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.