Human Resources Development
We promote individual development
We view human resources development as a key factor in the success of a high-performing and forward-looking university. Our employees are our most important resource—their professional, personal, and health-related development is therefore particularly important to us.
Our Approach to Employee Development
At the German Sport University Cologne, human resources development involves the scientifically grounded and systematic advancement of the competencies of employees in academia, technical fields, and administration. It makes an important contribution to fulfilling the university’s mission, achieving strategic goals, and supporting individual professional and personal development.
We do not view human resources development in isolation, but rather in close connection with organizational development. It operates on three levels:
- individually (e.g., training, counseling, coaching)
- at the team level (e.g., team development, collaboration)
- at the organizational level (e.g., leadership culture, career paths, structures)
Who We're Here For
Our programs are designed for all employees of the German Sport University Cologne—including academic staff as well as technical and administrative staff. Personnel development thrives on transparency, participation, and personal responsibility. Managers play a special role in this process and actively help shape personnel development.
Our Areas of Focus
Employee development at the German Sport University Cologne supports employees throughout their entire professional careers and encompasses four key areas of focus:
- Workforce Planning and Recruitment
Recruiting and selecting qualified and dedicated employees at the national and international levels. - Staff Deployment and Development
Onboarding and orientation, training and continuing education, leadership development, and the promotion of collaboration and communication. - Retention and Engagement
Health promotion, work-life balance, diversity, and equal opportunity. - Staff Transition and Knowledge Transfer
Facilitating career transitions, structured handover processes, and the preservation of knowledge.
Cross-cutting issues such as internationalization, gender & diversity, sustainability, and digitalization shape all areas of human resources development.
Human Resources Development as a Collaborative Process
Staff development is a shared responsibility of the entire university. It requires commitment, openness, and initiative—from employees as well as from leaders. As a university, we also assume a role in supporting our staff and create the conditions necessary for their development. Our staff development program is interconnected, transparent, and constantly expanding—to ensure a strong, attractive, and sustainable German Sport University Cologne.
Our Offers
Whether it’s e-learning, in-house training, language courses, wellness programs, individual counseling, coaching, mentoring, external professional development, or conference attendance—our offerings are diverse and are continuously being expanded. Our goal is to create tailored development opportunities and support lifelong learning.
