How to Succeed at University : An Essential Guide to Academic Skills and Personal Development

How to Succeed at University is a uniquely comprehensive study skills and personal development guide, incorporating coverage of personal skills, academic skills, and job search skills within the framework of personal development planning.

All the key skills are covered, with a strong focus on the importance of the continuing personal development process and the ultimate goal of employability. In terms of personal skills, the book offers advice on handling stress, time management, and developing interpersonal skills. The academic skills section concentrates on the skills crucial for learning effectively, carrying out research, writing up your work, and tackling exams. The job search skills covered include discussion of how to identify the best job according to skill set and how to stand out in the applications and selection process.

This book is an essential companion for all undergraduate students, whatever their subject of study, and for those preparing for study at college.

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.