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Action plan

Career and Skills Development – A Shared Responsibility

A new action plan strengthens career and competence development at SDU with shared responsibility, strategic direction, and local anchoring.

As a researcher, technical-administrative employee, or manager, one should experience opportunities for professional and personal development in line with their own ambitions and the university’s direction. This applies regardless of whether one builds a long-term career at SDU or is affiliated with the university for a limited period.

SDU’s new Action Plan for Career and Skills Development establishes that SDU will:

  • Foster a culture characterized by curiosity, innovation, education, and continuous learning.
  • Ensure access to relevant competence development offerings.
  • Create frameworks in which all employees experience opportunities and support to realize their potential.
  • Offer attractive career paths and support mobility and career development within and beyond the university.

"At SDU, career and skills development are integral parts of our academic culture. The action plan clarifies that we invest in people and the knowledge community that drives the university forward."
— Ole Skøtt, Dean and Chair of the Committee for Career and Skills Development for VIP

Shared Frameworks and Strategic Direction

Career and skills development at SDU are priorities and shared responsibilities, supported by clear frameworks and direction. This ensures that the organization evolves and adapts to external changes based on the university’s strategic ambitions.

The Committee for Career and Skills Development, established by the Central Liaison Committee, with support from SDU HR, has updated SDU’s strategies for career and skills development. This has resulted in a comprehensive action plan that unfolds SDU’s strategy with the university’s core tasks at its center.

"It is truly positive that SDU’s leadership and employees, through our cooperation framework, can now pre-sent an ambitious new Action Plan for Career and Skills Development. Based on SDU’s strategy towards 2030, it creates a shared focus across all staff groups within research, education, collaboration, and organization. Thanks to all involved for constructive discussions. Now, we can finally put the action plan into practice."
— Thomas Buchvald Vind, University Director and Chair of the Committee for Career and Skills Development for TAP

The Action Plan for Career and Skills Development outlines:

  • A high level of competence across the university.
  • Development of professional and collaborative environments.
  • Access to career guidance and feedback.
  • Prioritization of strategic career and skills development initiatives.

"As a representative of researchers, I find it crucial to develop alongside one’s field and receive support in shaping one’s career in both the short and long term. The jointly developed action plan provides a language and framework for how we discuss career, feedback, and development at the university."
— Lars Elbæk, Union Representative and Deputy Chair of the Committee for Career and Skills Development for VIP

"Career and competence development should be a natural part of being employed at the university – regardless of position or career phase. I am pleased that the action plan sets a common direction and encourages ongoing dialogue between managers and employees."
— Birgitte Damby Sørensen, Union Representative and Deputy Chair of the Committee for Career and Skills Development for TAP

Annual Discussions on Career and Skills Development

Implementation of the action plan is driven by annual discussions on career and competence development across departments, faculty secretariats, and central administration, as well as in SDU’s liaison committees. This ensures that offerings and priorities are based on real needs in professional environments – and are embedded throughout the organization.

See the Action Plan for Career and Skills Development and get information about implementation

Editing was completed: 04.06.2025