How to Succeed at University

Bob Smale is a freelance writer, trainer and mentor with long standing interests in personal development and employee relations. Bob started his working life in banking and was concurrently a part-time professional musician. After becoming a mature student he completed a Labour Studies Diploma at Ruskin College, Oxford and a first degree at University of Kent. He has completed an M.Phil with University of Kent and D.Phil with the University of Portsmouth and is also a qualified holistic therapist. During 31 years in education he taught in further, adult and higher education, developing an interest in pedagogy and receiving an award for ‘Excellence in Facilitating and Empowering Learning’ From the University of Brighton. Bob is the lead author of two editions of ‘How to Succeed at University: an Essential Guide to Academic Skills, Personal Development and Employability’, published by Sage, which brought together his knowledge of personal development and academia.   Julie Fowlie is a Principal Lecturer and employability specialist and was formerly the Deputy Head of Brighton Business School responsible for Education and Student Experience. She is interested in improving the student experience, with a focus on helping students develop their employability. She leads a final year module for around three-hundred students in which students design and run Development Centres, which other students attend as participants. Her research interests include the formation of pre-professional identity and how LinkedIn can improve self-efficacy, alongside success at work and university. Julie and Bob Smale have co-authored two editions of a textbook to support students personal, academic and employability skills. Julie has taught in further, adult, and higher education and previously held a senior management position in the finance industry.

This is a vital resource for both potential, and experienced students in higher education, whether undergrad or postgrad. With accessible examples and interactive activities that enable the reader to engage with and learn from their own experiences; this book successfully demystifies some of the structures and processes within HE that can often cause anxiety for students, and introduces language and terminology that students will encounter which is both empowering and developmental. It is recommended reading.

• Part 1: How to develop your personal skillsChapter 1: How to prepare yourself for higher educationChapter 2: How to plan your personal developmentChapter 3: How to improve your people skillsChapter 4: How to look after yourself and upgrade your self-nurturing skills during the developmental processPart 2: How to develop your academic skillsChapter 5: How do you learn and how do you know what is required of you?Chapter 6: How to plan, conduct and review your researchChapter 7: How to write up and present your work in order to get better resultsChapter 8: How to develop successful examination techniquesPart 3: How to develop your employability skillsChapter 9: How to understand what is required for your success in gaining internships, placements and jobs.Chapter 10: How to understand the application process in order to get shortlistedChapter 11: How to give yourself the best chance of success in the selection processChapter 12: How to continue developing yourself for your future success