Career

The Master's degree in Organic and Molecular Electronics confirms that you have obtained an excellent interdisciplinary education. However, the sooner you think about your future, the better will you be able to put it into a good use. It is never too early to take a really close look at your skills, interests, and preferences and choose a career path that is right for you. We put together a list of some options that might help you realize your potential and range of choices.

PhD

Before you decide to enter this path

Is the PhD the right choice for me and answers to other important questions (by the Graduate Academy TU Dresden)

How to do a PhD in Germany?

In Germany, there are two ways to do your PhD: the "traditional and individual doctoral route" or "structured doctoral programmes". Currently, around 90 per cent of doctoral candidates are following the traditional route to gain their doctoral degree, while some 10 per cent are writing their dissertations as part of structured doctoral programmes.

1. Individual Doctorate

The "traditional" or "individual" path to a PhD/doctorate remains the most common in Germany. An individual doctorate involves the thesis or dissertation being produced under the supervision of a professor. This form of PhD study offers a great deal of flexibility, but demands a high degree of personal initiative and responsibility. A professor supervises a PhD student, who works on his subject in consultation with the professor, but largely independently. How long a traditional individual doctorate takes depends on your own time schedule – or on the duration of your work contract. Three to five years are normal. Doctoral candidates can choose where they would like to conduct their research:

a university
a non-university research organisation or
in a German company

In Germany there is no central admissions or selection office for doctoral students. Therefore, your first step is to find a suitable professor who is willing to be your supervisor. Your contacts to your professors or university could help direct you to a suitable department or potential supervisor in Germany. Another way to find a supervisor is to look for an institute at a university which corresponds to your area of research. The following online search engines might help you find a suitable supervisor:

2. Structured PhD Programs

Structured doctoral programmes differ from traditional doctoral studies. In Germany, structured doctoral programmes are very similar to the PhD programmes in English-speaking countries, in which a team of supervisors look after a group of doctoral students. The duration of your studies is generally limited to three years, and there is usually a fixed curriculum within which you work toward your doctorate and write your dissertation.

List of the structured PhD Programs in Dresden

Text by Research in Germany (DAAD) where you can find more information on this topic.

PhD at the TU Dresden

TU Dresden offers information and support to PhD candidates. For more information see the websites: Scientific Career and Graduate Academy

Career in Industry

1. Possible fields and positions

A successful career entry requires that you are know your goals, abilities, and options. The graduates of our interdisciplinary Master's program are educated to assume leading positions in the following:

areas	fields
product management technology transfer technology development innovation management new markets development	organic electronics printed electronics thin films solar cells large surface electronics new devices alternative materials

2. Know the Industry

You have to know the industry, the latest trends and developments as well as important players.

Industry news

Lists of companies

3. Build Your Professional Network

The more people you get to know, the easier your start will be. Personal contacts always work better than anonymous applications. Building your professional network is one of the most important elements of your professional life. Visit industry events where you can introduce yourself to the important figures from the industry, exchange ideas, and enquire about job openings. Information on interesting events are regularly posted on our website and Facebook Fanpage.

Most important industry events

Lists of industry events

4. Professional Application Documents

The application process in Germany is governed by a specific set of rules. The Career Service of the TU Dresden regularly offers job application trainings in English or German and a counselling service were you can get a feedback on your application documents. All offers are either free of charge or require a small fee of maximally 15 euros.

Starting Your Own Company

1. TU Dresden Professors

Some of them have considerable experience with start-ups and might be able to give you useful tips and contacts

IAPP: Professor Karl Leo
Faculty of Economics, Chair of Entrepreneurship und Innovation, Prof. Michael Schefczyk
Faculty of Computer Science, Prof. Uwe Aßmann
Vodafone Chair Mobile Communications Systems: Prof. Gerhard Fettweis