Different cultural influences have an impact on the way we think, communicate, interact and work together. In this workshop you will learn the dos and don’ts of communication for interacting with German authorities. You will learn about the canon of values and obligations for employees in the public sector on the one hand and the situation of international doctoral candidates on the other. The international doctoral candidates learn about the unspoken expectations that German authorities and the University might have of international students, such as independence, autonomy and personal responsibility in academia and life.

The first part of the workshop takes place in person in a safe, caring and inspiring space. Here, the basics of communication in Germany are taught and typical situations in German authorities are made tangible in simulations. The participants practise successful communication in English and German in role plays. The second part of the workshop is a follow-up Coaching Session in virtual format. Here, what has been learnt and applied is taken up and discussed in greater depth. Each participant will have the opportunity to work on their own case. The workshop specifically expands your practical skills for your life and research in Germany. Cognitive, affective and behavioural learning levels are addressed. In moderated reflection rounds, you will ensure the transfer of what you have learned into your interculturally competent behaviour.

Contents
• Dynamic concept of culture
• Self-perception and perception by others
• German cultural standards in the public sector, in formal situations.
• The danger of stereotyping
• Understanding culture shock
• Power relations and mutual expectations
• Intercultural success strategies for work and life in Germany
• Role plays in English and German to apply what you have learnt
• Reflection and Feedback

28.10.25 - 10 am – 5 pm in person 11.11.25 - 10 am – 12 am, and 12 pm - 2 pm Follow-Up Coaching online in 2 groups, each 2 hours in order to open a space for exchange and give individual advice.

Are you ready to become a driver of change and innovation within an organization? This hands-on workshop is designed for aspiring intrapreneurs who want to transform creative ideas into real-world business value. Through a blend of expert insights, interactive exercises, and peer feedback, you'll learn to navigate the complexities of innovation within established structures.

This course goes beyond theory, providing you with a practical toolkit to identify opportunities, develop robust innovation strategies, and manage projects from conception to implementation. You will explore the intrapreneurial mindset and learn how to align your innovative ideas with company goals, preparing you to effectively pitch your initiatives to stakeholders. By the end of the workshop, you will have a personal innovation roadmap and the skills to not only generate ideas but also to anchor and scale them successfully in your day-to-day work.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Strategically Understand and Plan Innovation: Analyze the role of innovation and intrapreneurship in the modern business environment and align innovative ideas with an organization's vision and goals.
- Develop an Intrapreneurial Mindset: Cultivate the key traits of an intrapreneur, including critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience, to navigate organizational challenges.
- Apply Practical Innovation Methods: Utilize proven innovation and ideation tools (e.g., Design Thinking, Lean Startup) to systematically transform creative ideas into marketable products, services, or business models.
- Implement and Manage Innovation Projects: Structure and manage innovation projects from idea to implementation, including an individual project roadmap.
- Manage Stakeholders and Overcome Barriers: Identify and overcome organizational roadblocks, communicate effectively with internal stakeholders, and prepare a persuasive pitch for innovation initiatives.
- Anchor and Scale Innovation: Develop a personal action plan to embed new ideas into daily work, ensuring long-term success and sustainability.