Development Week is just around the corner, so we have asked some of our Student Futures staff to tell us a bit more about what you can expect from February's Development Week. 

Helen Webster: Information Point Co-ordinator, Careers and Employability - Student Futures.

"Development Week is a chance to learn and develop skills to equip you for life beyond your degree. Our aim is to support students to grow and develop confidence, help them advance towards their academic achievements, as well as being ready for the world outside of university.

As an academic institution our aim is to encourage our students to make the most of their university experience and to reach their potential throughout, and beyond, their degree. In order to do this we support students to develop their academic skills, soft skills, resilience and employability.

Within the academic calendar we timetable two weeks when there is no teaching for Development Week. Students can then dedicate time to developing their skills in order to help them progress. It is a great opportunity to try something different and learn new skills or perhaps take time to develop the skills they already have. From tailored study skills sessions, wellbeing workshops, sports and activities, career guidance appointments and IT training - we have something to suit everyone."

Amy Butt: Clerical Assistant, Student Support - Student Futures.

"I work alongside many wonderful members of staff from across the University, including the incredible Careers and Employability, Study Skills, Wellbeing and Sports and Activities teams to coordinate a series of events as part of Development Week. Dedicated to delivering a fun-filled week of practical and vital sessions, Development Week highlights key workshops that students can attend to build on their knowledge and understanding of academic and workplace skills."

Brittany Saunders: Third year Creative Writing and English student (also works in Careers and Employability as a department Blog Writer).

"While Development Week is a great chance to stop everything that you’re doing and take a well-deserved break, it would be a huge oversight to ignore the brilliant events and sessions on offer to students (which are all free by the way!). As a student myself, I’ve taken advantage of Development Week sessions to improve myself personally and my future. From sessions on ‘How to Write a CV’ to ‘CPR Training’ with The British Heart Foundation, I’ve enjoyed a wide range of events and have gained a whole host of new skills to make me look great to a future employer! I’ve even managed to squeeze in a couple of days to go home for that break that I needed! Why don’t you do the same and make the most of this amazing opportunity?"

Book today to attend any of the free sessions on offer next week.

If you have any questions relating to your personal development, you can contact our careers team on 01244 513066 or email careers@chester.ac.uk.