Training is also important to us beyond the academic career. At the IfL you can complete training in the professions of office management assistant and specialist employee for media and information services.

Specialist in Media and Information Services – Library

The in-company part of the training takes place in the institute's own geographical library. The Central Library of Geography primarily serves to provide media and information for the Institute's researchers, but is also open to the public and is part of the Southwest German Library Network. Practical vocational training takes place in this environment. Trainees learn how to procure, prepare, arrange, research and preserve media and information. They acquire knowledge in advising and supporting library users as well as in public relations and marketing. The responsible vocational school is the Gutenbergschule Leipzig, where the theoretical training takes place in the form of block teaching. The training lasts three years.

Requirements for employment are a good secondary school leaving certificate, good German and English language skills, interest in working with databases and other computer-based systems, reliability, love of order and care, and pleasure in dealing with people.

Office Management Assistant

Office management assistants carry out organisational and commercial administrative activities. At the IfL we can provide trainees with in-depth knowledge and skills in the optional qualifications "commercial management and control" and "human resources management" in the practical everyday life of a research institution with a link to the civil service.

For example, they handle correspondence, procure office supplies or order services according to the requirements, plan and monitor appointments, prepare meetings and events. They organise business trips and learn how to account for travel expenses properly. You support all personnel-relevant areas of responsibility, from job advertisements to creating employment contracts and employees leaving the company. In addition, you will be involved in payroll accounting and the preparation of the budget, post invoices, and oversee time recording.

After successfully completing their training, trainees will be able to work in the areas of accounting/financial administration, purchasing and procurement, and as personnel administrators. The IfL provides training in excess of the company's requirements.