About
Prof. Dr. Andreas Hirschi
Andreas Hirschi is Full Professor and Chair of Work and Organizational Psychology at the University of Bern, Switzerland. His research focuses on career development, career self-management, and how people can build sustainable and meaningful careers across the lifespan. He currently serves as an Associate Editor of the Journal of Applied Psychology.
As a researcher, professor, and advisor, I am committed to redefining the way people experience and shape their careers. My goal is to ensure that work becomes a source of purpose, growth, and sustainable performance.
My academic work focuses on career development, career counseling, and life-span vocational psychology, with a special emphasis on career engagement, adaptability, and whole-life integration. As a professional educator, I assist students, professionals, and leaders in becoming reflective, empowered actors in various private and public sectors, in addition to guiding them in their own career development.
I also collaborate with organizations, public agencies, and associations to design and implement career development and counseling systems that support both individual flourishing and institutional resilience.
My approach integrates research insight with lived experience, emphasizing personal agency and empowerment, and systemic support. Whether advising on public policy or organizational strategy, I aim to help build career systems that enable people not just to work, but to thrive.
If you are exploring projects in career counseling, talent strategy, or public workforce innovation, I would be happy to connect with you.
Professional Experiences
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- Full professor for work and organizational psychology (since 2014) Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
- Adjunct Professor (2023-2025) Department of Education, Korea University.
- Professorial Research Fellow (2022-2024) Department of Management, Deakin Business School, Deakin University
- Visiting professor for career research(2011-2016) Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Germany
- Assistant professor for vocational psychology and career counseling (2011-2014) Department of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland
- Assistant professor for career research (2009-2011) Leuphana University of Lueneburg, Germany
- Researcher und guest-instructor (2007-2009) Department of Counseling and Counselor Education, Pennsylvania State University, USA
- Career counselor (2003-2007) Public Career Guidance and Counseling Centre, Sargans, Switzerland
Editorial Roles
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- Journal of Applied Psychology — Associate Editor (2026–present)
- Journal of Vocational Behavior — Associate Editor (2016–2019)
Leadership roles
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- Institute of Psychology, University of Bern. Department Chair for Work and Organizational Psychology (2014 - current); Acting Director (2016 - 2018; 2022 - 2024)
- Swiss Distance Learning University. Co-Study Programme Director of Master in Psychology, German (2018 - 2022); Programme Director for "Work and Economy" (2018 - 2022)
- Master of Advanced Studies in Psychology of Career Counseling and Human Resources Management, Universities of Bern and Fribourg. Member in Board of Directors (2014 - current)
- Master of Advanced Studies in Psychotherapy, University of Bern. Member in Board of Directors (2016 - current)
- Academy of Management – Careers Division. Executive Board Member: Representative at large (2014 - 2017)
- European Society for Vocational Designing and Career Counseling (ESVDC). Executive Board Member: Secretary (2014 - 2017)
- Erasmus (NICE). European Network for Innovation in Career Guidance and Counselling. Director of work group “Qualifications of Master-Level Career Counselors” (2012-2014)
- Counseling Center of the Psychological Institute, University of Lausanne. President (2012 - 2013)
Education
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- PhD in Applied Psychology (2007) Department of Psychology, University of Zurich
- Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Psychology of Career Counseling and Human Resources Management (2007) Universities of Berne, Freibourg, Zurich
- MSc in Psychology; Minor in Sinology (Chinese language and culture) (2004) University of Zurich