Studying for your Future

Successful study skills, employability skills, time management and career development. A guide to personal development planning for University and College students.

Please note the free web resources accompanying this book will be uploaded by 4/2/11, sorry for any inconvenience.

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About the author

Worksheets and free resources for the study skills book

University study is about both the topic you’ve chosen and preparing yourself for your future career. As the job market has become more and more competitive, it is the transferable skills that students have that will get them that all important first job. Personal development planning (PDP) is the route to help students take control of their own development. This will enable them to become independent life long learners and far more employable.

• A checklist to put together a portfolio to show a prospective employer
• Learn the skills to prepare you for your degree
• Help you with literature reviews, referencing and writing skills
• Goal setting to help you focus on your future
• Sort out your time planning
• Improve your study skills and exam preparation
• Prepare you for employability
• Help you to carry out a career search and improve your interview technique
• How to write a great CV, covering letter and fill in your job application
• Free downloadable exercises

A huge toolbox of skills for success to help you get your dream job.

Contents:

Studying for your future. 2
Praise for PDP and this book 3
Dedication and Thanks 5
About the Author: Angela Hepworth 6
List of Exercises 9
Chapter 1: Introduction to personal development planning 12
Why this book has been written 12
How to use the book 14
Who this book is for? 14
The structure of the book: 16
Why is personal development planning (PDP) important to university and college students? 17
The learning experience: 18
What do people say about PDP? 21
Why is PDP important to academic, support and service staff? 23
Chapter 2: 1st Year starting your PDP 28
Getting organised and understanding yourself 28
Personal Statement 29
Reflection 32
Action Planning 34
Time Management 39
Your Work Environment 43
Getting Organised For Your Study 44
Goal Setting 47
Assessment and Module Planning 52
Assessment Criteria Explained 55
Taking Effective Lecture Notes 58
Essay Planning and Writing 62
Giving a Presentation 66
Writing a Scientific Lab Report 68
Thinking, Reading and Writing Critically 72
Referencing 76
How to carry out a Literature Review 81
Preparing for your Exams 84
Degree Enrichment 88
Chapter 3: Year 2: Skills Development 94
Strengths Weaknesses Experiences Achievements Threats (SWEAT) 98
Critical Analysis 100
Problem Solving 102
Motivating Others 104
Effective Team Working 106
Leadership Skills 108
Chapter 4: Years 2 and 3: Preparing for Work 114
Volunteering 114
Career Searches 116
Making Contact with Employers 121
Curriculum Vitae (CV) 122
Chapter 5: The Final Year 128
Time management - juggling everything 131
Presenting Your Research 133
Applying for postgraduate courses 136
Presenting your Viva 140
Preparing to Leave University 141
Applying for Employment 142
Letter of Application 144
Job Applications 148
Interviews 149

Summary 153
Final Thoughts 154
Bibliography 157
About the publishers, www.UoLearn.com 160