College students become first graduates of life skills and careers academy
Nine specially selected students from Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) have become the first to graduate from a new life skills and careers academy delivered by award-winning PR and communications firm MIH Group.
The 16 to 18-year-olds completed the three-day Make It Happen Academy at MIH’s bespoke conference and meeting space in Burton-on-Trent.
The course included mock interviews, CV writing and public speaking challenges designed to build confidence, resilience and essential life and career skills.
One participant, 17-year-old Siphokazi Sally Malinda, said: “My confidence has grown so much.
“The course was packed with valuable lessons and hands-on experiences that made me even more excited about my career journey.”
Led by MIH’s business development and marketing manager Susie Ellison, the academy was developed in collaboration with Kickstart and Business Level 2 course leader Charlotte Sankey.
Susie said: “We believe our academy gives young people the tools, self-belief and support we all wish we had at that age.”
Day one focused on personal presentation, the importance of first impressions and the power – and potential risks – of social media and digital footprints.
On day two students tackled some common interview questions, created standout CVs and cover letters, and developed practical online job-hunting skills.
Interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence were the focus of day three – from the art of public speaking to an innovative silent teamworking challenge, where students were asked to communicate through body language alone, learning to collaborate under pressure.
MIH and the college now plan to extend the programme into 2026 to benefit more students preparing for the world of work.
Charlotte Sankey said: “The Make It Happen Academy has been a unique and rewarding experience. It’s boosted students’ confidence, communication and teamwork skills, and helped them feel much more job-ready.
“I was so impressed with their progress in just a few days. I’m looking forward to the future of our partnership.”
At the start of the course, students were asked to rate their confidence on a scale of one to five across a range of key areas, including public speaking, teamwork, interviews and self-presentation.
They gave confidence scores for skills like talking to new people, sharing ideas, understanding what makes them unique and using social media professionally.
By the end of the programme, they reported a significant increase in confidence scores across every category - with many students progressing from ones and twos to fours and fives.
Susie Ellison said: “This clear progression shows the powerful impact the Make It Happen Academy has had in helping young people feel more prepared and self-assured as they take their next steps toward employment.”
