Welcome services such as Dual Career offer numerous couples in the academic environment a valuable perspective: they promote the compatibility of career and partnership, strengthen the attractiveness of the location for highly qualified specialists and contribute to equal opportunities. Universities benefit not only from the long-term retention of talent, but also from a more diverse and stable staff structure.
The "Dual Career Styria Carinthia" network between the five Styrian universities and the University of Klagenfurt has existed since 2012. "In 2025 alone, we advised 20 couples at the University of Graz who were considering relocating the centre of their lives," says Julia Schneiber from Human Resources and Organisational Development. "And the new Koralm railway connection has led to a noticeable increase in consultations." This is mainly due to the fact that the network works closely with companies from industry and business in both provinces. The advantage: if someone applies to the University of Graz, for example, their partner can use the contacts within the co-operation to find a job. The family members are often scientists themselves or have a strong connection to research. "Since 2016, we have been able to network five highly qualified partners within our university cooperation very well," says Schneiber. "Many also benefit from the network of commercial enterprises, which we are constantly expanding."
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