Currently, despite often having high potential for an academic career, most graduates proceed with non-academic careers. After discussions with alumni and business professionals, we consider it important to provide our doctoral candidates with the opportunity to prepare for this endeavor. To this end, we have planned a course to provide fundamental business skills.

The GRK 2550 is excited to offer its doctoral candidates a unique opportunity in order to gain hands-on insights into key areas of business and leadership. The five-day “General Management for Scientists” training programme, developed in collaboration with the University of Cologne Business School (UCBS), equips its participants with essential knowledge and skills for their careers within and beyond academia.

Candidates will explore core business topics such as corporate governance, managerial accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills, through a dynamic mix of academic input, real-world examples, and reflective practice. It is designed for the doctoral candidates from GRK 2550 who are curious about how business principles apply to research, innovation, and leadership across sectors. In more detail the programme consists of five modules, which are outlined in the following.

Programme Overview

• Module 1 – Business Essentials
  An introduction to the fundamentals of business administration and corporate management, including corporate governance and core business functions.
• Module 2 – Managerial Accounting
  Learn how financial data supports strategic decision-making. Topics include for example cost management and strategic planning.
• Module 3 – Marketing & Sales Management 
  Discover the essentials of strategic marketing — from understanding customer needs to developing marketing plans and managing sales channels.
• Module 4 – Entrepreneurship & Innovation
  Explore how to identify and evaluate new business opportunities, develop business models, and apply entrepreneurial thinking.
• Module 5 – Leadership Skills
  Reflect on your personal leadership style, learn agile strategy principles, and build essential team management and communication skills.