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Consulting and Mediation

Political, Corporate, Organizational, Consumer, Works Council, and Staff Council Consulting; Human Resources; Representation of Interests; Mediation

Consulting in the social sciences, especially political science, is mostly decision-making advising: reason for action – decision – action – evaluation of action. Information is processed into knowledge, and knowledge is discursively transformed into recommendations for action. “What can I do? How can I do it? How can I arrive at a good, viable decision?” Political science is, among other things, the science of political, public action. Unlike in English-speaking countries, political consulting is not yet widespread in Germany, but it is increasingly developing along the major lines of social tension (energy transformation, transport transformation, climate change, political disenchantment, crisis management of all kinds, extremism). Those seeking advice can be found everywhere in public life, from initiatives to companies, political parties, and trade unions to parliamentary decision-makers. Action is inherently conflictual, and decision-making and implementation in areas of tension even more so. We can therefore observe that mediation, the professional moderation of conflicts, is becoming increasingly important as a form of counseling in society.  Organizational knowledge is the domain of graduates from the fields of economics and sociology. Effective communication (“consulting”) relating to individuals or groups is the specialty of education and psychology, while the theoretical background of the discourse itself (“communicative action”) is that of philosophy. A professional affinity with the neighboring disciplines of peace and conflict studies, international development studies, or various regional studies (Middle East, Latin America, Eastern Europe, etc.) broadens the spectrum of possibilities for political consulting.

• Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen Possible Tasks

  -You advise political and social stakeholders (e.g. associations, parties, companies, politicians) on how to communicate their interests. To this end, you analyze your institution’s previous communications strategies, recommend new communications strategies and media, and support their implementation.
  -You research information (e.g. political positions of parties or organizations) and draft summaries and position papers.
  -You overhaul the organization’s existing branding or develop new branding.
  -You write press releases, organize press conferences, and maintain contacts with representatives of other organizations.
  -You present clients with proposals for operational optimization, e.g. regarding organizational processes, and advise them on financing and funding opportunities.
  -You develop proposals for both business and PR development.
  -You develop recommendations for human resources (HR consulting), e.g. on qualification projects and staff development.

• Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen Industries and Occupations

   -Business and professional associations, trade unions
  -Political parties, associations, organizations, foundations
  -Public relations consulting, e.g., consulting or communications agencies 
  -Management consultancies
  -Religious communities
  -Independent welfare and youth welfare organizations

• Inhalt ausklappen Inhalt einklappen Job Boards and Professional Associations

  -Deutsche Gesellschaft für Politikberatung e.V.
  -Stellenangebote WiLa-Arbeitmarkt
  -Bundesverband Deutscher Unternehmensberater BDU e.V.
  -Plattform Zivile Konfliktberatung - Stellenanzeigen
  -W&V - Stellenmarkt für die Werbe- und Kommunikationsbranche