How to plan success

The majority of the German population relies on their own competencies and systematically works at upgrading them. Only a third of the Germans rely on good luck or pure chance when job careers and professional success are concerned. This is the result of a current survey by the forsa institute, commissioned by the Berlin University for Professional Studies (DUW).

"You can prepare yourself systematically for professional succes," says DUW-president Prof Dr Ada Pellert. "75 per cent of the Germans think that regular further training has a great impact on their career paths." According to the study, 90 per cent of the respondents count on their qualifications. Other critical success factors are intelligence (83 per cent) and social competencies (79 per cent).

Mostly the self-employed as well as young people between 25 and 34 years increasingly rely on further training. "Despite economic crises and staff cuts companies are desperately seeking qualified employees," explains Pellert. "Whoever wants to advance in his job must update his professional and social competencies regularly."