What is the best thing about your job?

The freedom to think about socially relevant issues and to empirically research human behaviour.

If you had not gone into research, what would you be doing today?

I would probably have started to work as a management consultant -what I would be doing today in this case is difficult to tell. It was clear to me early on that I was heading for economics – my excursions into philosophy or sociology have been rather sobering.

Who or what inspires you?

Discussions with colleagues and sometimes absurd interpretations of data that cry out for proper analysis.

Which advice would you have needed yourself as a doctoral student?

Many, but most likely: Acquire serious coding skills!

Personal Website of Hans-Martin von Gaudecker

What is the best thing about your job?

Having the freedom to work on topics I really want to work on.

If you had not gone into research, what would you be doing today?

The same – introducing management practices in firms – only that I would be paid for it as a consultant.

Who or what inspires you?

To see that you create something that really has an impact and makes a lasting difference.

When was the last time you had to change your mind?

I do that every day in my empirical research.

Which advice would you have needed yourself as a doctoral student?

Fortunately, I had good mentors who prepared me for how complex the science system and publication processes are. It’s super important to understand it from the very beginning – I would also pass this on to young doctoral students.

Personal website of Matthias Heinz

What is the best thing about your job?

The freedom and independence of research: What I really value is the freedom to deal with topics and questions that I find interesting and the independence to arrive at results that I consider to be right.

If you had not gone into research, what would you be doing today?

I find investment banking exciting, but I don’t know if that would have made me happy. Or political work – but that would be too exhausting for me.

Who or what inspires you?

Inspiring conversations with people during which I realise that I have really learned something new – often with older, more experienced colleagues. They give me a different view of the world and make me want to think more about certain issues.

When was the last time you had to change your mind?

It feels like daily. Recently I had to change my mind concerning the question of whether “Kurzarbeitergeld” (short-time compensation) works. At first, I could not imagine the miracle effect announced by politicians. But the longer I think about it and discuss it critically, the more convinced I am, because I understand it better.

Which advice would you have needed yourself as a doctoral student?

To think a little outside the box and not always follow the beaten track, but to trust yourself to be creative.

Personal Website of Moritz Kuhn

What is the best thing about your job?

The freedom to do what I find exciting, the fact that more and more women are doing research in my field and being surrounded by an increasing number of motivated students who become entrepreneurs themselves – that keeps me young.

If you had not gone into research, what would you be doing today?

I would have become a child psychologist to help people who are not yet in control of decisions in their lives.

Who or what inspires you?

Lots of different people with little things in everyday life – I am a super curious person who wants to try out everything.

When was the last time you had to change your mind?

Often, I am surprised how many stereotypes we have. Recently, for example, I read the book “Exit Racism” and had to recognise clichés in my mind that I never thought about.

Which advice would you have needed yourself as a doctoral student?

Do nothing for strategic reasons, but do exactly what you burn for.

Personal Website of Christine Laudenbach

What is the best thing about your job?

Always learning new things and being surrounded by interested people who want to extend their knowledge as well.

If you had not gone into research, what would you be doing today?

I would have become a teacher. At first, I was afraid of having to work alone most of the time in research – now with my kids at home, I’m quite happy to sit alone in the office sometimes.

Who or what inspires you?

Reading newspapers, I like to immerse myself in completely different social situations. It also inspires me to reflect on current research topics with my colleagues.

When was the last time you had to change your mind?

Constantly! Research means being confronted with problems where nobody knows how to solve them – research is like an intellectual striptease.

Which advice would you have needed yourself as a doctoral student?

You have to become your own intellectual personality. You shouldn’t do research to please your supervisor and get a good grade, but because you are convinced of your work, that’s the only way you can stand criticism.

Personal Website of Pia Pinger

What is the best thing about your job?

The freedom to deal with topics that I find important and working together with inspiring colleagues.

If you had not gone into research, what would you be doing today?

I might have studied medicine and become a doctor.

Who or what inspires you?

The exchange with colleagues here in Bonn, but also worldwide and the desire to contribute to evidence-based policy making.

When was the last time you had to change your mind?

I had to revise my prejudices about human resource departments of private companies since I recently started cooperating with them. They are more open towards scientific evidence than I previously suspected.

Which advice would you have needed yourself as a doctoral student?

Not to put too much pressure on yourself and to only work on topics that really drive you.

Personal Website of Amelie Schiprowski