Information for dual career couples
On this page we have compiled questions that we regularly receive as well as information for internationally mobile couples and those returning to work.
Dual Career Services
WHAT IS A DUAL CAREER SERVICE?
A dual career service is a contact point that employers make available to the accompanying partners of their new or prospective top employees. Here they receive information, advice and contacts tailored to their needs so that they can continue their career in their new location.
WHO CAN MAKE USE OF A DUAL CAREER SERVICE?
On our Members page you will find many academic institutions that offer a dual career service. The target group of all DCND members are the partners of professors to be appointed. Depending on the location, other target groups (e.g. postdocs, managers in administration and technology) are also supported.
Your target organization is not listed? Then ask your new employer whether dual career support is offered.
HOW DOES DUAL CAREER COUNSELING WORK?
The aim of dual career advice is to speed up the job search for the partner moving with you. The following services are usually offered:
Information on the regional job market
Advice on self-marketing (e.g. document check)
Assistance with all questions relating to the application process and academic or professional career development
Networking with HR managers
CAN A DUAL CAREER SERVICE FIND ME A JOB?
No. The DCND sees itself as a platform for dual career advisors at academic institutions. However, on our pages you will find further tips on international mobility, re-entry or an overview of dual career services.
Internationally mobile couples
The following institutions and networks support internationally mobile researchers who either come from Germany or are interested in conducting research in Germany. This list does not claim to be exhaustive.
ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT FOUNDATION (AVH)
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation promotes academic cooperation between foreign and German researchers. On the one hand, it awards fellowships and prizes to researchers who come to Germany. On the other hand, the Foundation supports researchers from Germany in their research projects abroad.
FOREIGN OFFICE
The Federal Foreign Office provides information on entry, visa requirements, residence regulations and lots of helpful information about working and researching in Germany.
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF LABOR AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS (BMAS)
The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs provides comprehensive information on the German labor market and on topics relating to labor law and protection. It is also responsible for social security issues in Germany and provides information in this area too.
The ministry also provides an information platform at www.make-it-in-germany.com, which provides information on living and working in Germany.
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCH (BMBF)
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research supports Europe-wide research exchange and provides information on its website about various initiatives and networks that promote this exchange.
GERMAN ACADEMIC EXCHANGE SERVICE (DAAD)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is the world's largest funding organization for the international exchange of students and academics. Here you will find comprehensive information on funding opportunities, scholarships and return programs.
GERMAN RESEARCH FOUNDATION (DFG)
Europe's largest research funding organization serves science by providing financial support for research projects and promoting cooperation between researchers. Funding includes individual funding, coordinated programs, scientific prizes and international activities.
EURAXESS
The national information and advice center offers internationally mobile researchers information on funding opportunities, job offers and other mobility topics. The Dual Career section provides information on dual career services in Germany.
GERMAN ACADEMIC INTERNATIONAL NETWORK (GAIN)
Based in New York, the network supports German academics in North America who want to find out about opportunities to continue their careers in Germany and Europe. In addition to information and regional activities, the network organizes annual conferences alternately on the west and east coasts of the USA. Renowned players, institutions and universities from the German higher education landscape are represented here. Academics have the opportunity to find out about return opportunities and make valuable contacts at lectures, workshops and a trade fair (Talent Fair).
GERMAN SCHOLARS ORGANIZATION E.V. (GSO)
The GSO, based in San Francisco and Berlin, was founded in 2003 by German academics and company representatives. The aim of the GSO is to connect German researchers living abroad, to arouse their interest in working in Germany and to pave the way for them to return to Germany. In this way, the GSO strengthens Germany as a science and business location, counteracts the shortage of skilled workers in Germany and promotes the international exchange of scientists and ideas in the sense of "brain circulation".
THE HIGHER EDUCATION RECRUITMENT CONSORTIUM (HERC)
The HERC is a consortium of over 700 colleges, universities and research institutions in the USA. The consortium's website provides access to current job offers at US academic institutions. For dual career couples, the job search on the website also offers special search tools to find jobs in the same region.
www.hercjobs.org
*** Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version) ***
Re-entry and return
RECONCILING FAMILY AND CAREER
Family guide from the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth
Family topics from A-Z (e.g. parental allowance, parental leave, child benefit, child supplement, maternity protection), services and contact persons for topics sorted by zip code
Equal opportunities page of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth - Women & the world of work - information on topics such as re-entry, self-employment, etc., re-entry calculator with estimates of gross wages, pension entitlements
INFORMATION ON HEALTH INSURANCE AND PENSION INSURANCE
Information on joining German health insurance after returning home
German pension insurance & abroad - information on entitlement, application and calculation, pension lexicon with explanations of approx. 350 terms relating to pensions in Germany
Agreements on working in Germany and the USA
Agreement on working in Germany and Canada
ADVISORY SERVICES AND RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Virtual Welcome Center of the Federal Employment Agency, including advice for returnees
Career planning and advice for academics abroad who are interested in working and researching in Germany
Recognition of foreign professional qualifications - recognition finder, depending on the educational qualification, also advisory services
On the website of the German Academic International Network you will find further information for those interested in returning: www.gain-network.org/de/informieren/beratungsangebote.