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Career Paths in Organization and Administration

Scientific Organizations; Archives; Libraries; Museums; Memorial Sites; Foundations; Associations; Federations; Political Parties; Trade Unions; Local, State, and Federal Administration

In essence, the activities in this field are not too dissimilar to management. However, the focus here is less on generating profits and more on civil society and public sector tasks that need to be carried out efficiently, transparently, and reliably. Those who have learned to deal with large amounts of unrelated text material; who can edit and process it according to complex rules; who can work through tasks carefully, systematically, calmly, and then “check them off” have a clear advantage. Involvement in the AStA, student council, or institute is excellent preparation for a successful career in this field. Internships and traineeships still provide career entry to archives, libraries, and museums. For other areas of civil society, a postgraduate degree in administrative sciences, further training in project management, or, in fact, traditional training in administration can be very helpful.

  • Possible Tasks

    - You are responsible for organizing and running trade fairs and exhibitions, guided tours, or readings at cultural associations, museums, archives, or memorial sites.
    - You archive written documents, but also film, image, and audio materials, as well as, increasingly, digital content. In addition, you are responsible for archival collections and documentation, ensuring their proper storage, conservation, and preservation.
    - In libraries and archives, you develop catalog holdings, maintain catalogs, and participate in the selection and decision-making process for new acquisitions. You also research print, online, and audiovisual media, evaluate information sources, and maintain databases.
    - You advise users on how to use old media such as books, films, and newspapers, as well as new media that include access to the internet.
    - You work in higher education administration and support research and teaching through strategic and conceptual development efforts.
    - You take on administrative tasks in projects, participate in project development, assist in fundraising, prepare grant applications, participate in the preparation of project budgets and financial statements, and prepare interim and final reports as well as public relations materials.
    - In governmental and semi-governmental organizations that have to perform cross-border international tasks, e.g. a German building authority that wants to plan a road that affects French territory, you take on tasks as a clerk, department head, or advisor based on your expertise with the country in question.
    - At all levels, you work with decision-makers so that they can make their decisions based on reliable knowledge about the “other side.”
    - As a project staff member and project manager, you ensure that people from a wide variety of cultural and national backgrounds can work together effectively and successfully in order to fulfill mutual interests.
    - At language schools or adult continuing education centers, you are responsible for the organization, planning, and administration of (language) courses.
    - In cultural administration, you put together cultural programs in cooperation with the local arts and culture scene.
    - With appropriate further education or training, you can work in local, state, or federal administration, for example in human resources. Here, your tasks include recruiting, the training and further education of employees, and conducting performance evaluations.

  • Industries and Occupations

    - Public sector administration
    - Cities, counties
    - Cross-border commuter authorities
    - Planning and supervisory authorities (regional councils, state and federal offices for civil protection and disaster control)
    - Bilateral education, cultural, and exchange organizations
    - Bilateral, multilateral, and international chambers of commerce, industry, and crafts
    - Specialist services for economic development and cooperation
    - Museums, archives, memorials
    - Libraries
    - (Political) foundations
    - Non-governmental organizations
    - Higher education
    - (Cultural) associations, federations
    - Professional associations, trade unions
    - Publishing houses
    - Political parties
    - Religious communities

  • Job Boards and Professional Associations 

At a glance