The CONNECT Program

CONNECT is a comprehensive program with the aim to connect young women scientists with role models in industry and the public sector, and foster their awareness of career planning. Participants attend 7-8 one-day workshops over the course of approximately six months, reflect on their career, engage with role models, and become part of a supportive and encouraging community.

Participation in the CONNECT program is based on a competitive selection process. Each academic institution has a limited number of places, and each round includes 35-40 participants. Each institution is responsible for the selection of the sponsored participants.

Vision

The CONNECT program aims to link female STEM scientists with role models working in industry or public administration. It offers young researchers the opportunity to gain valuable insights into non-academic career paths. At the same time, participating companies benefit from the direct interaction with highly qualified and motivated potential employees, as well as an opportunity to position themselves as attractive employers, who are committed to diversity. By building bridges between talented women and forward-looking companies, the CONNECT program helps increase the presence of women in highly qualified positions in Switzerland.

A recent SWR (Schweizer Wissenschaftsrat/Swiss Science Council) study highlights the need of programs like CONNECT.

The CONNECT program is mentioned in the annual CASAER Task Force Talent, Careers & Staff Development report as an excellent practice example in early-career support and academic leadership: CESAER report.

CONNECT participants (anonymous)

«The networking aspects both between the participants as well as between the role-models from the companies are excellent. Furthermore the general structure of first having a coaching session, then visiting the companies and finishing with all together is a nice and round concept.»

«Listening to the testimonials of women working in different companies was incredibly inspiring.»

«The workshops on CVs, interviews, and negotiation preparation were particularly helpful.»

Program Agenda

The CONNECT workshops take place independently of one another over a period of approximately six months.

Once the dates and details for Round 8 are confirmed with our project partners, they will be published here.

CV preparation

self-study

Video Tutorial

Participants will get access to a video tutorial teaching them on how to create a CV for a non-academic application in Switzerland.

In addition, throughout the program they have the opportunity to book an individual career counselling session with the project leader of the program.

Kick-off workshop

Date: 15 October, 2026

Location: Bern, BE

The kick-off workshop is a highly interactive day designed to help participants get to know each other, analyze their current career situation, define their expectations for the program, and learn how to communicate their skills and experience in application documents and interviews.

Meet role models at UVEK

Date: 15 December, 2026

Location: Ittigen, BE

Participants meet with HR representatives and role models, to network and learn about career perspectives as well as best practices in an informal and personal atmosphere.

Meet role models at X

Date: tbd

Location: tbd

Participants will meet with role models and HR representatives to gain insights into working in STEM roles. It offers an opportunity to exchange on career opportunities and best practices in a welcoming ans supportive atmosphere.

Meet role models at X

Date: tbd

Location: tbd

Participants meet on-site with role models from startups and sponsor companies to exchange ideas on career opportunities and best practices in a confidential and highly personal setting.

Meet role models at MSD Switzerland

Date: 11 February, 2027

Location: Zurich, ZH

Participants meet with HR representatives and role models from MSD, to network and learn about career perspectives as well as best practices in an informal and personal atmosphere.

Meet role models at X

Date: tbd

Location: tbd

Participants meet on-site with experienced consultants and role models to discuss career opportunities, gain insights into the consulting industry, and exchange best practices in a confidential and highly personal atmosphere .

Wrap up and conclusion

Date: 29 April, 2027

Location: Zurich, ZH

Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on their learnings and key takeaways, and to exchange experiences with one another.

In the afternoon, they will present their insights to representatives of the CONNECT steering committee, project partners, and other insterested parties.

What you can expect

Network

Participants will have an opportunity to network with peers who are facing similar career-related questions, as well as with role models working in industry, the public sector, universities of applied sciences, and startups, and alongside alumnae of the CONNECT program. Participants can become part of a supportive network where they can ask questions openly, and encourage one another along the way.

Career boost

Are you curious to explore your options outside of academia and discuss with role models who have sucessfully transitioned to industry, public administration, universities of applied sciences or startups? Knowing what options you have, how to get a specific position, and making a conscious decision abut your next step is a plus for your career - no matter where you choose to go.

Behind-the-scenes view

Would you like to transition to a non-academic career, but it seems like a different world to you? Unsure which job titles to search for, how to communicate your skills in application documents and interviews, or would you like to know what happens to your application once it reaches a company? Join the CONNECT program to gain clarity, build confidence and feel more prepared for your next career move.

What you will not experience

Guaranteed job offer

CONNECT does not guarantee participants a job offer from participating companies. However, you have the opportunity to interact with HR representatives, and depending on a company's partner status, we may forward job advertisements, events, or participant profiles if they agree.

Interview/AC training

While CONNECT provides insights into the interview processes, it is not a training program for job interviews or assessment centers. Our main advice for any interaction with a potential employer is to be authentic, stay positive and show your ability and willingness to learn.

Decision making

We trust that once participants have necessary information and contacts, they are fully capable of making their own decisions regarding their professional future. We are happy to support participants, guide towards relevant contacts or information, help them to reflect, but the final decisions are up to the participants.