if you are interested. The application window for participants will open on 1st June 2025.
insights into career life in industry
Meet Role Models
Watch video interviews with role models from industry.
7 - 8 intense 1-day workshops
Agenda
This program offers its participants a great deal. It also asks for something in return: energy and openness to a wide range of career opportunities. By first analyzing their own situation and then speaking with role models in different positions - but all with academic background - participants can define their next career steps and identify areas for development.
Analyse and plan your career
Where are you today?
Analyze your personal career situation, define your goals and expectations, and build awareness of potential challenges. Connect with your peers, get insights into the recruitment processes, work on your CV and interview preparation. Receive guidance from a professional coach to help you take the next step in your career.
Meet role models
Industry and government
As a CONNECT participant, you will have a unique opportunity to interact with our partners' role models. You will discuss career prospects, personal decisions and challenges, differences between academia, industry and the public sector, and how they use their scientific skills in their current position. In addition, HR representatives may provide insights into recruitment processes.
Other career options
UAS and startups
Are you considering continuing your career at the interface between academia and industry? Gain valuable insights into working at Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) or in startups by speaking with role models in such roles. Even if this path isn't of interest to you (yet), you will gain insights that can help clarify what to look for in your future career.
Take-away and next steps
Wrap-Up
On the final day, you will reflect on your learnings and takeaways from the program, reconnect with your peers, and discuss your next career steps. You will also have an opportunity to present success stories to the participating institutions and companies. To keep the positive energy going, additional talks will be offered, and you may decide to stay connected as a group beyond the program.