Information for Dual Career Couples

On this page we have compiled questions that we receive regularly as well as information for internationally mobile couples and those re-entering the workforce.

1.) Dual Career Services

How do Dual Career Services work? Who can take advantage of the support? Can the DCND help me?

2.) International mobile couples

Who supports us as an internationally mobile couple? How can we (re)arrive in German science? Which institutions can help?

3.) Re-entry and return

How can I return to work after family leave? What do I have to consider if I want to return to Germany? How can I have qualifications acquired abroad verified?

1. Dual Career Services

WHAT IS A DUAL CAREER SERVICE?

A dual career service is a contact point that employers make available to the partners of their new or prospective top executives. Here, they receive information, advice and contacts tailored to their needs so that they can continue their career in their new location.

WHO CAN USE A DUAL CAREER SERVICE?

On our Members page you will find many scientific 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 goal of dual career counseling is to accelerate the job search of the partner*s moving with you. The following services are usually offered for this purpose:

Information on the regional job market
Advice on self-marketing (e.g. document check)
Assistance with all questions concerning the application process and academic or professional career development
Networking with personnel managers

CAN A DUAL CAREER SERVICE FIND ME A JOB?

No. Dual Career Services expressly do not see themselves as job agencies and cannot guarantee that an attractive position will be found. They see themselves as a support service and provide dual career partners with orientation, knowledge and contacts.

CAN I CONTACT THE DCND WITH MY QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR DUAL CAREER SITUATION?

No. The DCND sees itself as a platform for dual career advisors at scientific institutions. However, on our pages you will find further tips on international mobility, re-entry or an overview of dual career services.

2. International mobile Paare

The following institutions and networks support internationally mobile scientists who either come from Germany or are interested in doing research in Germany. The compilation does not claim to be complete.

ALEXANDER VON HUMBOLDT STIFTUNG (AVH)

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation promotes scientific 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 scientists from Germany in their research projects abroad.

www.humboldt-foundation.de

AUSWÄRTIGES AMT

The German Foreign Office offers information on entry, visa requirements, residence regulations and a lot of helpful information about working and researching in Germany.

www.auswaertiges-amt.de

BUNDESMINISTERIUM FÜR ARBEIT UND SOZIALES (BMAS)

The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs provides comprehensive information on the German labor market and on topics relating to labor law or protection. It is also responsible for social security issues in Germany and provides information on these issues as well.

In addition, the ministry provides an information platform at www.make-it-in-germany.com, which provides information on living and working in Germany.

www.bmas.de

BUNDESMINISTERIUM FÜR BILDUNG UND FORSCHUNG (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.

www.bmbf.de/de/forschen-in-europa-278.html

DEUTSCHER AKADEMISCHER AUSTAUSCHDIENST (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.

www.daad.de

DEUTSCHE FORSCHUNGSGEMEINSCHAFT (DFG)

Europe's largest research funding organization serves science by providing financial support for research tasks and fostering collaboration among researchers. Funding includes individual support, coordinated programs, scientific awards and international affairs.

www.dfg.de

EURAXESS

The national information and advice center offers internationally mobile researchers information on funding opportunities, job offers and other mobility topics. Under the heading Dual Career you will find information on dual career services in Germany.

www.euraxess.de

GERMAN ACADEMIC INTERNATIONAL NETWORK (GAIN)

The network is based in New York and supports German scientists in North America who would like 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 alternating between the west and east coasts of the USA. Renowned actors, institutions and universities from the German academic landscape are represented here. The scientists have the opportunity to inform themselves about return opportunities and to establish valuable contacts at lectures, workshops and at a fair (Talent Fair).

www.gain-network.org

GERMAN SCHOLARS ORGANIZATION E.V. (GSO)

The GSO, based in San Francisco and Berlin, was founded in 2003 by German scientists and company representatives. The goal of the GSO is to connect German researchers living abroad, to arouse their interest in working in Germany and to pave their way back to Germany. In this way, the GSO strengthens Germany as a location for science and business, counteracts the shortage of skilled workers in Germany and promotes the international exchange of scientists and ideas in the sense of "brain circulation".

www.gsonet.org

DAS HIGHER EDUCATION RECRUITMENT CONSORTIUM (HERC)

HERC is a consortium of more than 700 colleges, universities, and research institutions in the United States. The consortium's website provides access to current job openings at U.S. academic institutions. For dual career couples, the website's job search also offers special search tools to find jobs in the same region.

www.hercjobs.org

3. Wiedereinstieg und Rückkehr

BALANCING FAMILY AND WORK

Family-Guide of the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth
Family topics from A-Z (e.g. Elterngeld, Elternzeit, Kindergeld, Kinderzuschlag, Mutterschutz), services and contact persons on topics sorted by postal code
Gleichstellungsseite 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., Wiedereinstiegsrechner with estimates of gross wages, pension entitlements

INFORMATION ON HEALTH INSURANCE AND PENSION INSURANCE

Information on joining German health insurance after returning home
Deutsche Rentenversicherung & Abroad - Information about Anspruch, Antrag und Berechnung, Rentenlexikon with explanation of approx. 350 terms concerning pensions in Germany
Agreement to work in Deutschland und den USA
Agreement to work in Deutschland und in Kanada

COUNSELING SERVICES AND RECOGNITION OF FOREIGN PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Virtual Welcome Center of the Federal Employment Agency, also advice for returnees
Karriereplanung und -beratung for scientists abroad who are interested in working and doing research in Germany
Anerkennung of foreign professional qualifications - recognition finder, depending on the educational qualification, also counseling offers

On the pages of the German Academic International Network you will find further information for those interested in returning: www.gain-network.org/de/informieren/beratungsangebote.