The CONNECT Program
CONNECT is a comprehensive program with the aim to link young women scientists with role models in industry and public sector, and foster their awareness of career planning. Participants attend 7 - 8 one-day workshops over the course of approximately 6 months, reflect on their career, interact with role models, and become part of a supportive and encouraging community.
Participation in the CONNECT program underlies a competitive selection. Each academic institution has a limited number of places, so that the number of participants per round is 35-40. Each institution is responsible for the selection of the sponsored participants.
Vision
The CONNECT program aims at connecting female
STEM scientists with role models working in the industry or public administration.
The program offers young researchers the opportunity to gain insight into non-academic
career paths. At the same time, participating companies benefit from the direct
exchange with highly qualified and motivated potential employees, and from the
opportunity to position themselves as attractive employers that value diversity.
By building bridges between young qualified females and companies, the CONNECT
program contributes to bringing more women into highly qualified positions in
Switzerland.
A recent SWR (Schweizer Wissenschaftsrat/Swiss Science Council) study highlights the need of programs like CONNECT
The program is held in English except for the workshop with DETEC (see more details below)