This summer, we want to know what happened to the people who helped us create and shape the concept of the PostDoc Office in 2022. In 2022, the PostDoc Office was officially opened - and since then, it has been a shared effort between researchers and researcher developers to build and maintain a community that allows everyone to shine, be inspired, and exchange ideas with brilliant peers.
What are these researchers doing now?
Today: Ana Pajvančić-Cizelj. We remember her happily, because she was (as one of multiple Anas!) present at many a pizza night and contributed to lots of our networking events. Here are her three answers to three questions!
1) Where are you today and where did you work during your time in Graz?
During my time at University of Graz, I worked at the Centre for Southeast European Studies. After finishing my fellowship, I moved to the Department of European Policy and the Study of Democracy at the University for Continuing Education Krems. I’m in a research position, mostly writing project proposals and papers and traveling to conferences to present research and network.
2) What's your advice on how to make good career decisions and be satisfied in your work life?
Keep going, and don’t take rejections personally. But stay realistic. If career path feels wrong, change it. If possible, don’t put all your eggs in one basket: build a mix of skills, connect with different people, and keep your interests broad. And spend time also with people outside academia. It’s a super rewarding way to get a different perspective and recharge.
3) What's a memory of University of Graz that stands out in your mind?
I vividly remember one inspiring workshop in Loipersdorf as well as writing retreats organized by postdoc office. They were so kind to let me participate in two on them! And of course, the Fiasco Fest where we learned we're definitely not alone in failing!
Ana also had some special words for the PostDoc Office, which we want to publish here as well!
The Postdoc Office truly makes Graz a special place to work, even if it's just for a short time, like in my case. Thanks to Johanna and the PostDoc Office, I felt like part of the university community within just the first few months. Thank you for all the great work you're doing, keep it up, and keep inspiring other universities to follow!
Interview date: May 15, 2025. Picture credit: Pajvančić-Cizelj/Privat
About the series:
All the interviews are here: Where are they now? The interviews runs from July 21 to Aug 8, 2025. Questions: Johanna Stadlbauer, Research Care