The Blog

Alumni

« Older Entries

Curiosity as a Work Skill

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026

Why Curiosity Might be Your Most Underrated Work Skill When people list the skills they think matter at work, the usual suspects come up: communication, leadership, time management, teamwork. All important, no question. But there’s one skill that rarely makes the list yet underpins almost everything else: curiosity. Being genuinely curious – about how things [Read more…]

Quiet by Susan Cain

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026

What Can I Learn From: Quiet by Susan Cain This is the latest in our ‘What Can I Learn From…’ series, where we take well-known books and pull out the practical lessons that can make a real difference to your working life. These aren’t book reviews – they’re about finding ideas you can actually use. [Read more…]

The Side Hustle Question

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026

The Side Hustle Question: Is it Worth it? With the cost of living still putting pressure on household budgets, it’s no surprise that more people are looking for ways to bring in extra income. Research from Henley Business School found that around 40% of UK workers now run some form of independent business alongside their [Read more…]

Spring Clean Your Career: Small Changes That Create Big Momentum

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026

There’s something about the end of winter that makes you want to clear the decks and start fresh. And while most people associate spring cleaning with wardrobes and kitchen cupboards, the same principle works brilliantly for your career. This isn’t about dramatic overhauls or five-year plans. It’s about small, manageable actions that shake off the [Read more…]

What Can I Learn From… Who Moved My Cheese?

Saturday, December 6th, 2025

This article is part of our series exploring key lessons from influential books – works that offer valuable insights into personal growth, productivity, and professional development. Whether you’re revisiting a familiar favourite or discovering these ideas for the first time, we’ll uncover practical wisdom that remains relevant today.   Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr [Read more…]

How AI Will Impact Jobs and Careers – What the Research Says

Tuesday, September 24th, 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is quickly changing the way we work. Some experts think it could replace millions of jobs, while others believe it will help us work smarter and more efficiently. While there are many different views on how significant this impact will be, most experts agree that AI will play a major role in [Read more…]

Stay Motivated Over the Summer! Six Practical Tips

Monday, August 26th, 2024

Summer can be a challenging time to stay motivated, whether you’re advancing in your career or continuing your studies. The warm weather, longer days, and the lure of holidays can make it difficult to maintain focus. When you have goals to achieve, exams to pass or career milestones to jump over, staying motivated during the [Read more…]

Boost Your Career or Business with Podcasting: Why 2024 is the Year to Start

Monday, August 26th, 2024

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, podcasting has emerged as a powerful tool for professionals and businesses alike. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career prospects, boost your profile or grow your business, podcasting offers a unique platform to connect, influence, and establish your expertise. Here’s why 2024 might be the perfect time to dive into [Read more…]

Barbara C: I like knowing that I make a difference to people’s lives 

Friday, March 29th, 2019

Barbara studied for her Business Administration NVQ Level 3 at Derby College. Her qualification allowed her to achieve her ambition of making a difference to people’s lives. She currently works for the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and agreed to speak to our Alumni Team about her career journey so far.    Barbara hadn’t always [Read more…]

Peter G: “I worked as everything from a barman to a forklift driver before I went to Derby College and now I’m building aero engines” 

Friday, March 29th, 2019

Peter Grant did an Adult Apprenticeship with Derby College and Rolls-Royce. Now an Engine Fitter with Rolls-Royce, Peter spoke to our ALumni Team about his experiences of returning to the classroom as a mature student and what the opportunity has meant for him.    “I worked as everything from a barman to a forklift driver [Read more…]

« Older Entries