About Andreas Hirschi
Infos about Prof. Dr. Andreas Hirschi
Andreas Hirschi is a full professor and chair of the department of work and organizational psychology at the University of Bern, Switzerland. He is one of the globally leading researchers on the topics of career choice, career development and career counseling and has published numerous highly cited scientific studies in this field.
I am a researcher, professor, and advisor dedicated to transforming how people experience and shape their careers—so 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 teacher, I help students, professionals, and leaders become reflective, empowered actors in various private and public sectors as well as in their own career journeys.
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 combines 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’re exploring projects in career counseling, talent strategy, or public workforce innovation, I’d be glad to connect.
Professional Experiences
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- **Full professor for work and organizational psychology** (since 2014) Department of Psychology, University of Bern, Switzerland
- **Professorial Research Fellow** (since 2022) 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
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
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)
A short introduction video on my research and work
