Graduate Campus Courses
Graduate Campus offers a number of workshops specifically designed for doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers and supervisors from all faculties (UNIL, CHUV and Unisanté). These workshops are free of charge.
You can register for our workshops in the following four modules:
If you normally use an @chuv.ch address for your correspondence, and you register for our workshops with an @unil.ch address, please make sure you check your @unil.ch inbox regularly for updates. All messages relating to the workshop will be sent to the e-mail address you use when registering. lt is also possible to redirect your mails : https://wiki.unil.ch/ci/books/messagerie/page/faq-502.
Spend a day writing - on your thesis, an article or any other academic project - in a friendly space that supports your concentration.
Practical information:
Schedule for the day:
8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m : Arrivals - please arrive on time!
8:45 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. : Introduction
9.10 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. : Writing (Pomodoro 3 x 50 minutes with 10-minute breaks)
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. : Lunch + free time
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. : Writing (Pomodoro 4 x 50 minutes with 10-minute breaks)
Nota bene : The Writing Space is not designed to give writing advice. The goal is to provide you with a friendly space that facilitates your concentration.
A quick introduction to the essentials of your career development, whether on the academic path or elsewhere.
The Career Café guides you through:
In the in-room version, participants have the opportunity to choose or propose additional themes to be covered during the workshop.
The Career Café is designed for all UNIL and CHUV doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, no matter their research background or career goals. We ask that you complete it before attending any other Career workshop or requesting individual career counselling with the Graduate Campus.
Confirmation of registration for any other Graduate Campus event in the career module will be dependent on participation in a Career Café or upon presentation of an equivalent activity.
Research has a long tradition of being shared and developed through papers, meetings, conferences and conversations. Sharing research online is rapidly becoming part of the same process and is no different once you know how it is done.
Whether in an academic or a non-academic research career, when you share on the various platforms you integrate into your daily workflows, you create new possibilities for research, collaborative partnerships and career opportunities.
Taking the best career decisions means having a clear understanding of your strengths, interests and motivations. The TRIMA questionnaire takes a systematic view of your experience (in academia and elsewhere) to help you identify and clarify your motivations and professional goals, as well as the skills you can contribute, wherever your career takes you. The process builds self-understanding and self-confidence, while enabling you to talk more authentically about yourself with potential employers.
A practical workshop focused on the "classic" academic CV, sent when applying for most academic posts at the postdoctoral level. You'll have the opportunitiy to learn how to build a CV that reflects your experience and achievements as a doctoral or early-career postdoctoral researcher and responds to the standard requirements for posts in academic research and teaching.
Atelier interactif d'une journée qui vous permet de recevoir et échanger des conseils et des outils pour planifier au mieux votre soutenance et pour vous préparer à répondre aux questions du jury.
Les questions suivantes seront abordées :
Version complète d'une journée en présentiel où chaque participant·e pourra s’exercer en présentant durant 5 minutes une partie de sa thèse dans la langue de son choix (français ou anglais).
A half-day workshop to explore ways to make the postdoctoral period a more fulfilling experience. Together, we will investigate what it is that makes you thrive, what you cherish and what you require to live more fulfilled and happier, not in some distant future but today and tomorrow. You will take a look at your work-life balance, discover what might be missing, listen to the experience of others, and together craft initial answers to these questions.
Priority for postdoc.
At the Biopole campus in Epalinges. Half-day interactive workshop with short presentations and group discussions.
Starting an ambitious project like a PhD requires a clear mind around your expectations and role as a PhD candidate, as well as good planning and time management.
The workshop covers the following points:
Atelier d'une demi-journée, suivi d'un entretien individuel avec l’intervenante, à convenir ultérieurement.
Une accumulation de stress provoque des tensions physiques, mentales et émotionnelles. Si ces tensions ne sont pas évacuées, elles peuvent entraîner des douleurs, des troubles fonctionnels et/ou un sentiment d'oppression. Un déséquilibre s'installe entre ses ressources et les exigences professionnelles. Les facultés d'adaptation diminuent, entraînant une dévalorisation de soi, un sentiment d'échec, qui peuvent conduire au burnout.
This workshop gives doctoral and postdoctoral researchers insights into the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need in order to be successful in a leadership role. The aim of this workshop is to enable participants to have an awareness of five leadership theories to help them develop their own leadership style as a new leader, as well as an understanding of communication styles and what a successful work environment is like and how to help create the environment in which they want to work.
A half-day workshop intended for PhD candidates who should be finishing within approximately one year. It is particularly recommended if you feel stuck or unclear on what is expected from you.
You will be guided to review where you are in your thesis, to identify what still needs to be done, and to start preparing your own timeline until the defense.
In addition, through self-reflection activities and group discussions we will talk about motivation and support to help you find the energy to get it finished, and to see your next career step with optimism.
Important: please note that we will not talk about how to prepare for the defence, this topic is the focus of another workshop entitled "Prepare your PhD defence".
Presenting your research is an integral part of your work as a researcher, and solid presentation skills are valuable far beyond the academic setting. Backed up by online video support, this comprehensive and blended workshop will provide you with concrete tools to prepare and deliver engaging and impactful presentations.
The workshop begins with an online live session on Monday 11th November from 13h30 to 14h30.
Over the following two weeks, you will work on your presentation, with online video support that covers all aspects of your text and delivery.
In addition, on Friday 22nd November, you'll have the opportunity of a one-to-one, 30-minute meeting with one of the trainers. This will be the chance to discuss your assignment and any outstanding questions.
During a final, one-hour session on Wednesday 4th December, you'll give your 5-minute presentation to a small group of course attendees and the trainers, and receive their feedback. The exact timing of this session will be organised during the opening, and in agreement with the trainers and all participants (please ignore the timing given on the registration platform).
Workshop in two parts. A coherent online profile on your professional networking site is the modern business card: it helps people identify who you are and what you are doing. Through discussion and practical exercises, we will focus on upgrading your online profile to reflect your professional identity, learn how to customize features in common networking sites, use keywords and explore tips to connect with people and groups you want to share with.
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Spend a day writing - on your thesis, an article or any other academic project - in a friendly space that supports your concentration.
Practical information:
Schedule for the day:
8:30 a.m. – 8:45 a.m : Arrivals - please arrive on time!
8:45 a.m. – 9:10 a.m. : Introduction
9.10 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. : Writing (Pomodoro 3 x 50 minutes with 10-minute breaks)
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. : Lunch + free time
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. : Writing (Pomodoro 4 x 50 minutes with 10-minute breaks)
Nota bene : The Writing Space is not designed to give writing advice. The goal is to provide you with a friendly space that facilitates your concentration.
Atelier interactif d'une demi-journée pour échanger sur les problématiques liées à l'encadrement des thèses (rôles et ses responsabilités, communication).
Building your professional profile for a role beyond academia
In this workshop, participants will explore their experience before, during and after the doctorate in order to build their individual portfolios and create content ready for online profiles, job applications and hiring interviews for roles beyond academia. Our goal is to support your search for opportunities while helping you make the best decisions for your next steps.
Trainer : Joelle Bedat
A one-day workshop intended for doctorate holders who want to continue their career in the international and/or private sector (for instance multinationals, NGO's…).
The training will help the candidates to practice job interviews, benefiting from peers' and trainer's feedback.
Trainer : Luca Allaria
Priority registration for postdocs
Une brève introduction au développement professionnel, quels que soient vos projets de carrière, académique ou extra-académique.
Les thèmes abordés sont :
Lors de la version en présentiel, les participant·es ont la possibilité de choisir ou proposer des thématiques supplémentaires qui seront ensuite discutées durant l'atelier.
Le Café carrière s'adresse aux doctorant·es et chercheur·es de niveau postdoctoral de l'UNIL et du CHUV, quels que soient leurs domaines de recherche ou projets de carrière. Nous vous demandons de suivre un Café carrière (atelier ou moodle) avant de vous inscrire à tout autre atelier du volet "Développer sa carrière" ou de demander un entretien individuel de conseil carrière auprès du Graduate Campus.
La confirmation d'une inscription à toute autre activité du Graduate Campus en lien avec la carrière est liée à la participation préalable à un Café carrière ou à une activité équivalente.
Networking is commonly acknowledged to be vital for professional development and essential for a career in academic research beyond the university. But can be a challenge for many.
In this highly interactive, practical workshop. we will explore the benefits and technique of networking for professional development. We will examine the skills involved in engaging with others in different environments such as the academic conference, the formal and informal professional connections and the proactive approaches that lay down the foundations of our career path ahead.
Participants will work on their presentations and practice during the day. Immediately applicable tools and strategies will be provided.
This 3- half day workshop gives an overview of project management and some software tools.
Define and prepare your project, by understanding what a project is, and what it is not, by learning what a project management in academia vs. industry is, and by getting an introduction into the project life-cycle.
Develop your own project plan and learn about different project management approaches, identifying risk, and project execution.
Priority for postdoc.
A half-day interactive workshop giving you the opportunity to receive and exchange advice and tools to help you plan your PhD defence and prepare for the jury's questions.
The following topics are covered:
This is the half-day online version (from 9am to 12:30pm) without time to rehearse participants' presentations.
This workshop reviews the demands and expectations involved in pursuing a career as a professor. It is aimed primarily for postdoctoral researchers. Based on intensive discussions and practical work, the programme includes a review of professorial roles and the competencies required for them, and looks at the fundamentals of recruitment processes for professors, from applications to interviews.
Participants are required to read preliminary articles on the academic recruiting process in advance of the first day, and to prepare/revise their academic CV for the second day.
The language of the workshop is primarily English. Participants can prepare their work in English or French.
Want to discuss your career plans? Follow up on something that came up in a workshop? Get an opinion on a job application? Work out which skills development workshop you need to take?
Whatever your career-related question, the career experts at the Graduate Campus are available for a 15-minute individual consultation in English or in French.
Either in the room or online
Une brève introduction au développement professionnel, quels que soient vos projets de carrière, académique ou extra-académique.
Cette version moodle couvre les mêmes thèmes que l'atelier en présentiel du même nom, et vous propose des vidéos, des quiz et des activités à réaliser de manière autonome. Vous pouvez suivre ce module au moment et au rythme qui vous conviennent.
Les thèmes abordés sont :
Le Café carrière s'adresse aux doctorant·es et chercheur·es de niveau postdoctoral de l'UNIL et du CHUV, quels que soient leurs domaines de recherche ou projets de carrière. Nous vous demandons de suivre un Café carrière (moodle ou atelier) avant de vous inscrire à tout autre atelier du volet "Développer sa carrière" ou de demander un entretien individuel de conseil carrière auprès du Graduate Campus.
La confirmation d'une inscription à toute autre activité du Graduate Campus en lien avec la carrière est liée à la participation préalable à un Café carrière ou à une activité jugée équivalente.
A quick introduction to the essentials of your career development, whether on the academic path or elsewhere.
In this online version, you can cover the same topics as the in-room version, with videos, quizzes and self-guided activities. You can complete the course at your own pace and at your own time.
The Career Café guides you through:
The Career Café is designed for all UNIL and CHUV doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, no matter their research background or career goals. We ask that you complete it before attending any other Career workshop or requesting individual career counselling with the Graduate Campus.
Confirmation of registration for any other Graduate Campus event in the career module will be dependent on participation in a Career Café or upon presentation of an equivalent activity.
Build your CV and cover letter for a post beyond academia
If you’re a doctoral candidate or postdoctoral researcher preparing to apply for roles beyond academia, this Moodle is designed to answer your questions.
How should I put together a cover letter or a CV that will interest an employer outside the university environment? How to read the job ad? What do I need to know to prepare the complete job application? And what to do with AI?
In English. Certain elements are available in French.
In order to access this Moodle, we ask that you first of all take the Career Café, or its equivalent.