Next Step – a Programme for Aspiring Jewish Leaders

Next Step is an international German-language training programme for up-and-coming Jewish business and community leaders. Young Jewish professionals and future leaders aged between 25 and 35 are given the opportunity to develop their professional potential and to acquire management and leadership skills. The programme is internationally oriented and its participants come from several countries, which fosters cross-border Jewish exchange and strengthens the social and professional networks of Jews in the German-speaking countries of Europe.

International programme

Next Step has been on offer since 2015. The programme is jointly owned and conducted by the Swiss Federation of Jewish Communities SIG, the Central Council of Jews in Germany and the Jewish Community of Vienna. Each year, 30 Jewish applicants overall from these three countries are selected for the programme. Participants attend several multi-day seminars in their home country and in a European city abroad.

Preparatory course First Step

Since 2022, Next Step has been supplemented by First Step, First Step represents a preliminary stage in which participants are introduced to the components of the Next Step programme. It is aimed at students between 18 and 25 and other young adults of the same age range who are still undergoing education. First Step is carried out in collaboration with the University of Basel, from which graduates of this course receive three applicable ECTS credits. Graduates of First Step are admitted to the Next Step course without needing to fulfil any further conditions.

Acquiring skills and the SVF-ASFC Leadership certificate

The aim of the entire training programme is to convey skills from which aspiring young professionals can benefit on their career path. The hope is that they will put the knowledge and experienced gained to good use at a later stage in their own Jewish communities, be it in representational or professional positions on boards or committees or as managers. The programme covers a broad range of skills and know-how, conveyed under the guidance of experienced and internationally recognised experts.

First Step focuses on the following two skills:

• Communication
• Presentation

Next Step focuses on the following:

• Self-management
• Conflict management
• Team leadership
• Jewish leadership

The programme is geared to the Leadership certificate of the Swiss Association for Leadership Training (SVF-ASFC). The content prepares participants for the certificate examination in the modules of conflict management, self-management and team or group leadership.

Preparatory Course First Step

Since 2022, the First Step training programme has been offered as an additional option for young adults under the age of 25. This programme serves as an introduction and prepares participants for the main elements of the Next Step course. It is aimed at young people in education or training between 18 and 25 years old. First Step is organised in collaboration with the University of Basel. Participants earn 3 ECTS credits from the University of Basel, which are fully transferable. After completing First Step, graduates are automatically admitted to the next Next Step course.

→ The next First Step training cycle will take place in Budapest from 9^th to 11^th October 2026. More information will follow soon.

Next Step: current programme 2025

The Next Step programme for 2025 included two training courses, one in Bern in June and another in Athens in November. Around 40 participants from Switzerland, Germany and Austria took part. In Athens, the programme concluded with a certification exam.

→ The next Next Step course will take place in 2027. The registration deadline is usually at the end of April before the course begins.

An insight is provided in a report on the training course in Athens, featuring an interview with FSCI Secretary General Jonathan Kreutner.