Current News

Caught Between Kids and Career? – Systemic Counseling for Mothers in Academia

Are you a mother and a student – and often feel torn between these two roles? Are you considering a career in academia but wondering whether a desire for children fits into that path – or whether you're even "allowed" to have it? Is studying with a child (or children) pushing you to your limits? Has the combination of parenting and working in science brought new challenges into your life – or intensified existing ones?

You're not alone. And you don’t have to face it alone.

As part of the pilot project "Motherhood and Academia" (FEM POWER Vision), I offer systemic counseling – a dedicated and protected space to pause and explore the areas of life where conflict often arises, but time and clarity are missing in the rush of everyday life.

What is systemic counseling?

Systemic counseling is a holistic method that helps you address challenges in different areas of your life, reflect on relationships, and develop new perspectives. It’s resource-oriented, individual, and impactful – even when conflicts have been simmering for a while or are just beginning to emerge.

My offer is open to:
– Students, staff, and researchers
– Individuals and couples
– People with children or those considering parenthood
– Anyone looking to actively shape a work-family balance

The counseling is:
– free of charge
– confidential
– available online or in person

Who will support you?

My name is Dr. Sarah Czerney. I'm a media and cultural studies scholar, systemic counselor (in training, DGSF), and co-founder of the national network Motherhood and Academia. At KGC, I coordinate the pilot project "Motherhood and Academia" as part of FEM POWER Vision, offering systemic counseling to support mothers and people navigating motherhood in academic environments.

Whether you're already a mother or considering becoming one – you deserve space, clarity, and support.

On June 23, 2025, the Max Planck Institute Magdeburg will host an event for students, PhD candidates, and postdocs interested in exploring career opportunities in industry. The focus of the session: career paths at BASF – presented by someone with firsthand experience.

Dr. Kai Ehrhardt, Vice President of Reaction Engineering at BASF and a member of the MPI Magdeburg Board of Trustees, will offer personal insights into his professional journey and discuss career opportunities within one of the world’s leading chemical companies.

The info session will be held (4:30–5:30 p.m.), giving participants the chance to learn about career development within a global corporation, the interface between research and industry, and what BASF looks for in scientists and engineers.

There will also be time for questions and informal exchange. No registration is required – just drop by.

If you're curious about how to transition from academia to industry and want practical guidance from someone who’s done it, don’t miss this opportunity.

To mark our five-year anniversary, we warmly invite you to our upcoming celebration on June 25, 2025, in Berlin. Under the theme “Cutting-Edge University Research as a Driver of Regional Transformation,” the event will explore how academic excellence can be anchored structurally, sustainably supported, and effectively transferred into regional economic and societal development.

📅 Date: June 25, 2025
📍 Venue: Representation of the State of Brandenburg to the Federal Government, In den Ministergärten 3, 10117 Berlin
🕒 Time: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The event will bring together stakeholders from academia, politics, business, and civil society to discuss how universities can be strengthened as engines of regional innovation and societal resilience—especially under evolving political conditions. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Angela Borgwardt.

Participation is free of charge, but registration is required via the event page:
🔗 https://www.ua11plus.de/veranstaltungen/universitaere-spitzenforschung-als-motor-der-region/

We look forward to welcoming you and engaging in a dynamic exchange on the future role of university research in regional transformation.