Tag: short courses (page 1 of 11)

Advancing Your Professional Journey: Five Career Strategies for 2025

February 28, 2025 / / 0 Comments

In today’s rapidly evolving professional landscape, standing still is moving backwards. As we navigate the complexities of 2025’s job market, the most successful professionals are those who actively invest in their growth. Whether you’re looking to climb the corporate ladder or pivot into a new field entirely, here are five strategies to help elevate your career this year.

1. Embrace Micro-Credentials and Specialised Learning

While traditional degrees clearly still hold value, 2025 has solidified the rise of micro-credentials as career accelerators. Focused learning experiences—such as our Leadership and Management and Project Management short courses—allow you to develop specific, in-demand skills without committing to years of study. Upon completion, you’ll receive LinkedIn digital badges that you can display on your professional profile, instantly signalling your expertise to employers, clients, and your professional network.

The most forward-thinking professionals are stacking these credentials strategically, building expertise in complementary areas that make them even more valuable. For instance, combining our Starting up in Business course with Project Management would create a powerful skill set for entrepreneurial ventures within larger organisations—with each achievement visibly showcased through your growing collection of digital badges.

2. Cultivate Cross-Functional Literacy

In 2025, the most promotable staff members are those who can understand and communicate effectively across different professional disciplines and departments. This doesn’t mean becoming an expert in everything, but rather developing sufficient literacy in adjacent areas to collaborate effectively.

Our Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills course addresses this need directly, helping you bridge gaps between departments and specialisations. When technical experts can speak the language of marketing, or when HR professionals understand financial considerations, they become much more valuable to their organisations—able to translate complex concepts into business outcomes that leadership can understand and support.

3. Leverage AI as Your Career Multiplier

The AI revolution has moved beyond hype to practical implementation. In 2025, career advancement belongs to those who effectively harness AI tools as force multipliers for their expertise.

Our Introduction to Conversational and Generative AI course will give you a solid foundation from which to  navigate this technological shift. While our Introduction to Copywriting and Content Writing short courses both include how to work effectively with AI tools to enhance your content creation capabilities.

Rather than fearing automation, successful professionals are identifying repetitive aspects of their work that AI can enhance, freeing their time for higher-value contributions. Whether it’s using AI for research synthesis, data analysis, content creation, or workflow optimisation, becoming proficient with these tools demonstrates both adaptability and efficiency—qualities employers increasingly prioritise when making promotion decisions.

4. Master Impactful Presentation Skills

In an era of information overload, the ability to communicate ideas clearly and persuasively sets career-focused professionals apart. Our Presentation Skills course develops your capacity to influence decisions, secure buy-in for your initiatives, and establish yourself as a thought leader.

Whether you’re pitching to clients, presenting to executives, or leading team meetings, these skills create visibility and demonstrate your value across the organisation.

5. Cultivate Strategic Relationships Through Genuine Value Exchange

Networking in 2025 has evolved beyond transactional connections. One of the most effective career accelerators is meaningful professional relationships—a skill set developed through our Effective Communication and Interpersonal Skills course.

The course emphasises authentic relationship-building strategies based on genuine value exchange rather than extraction. You’ll learn to identify key relationships that could support your growth journey, and consider what unique perspective, skill, or opportunity you can offer in return.

As we navigate 2025’s dynamic workplace, remember that career advancement is rarely accidental. By deliberately implementing these strategies and investing in targeted skills development through continuous education and lifelong learning, you position yourself for sustainable growth rather than hoping to be noticed.

The most successful professionals don’t wait for opportunities to find them—they systematically build the skills, relationships and evidence that make them the obvious choice when doors open. Explore our full range of short courses today to discover how we can support your career journey. Or book a spot at our free online open evening on 2 April and try one of our taster sessions. As a bonus, we are offering a 10% discount on all our short courses for anyone who attends the open evening and enrols with us on the night. We look forward to seeing you there!

From Screen to Conversation: Taking Your Language Learning to the Next Level

January 28, 2025 / / 0 Comments

“I’ve been using language apps for two years, but I still can’t hold a conversation.”

This is something we hear all the time from people joining our language courses. They’ve mastered the gamified exercises, earned countless virtual achievements, and can perfectly translate sentences about owls riding bicycles. But when it comes to ordering food in Paris or chatting with locals in Madrid, they find themselves stuck.

The Missing Piece

Language apps are brilliant at what they do – introducing vocabulary, basic grammar, and giving you that daily dose of language practice. They’re like having a pocket-sized language primer always at hand. But language isn’t just about remembering words and rules – it’s about connection, culture, and real-world communication.

That’s where our courses come in.

What Real Language Learning Looks Like

Whether you’re joining us in person or connecting online, you’ll be part of a live, interactive learning experience. Your native-speaking tutor will welcome you and your fellow students in their language, and suddenly you’re having a real conversation – not just selecting multiple choice answers or swiping through flashcards. Yes, you might stumble over words at first, but you’re speaking with real people who encourage and support you. This is how natural language learning happens.

In our courses, you’ll:

  • Jump straight into authentic conversations from day one
  • Learn the expressions locals actually use (not textbook phrases)
  • Pick up natural pronunciation from native speakers
  • Understand the cultural context behind the language
  • Build lasting friendships with fellow language enthusiasts

A Different Kind of Progress

While apps measure progress in points and streaks, we measure it in real-world achievements:

  • Having your first unscripted conversation
  • Understanding jokes in your target language
  • Successfully handling unexpected situations abroad
  • Making friends in another language
  • Thinking in your new language instead of translating

Breaking Through the Digital Ceiling

Many of our students come to us after hitting what we call the “digital ceiling” – that frustrating plateau where app-based learning stops delivering results. They’ve built a foundation but need something more to achieve true fluency.

Our courses provide that crucial next step. Whether you’re a complete beginner or have been using apps for years, we’ll meet you where you are and help you build practical, usable language skills.

The Human Touch

Our native-speaking tutors don’t follow rigid scripts or pre-programmed responses. They adapt to your needs, answer your specific questions, and help you navigate the nuances of their language. They’ll explain why locals phrase things certain ways, share cultural insights you won’t find in any app, and give you personalised feedback that makes a real difference.

Learning That Fits Your Life

Whether you prefer learning in person or online, we’ve got you covered. All our courses are available in both formats, so you can choose what works best for you:

  • Join us in the classroom for face-to-face interaction
  • Learn from home with our live online sessions
  • Evening options for busy professionals
  • Small groups for maximum speaking practice

A World of Languages

From East Asian languages to European classics, we offer ten options including:

Each language is taught by native speakers who bring their culture and real-world experience to every lesson.

Your Next Step

Ready to move beyond an app? Whether you’re planning a trip abroad, connecting with family heritage, or simply love languages, our courses will help you achieve your goals. Bring your app-learned vocabulary – it’s a great foundation! We’ll help you transform it into real-world language skills you can actually use.

Join us and discover what it feels like to truly speak a new language, not just learn it.

Explore our courses today and take the first step toward genuine fluency.

Starting the Year with a New Skill: Embrace Learning at City St George’s

December 26, 2024 / / 0 Comments

New Year’s resolutions often feel like a list of restrictions: exercise more, cut out chocolate, reduce alcohol intake. But what if we reframed our approach? Instead of focusing on what we can’t do, let’s concentrate on what we can learn.

 Why Learning Matters

Research consistently demonstrates the benefits of acquiring new skills. Learning:

 Discover Your Next Skill at City St George’s

This year, break free from traditional resolutions. Our short courses offer exciting opportunities to expand your horizons:

 Learn a Language

Brush up on your Business Skills

Start your Story

Craft your Creativity

Computer says Yes

 

Your Journey Starts Here

Learning doesn’t need to be one more thing on your to do list—it’s about discovery and personal transformation. Choose a course that sparks your curiosity and embark on a journey towards your own personal growth.

Explore our range of short courses and turn this new year into an opportunity for personal and professional development. Book soon to avoid disappointment.

Have a question? Contact our friendly short course team on shortcourses@city.ac.uk

 

City Writes Autumn 2024 – A Cracking way to Kick off the Festive Season

December 13, 2024 / / 0 Comments

By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

You know you’re on the way to a great festive season when it begins with a night of stories, and the City Writes Autumn 2024 event on the 11th December was a storytelling extravaganza. We had six brilliant competition winning stories, read by their authors, and a reading and Q&A with the wonderfully funny, Novel Studio alumna and debut author, Jo Cunningham. You can enjoy the whole event here, but do read on for further details.

We kicked off with Joanna Bawa’s ominous story about a death prediction app, ‘DeathDefy’. Joanna is an alumna of the Writing the Memoir course. Her story is a powerful reminder of human greed and laziness in the face of climate change and began a theme around predictions and algorithms that Jo Cunningham’s novel, Death By Numbers, would complete.

Writers’ Workshop alumna, Aditi Parekh, was next, reading from her novel, with the working title The Sabbatical. We were transported to The Netherlands following one woman’s attempts to find friends through a very different app. What she found was not a friend exactly, but the meeting was one that provoked much response from the audience. I think we all know someone who thinks a conversation is great when they’ve done all the talking…

We travelled to Northern Ireland next as Short Story Writing alumnus, Robin Sheeran read his story, ‘Summer Job’. A beautifully observed story set in a cemetery, with some very creative grave-digging, ‘Summer Job’ was a treat to listen to.

From fiction to non-fiction, we were in for another very different treat next as Doug Kessler shared an extract from his book-length project, Adam in 20 Snapshots. An alumnus of Narrative Non-Fiction, Doug’s moving reading about an absent brother with Downs Syndrome really captured the audience. Told, as the title suggests, through descriptions of photographs, the extract moved several listeners to tears. This is a book that has an eager audience awaiting its completion.

We were swept back into the world of fiction next with the surprising, shocking and funny story, ‘To Crazy Shane’ written and read by Tunde Oyebode. Tunde is a Writers’ Workshop alumnus, and veteran City Writes competition winner. This story is a riot of observation and action with incisive social commentary spread throughout.

This brilliant story was followed by our last competition winner, Audrey Madden, another Writers’ Workshop alumna. Audrey read an extract from her novel, Matriarchal Lines, taking us right into the heart of a family reunion with a feisty grandmother winning at cards, and two little toddlers running off with a set of pretty knives. We were gripped. It was a fabulous reading to end a series of incredibly inspired and inspiring writing from the competition winners. They definitely were showcasing the talent of City’s short creative writing courses.

Luckily, we had Jo Cunningham as our published guest to follow these wonderful tales with two brilliant and hilarious readings from her cosy crime novel, Death By Numbers.

Author and guest alumna Jo Cunningham

 

Death By Numbers is a wonderfully funny book about actuary Una whose numbers on predicted deaths in seaside resorts are all wrong. There are some unusual deaths that don’t fit her predictions. Imagine her worry when she discovers they are happening in her mum’s home town and to friends of her mum and her mum’s new boyfriend, soon to be husband… This is a must read for the festive season.

If you haven’t read it already, this is the novel you need to escape into after all that food and drink. Jo generously answered questions from host and audience on her writing journey, how to write comedy, how to research and plan (if not in the way you might expect), and the challenges of writing a series. The next one is out in August of 2025 and is set around the Supreme Cat Show (crufts for cats). I for one, can’t wait!

Thanks to all the readers, our wonderful guest Jo Cunningham and the audience. Click here for a video of the event, here for an interview with Jo, and do look out for further information on next term’s City Writes. City Writes Spring 2025 is going to be special. An in-person event with competition winners, the supremely talented alumna, Han Smith as our author guest, and readings from tutors. Watch this space for more.

Announcing the City Writes Autumn 2024 Competition Winners!

December 3, 2024 / / 0 Comments

 By Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone

Congratulations to Joanna Bawa, Doug Kessler, Audrey Madden, Tunde Oyebode, Aditi Parekh and Robin Sheeran, this term’s winners of the City Writes competition! From complex family histories, through childhood summer afternoons, airport queues, befriending apps and graveyards all the way to AI envisioned futures, this term’s selection of writing has it all. You can hear these fantastic stories being read by their authors alongside debut crime writer Jo Cunningham, at this term’s City Writes event on the 11th December at 7pm on Zoom. Register here to come along and read on for more information on our wonderful winners.

Joanna Bawa is a professional and creative writer, currently working as a ghostwriter. This complements her work as a cognitive behavioural therapist, combining an appreciation of the power of words and the complexity of human nature. She belongs to a local writing group where her fiction and poetry has won awards, and her first novel was longlisted in the 2019 Mslexia novel competition. She is working on a second novel, and her piece for City Writes, ‘DeathDefy’, may become a third. Joanna is an alumna of the Writing the Memoir course.

Doug Kessler is an expat Yank who’s lived and worked in London for the last 34 years.
He’s a marketing copywriter and agency founder but pretty new to narrative non-fiction, short stories, and poetry. Adam in 20 Snapshots is his first book-length project, of which he will be reading an extract. Doug is a Narrative Non-Fiction alumnus.

Audrey Madden is currently writing her first book while working in the not for profit arts and culture sector. She has a degree in English & Comparative Literature from Goldsmiths University. Her work is inspired by nature and the different environments that exist across the United States and the UK. A Writers’ Workshop alumna, Audrey will be reading an extract from her novel, Matriarchal Lines.

Aditi Parekh is an aspiring writer and student of Writers’ Workshop. She is interested in human psychology, particularly the dark triads and group dynamics. She is currently working on a novel, with the working title The Sabbatical, which describes a woman’s struggle with drug addiction and her descent into madness. She will be reading an extract from the novel.

Tunde Oyebode is a Nigerian-British architect and writer based in East London. Drawing inspiration from everyday life, his fiction explores human relationships and African diaspora experiences. His work has been featured in Stylist Magazine, Obsidian, and Solstice Literary Magazine. A finalist for the 2023 London Independent Story Prize and the 2024 Solstice Literary Magazine Prize, he was also nominated for Best of the Net. Tunde is currently looking to publish a collection of interconnected short stories. Outside writing, he enjoys cycling and photographing architecture. A Writers’ Workshop alumnus, Tunde will be reading ‘To Crazy Shane’.

Robin Sheeran is a native of Belfast. He studied Film and Literature at Warwick University and is a former BBC journalist. Robin is interested in producing stonking characters and crackling dialogue. His work uses dark humour to examine how we relate to each other. Robin is the current holder of the international Piazza Grande Religion Journalism Award for his writing for New Humanist. He ghostwrote Going the Distance, the autobiography of endurance cyclist Joe Barr, published by Gill Books in 2021. A Short Story Writing alumnus, Robin will be reading his story, ‘Summer Job’.

Just from reading their biographies you get a sense of the night of stories that awaits on Wednesday 11th December at 7pm over Zoom. Alongside these wonderful competition winners will be our cosy crime author and Novel Studio alumna, Jo Cunningham, whose novel Death By Numbers came out earlier this year. Register here to listen to all these authors on 11th December at 7pm. Can’t wait to see you there!

Guest alumna Jo Cunningham, author of Death by Numbers

The importance of Investing in Yourself: Benefits of Continuous Learning for your Brain

November 28, 2024 / / 0 Comments

 

In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt and grow is more crucial than ever before. One of the best ways to future-proof your career and personal development is through continuous learning. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning has profound benefits for both your brain and your overall well-being.

Cognitive Abilities

Engaging in continuous learning exercises your brain and helps maintain cognitive sharpness as you age. Studies show that challenging your brain with new information and skills can increase grey matter, improve memory and information processing, and bolster problem-solving abilities. Whether you’re learning a new language, taking an online course, or exploring a hobby, keeping your brain active helps build neural pathways and preserve mental acuity.

Creativity and Innovation

Continuous learning exposes you to diverse perspectives, ideas, and ways of thinking. This cross-pollination of knowledge sparks new connections in your brain, enhancing your ability to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions. By stepping outside your comfort zone and exploring unfamiliar subjects, you can gain fresh insights that inspire you to approach challenges from novel angles.

Adaptability In an era of rapid technological and social change, the ability to learn, grow, and adapt is paramount. Continuous learners are more resilient and better equipped to navigate uncertainty, pivot in their careers, and respond to emerging trends. The mental flexibility cultivated through lifelong learning allows you to continuously expand your skillset and thrive in the face of change.

Overall Well Being

Engaging in continuous learning doesn’t just benefit your brain – it can also enhance your overall well-being. The sense of accomplishment and confidence that comes from mastering new skills can boost self-esteem and mental health. Additionally, the social connections and intellectual stimulation gained through learning activities can reduce stress and loneliness, leading to greater happiness and life satisfaction.

The decision to invest in yourself through continuous learning is one of the most impactful choices you can make. By challenging your brain, sparking your creativity, and cultivating adaptability, the benefits of lifelong learning can transform both your professional and personal life.

At City St George’s we have a range of short courses to enhance your continuous learning. Why not try a new language? Or learn to code? Craft that children’s story you’ve always wanted to write? Or start a new side hustle with our Coaching courses?

Not sure what you want to study? Come along to our Free Virtual Open evening on December 12 at 6pm. You can choose from a range of taster sessions from  Japanese to Marketing. More information and how to register is available here.

Embrace the power of continuous growth and unlock your full potential.

Advancing your Career with Coding: Learn Programming with Python

October 30, 2024 / / 0 Comments

In today’s digital-first economy, programming skills have become increasingly valuable across virtually every industry. Whether you’re looking to switch careers, advance in your current role, or simply future-proof your skillset, learning Python could be your stepping stone to new opportunities.

Why Python?
Python has emerged as one of the most in-demand, high-level programming languages globally, and for good reason. Its clear, readable syntax makes it very easy to learn in comparison to other programming languages (like C/C++, JAVA, JavaScript, etc.) and therefore ideal for beginners, while its powerful capabilities support everything from automation and scripting to data analysis and artificial intelligence. Companies like the BBC, NASA, and Google rely on Python, and it’s the backbone of innovations in fields ranging from healthcare to financial services.

Python in the Age of AI
The rise of AI and developer copilots has transformed the programming landscape, making now an ideal time to learn Python. Far from replacing developers, AI tools are empowering them to be more productive and creative than ever.

AI-Enhanced Development
Modern Python developers work alongside AI tools that:
• Autocomplete code and suggest solutions
• Catch potential bugs before they occur
• Generate code snippets from natural language descriptions
• Explain complex code and suggest improvements
• Automate routine programming tasks

This means that even as a beginner, you can now have powerful AI assistants helping you learn and code more efficiently.

Future-Proof Skills
While AI tools can now handle routine coding tasks, they’ve increased demand for developers who are able to:
• Architect complex systems
• Review and validate AI-generated code
• Write precise prompts for AI tools
• Integrate AI capabilities into applications
• Understand the limitations of AI assistants

Transform Your Career Prospects
The UK tech sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with programming skills commanding competitive salaries and offering flexible career paths. Recent studies show that Python developers in the UK earn an average of £57,000 per year.

But Python isn’t just for software developers. Knowledge of Python can enhance your value in roles such as:
• Data Analyst
• Business Intelligence Specialist
• Marketing Analyst
• Financial Modeller
• Research Scientist
• Project Manager

Hear from Our Alumni
“Philip is a fantastic tutor who has a dynamic approach to teaching the basics in Python programming. I really appreciated the way that we could always ask for help during exercises and also that we could send me him requests for materials to be treated during class.” Anne Marie Muller, former student

“This course is ideal for anyone wanting to start the thrilling journey of implementing AI. It effectively combines hands on practical skills with clear, fun explanations of the underlying theory – not easy with a subject that combines partial differentiation and a jumble of confusing terms and emerging ideas. I would strongly recommend you sign up.” Peter Bradley, former student

“Genuinely one of the best tutors I’ve ever had – both at undergraduate & post graduate level. I’ve tried to learn how to code dozens of times and it’s never stuck. Philip was excellent at judging the level of the class and guiding us through the slides carefully. He went above and beyond, and made me feel extremely well supported. 10/10 will be recommending to my colleagues! Thank you, Philip!” James Donovan, former student

Why Choose Our Python Programming Courses?
At City St George’s we run a range of python courses from an Introduction to Python Programming to Data Analytics and Machine Learning. Our intensive short computing courses are designed for busy professionals looking to acquire practical programming skills. Over five-ten weekly evenings, you’ll progress from basic concepts to creating real-world applications. Here’s what makes our python courses unique:

Practical, Industry-Focused Learning
• Taught by Industry Professionals
• Industry-standard tools and best practices
• Flexible evening and weekend schedules

  • Comprehensive Curriculum – subjects covered include:
  •  Python fundamentals and programming concepts
  •  Working with databases
  • Data analysis and visualisation
  • Building basic applications
  • Working with HTML pages
  • File manipulation: Reading and Writing Files
  • Conversational AI Use

Expert Instruction
Our instructors bring years of industry experience, combining theoretical knowledge with practical insights from their work at leading tech companies.

Your Learning Journey
The courses are structured to ensure steady progression while accommodating work commitments. Each week builds on previous knowledge through:
• Interactive live sessions
• Guided practical exercises
• Real-world project work
• Peer learning opportunities

Next Steps
Join the thousands of professionals who have transformed their careers through coding. Our next introductory python programming course begins in January online.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Why not attend our free online open evening session on December 12 to learn more about how Python programming could transform your career prospects.

Writing Short Course News Roundup 2024

October 8, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Whether you’re taking a course with us this term or were a student in the past, we want to inspire your writing with the latest news from our short course alumni and tutors.

The Novel Studio 

Alan Gray (also alumnus of WW and SS) has been awarded the Sonny and Gita UK Scholarship to complete his MA in creative writing at UEA.

Kathrine Bancroft has had one of her poems longlisted for the 2024 Aurora Prize. She is also a London Independent Story Prize Poetry Finalist.

Katy Darby’s Writers’ Workshop and Short Story Writing alumna Isabel Blake has been accepted on the Creative Writing MA at UEA, while Erica Buist has just completed her Cambridge MSt in Creative Writing, has been longlisted for the BBC’s annual callout for scripts and is now teaching Creative Writing at City Lit.

Peter Forbes’ Narrative Non Fiction alumna Melissa Cornet has had her firstEnglish piece published in July in the London Review of Books, about her work in Afghanistan on Gender apartheid. She is also confirmed to publish a piece in the Guardian this month.

Tutor News

Anna Wilson has two books out this autumn: Be Back Soon is a picture book about swallow migration, illustrated by Jenny Bloomfield and published by Andersen Press and A Story of the Seasons, a large-format non-fiction picture book about seven habitats throughout the seasons, illustrated by Carolina Rabei and published by Nosy Crow and the National Trust. Both books have been translated into other European languages including French, German and Danish.

One-day Courses

There are plenty of options for anyone keen on one-day writing courses: our ever-popular Introduction to Copywriting with Maggie Richards is available monthly; while our Writing the Memoir course is now taught by the brilliant Anna Wilson (see above). And the dynamic duo of Anna Tsekouras and Pete Austin, aka Anon Agency, run our Intro to Branding course. This term we are also introducing a brand new course, Content Writing, taught by the fabulous Tamsin Mackay.

Opportunities

City Writes

City Writes is City, University of London’s termly writing event, showcasing the best of City Short Courses writing talent.

Hosted by longstanding short courses tutor, Rebekah Lattin-Rawstrone, and into its seventh year, City Writes provides an opportunity for the best new writers from the City Short Courses community to read an extract of their work, sharing the stage with one of our published alumni or tutors reading from their new or award-winning publication.

This term’s guest alumna will be debut cosy crime author and Novel Studio alumna, Jo Cunningham. Jo’s novel, Death by Numbers, was published by Constable in August this year. This delicious crime has had rave reviews and who could resist a novel about an actuary investigating a spate of deaths in Eastbourne? Hilarious and gripping, this is the perfect novel to see you through the cold winter nights. Buy your copy ahead of the event here.

To join Jo on the virtual stage, all you need to do is submit your best 1,000 words of creative fiction or non-fiction (we do accept young adult fiction but don’t currently accept children’s fiction) on any subject to rebekah.lattin-rawstrone.2@city.ac.uk with details of the City short course you are taking or have taken by midnight on Friday 15th November. Competition and submission guidelines can be found here. 

We can’t wait to read your submissions and if you are keen to secure your place for the night, you can register for the event here. Good luck!

Key Dates:

Our Writing for Social Impact course continues to offer a scholarship for one young student (18-25) from an underrepresented background and/or facing financial difficulty. Please contact the tutor, Ciaran Thapar, for more information on this opportunity.

All current students of Introduction to Copywriting, Writing for Business and Narrative Non-Fiction courses are eligible to submit an idea for a blog post for short courses. If the idea is accepted, and the written piece meets our standards, it will be professionally edited and published on our blog.

The annual Book Edit Writers’ Prize is open for submissions until 15 October 2024. Judged this year by Novel Studio alumna Lara Haworth and run in association with Legend Press, this is a fantastic (and free) opportunity for any unpublished novelist from a community currently underrepresented in UK publishing. What’s up for grabs? Chance to share your work with top agents. A mentoring session with a Legend Press Commissioning Editor. A supportive community of talented writers and tailored advice from industry experts. For more details please click HERE.

Open Evening

And finally, we are running an open evening with taster sessions on 11th December. Details will be available soon but watch this space or check the website for links to registration.

That’s all for now. Keep on writing and keep your stories coming into us. And huge congratulations to all our alumni and tutors.

Beyond Borders: Cultural Insights and Business Opportunities in Learning a New Language

August 31, 2024 / / 0 Comments

The Power of Language Learning in Global Business Success

In today’s interconnected world, the ability to communicate across cultures is more than just a valuable skill—it’s a crucial asset for business success. Learning a foreign language goes beyond mere translation; it opens doors to new markets, fosters deeper relationships with international partners, and provides invaluable cultural insights. In this blog post we explore the importance of language learning for business professionals aiming to thrive in the global marketplace.

The Cultural Competence Advantage

Cultural competence—the ability to understand, communicate with, and effectively interact with people across cultures—is at the heart of successful international business. Language is the key that unlocks this competence. When you learn a new language, you’re not just memorising words and grammar; you’re gaining insight into the values, beliefs, and customs of another culture.

A study by the Economist Intelligence Unit found that 47% of companies surveyed “do not offer enough training to hone their employees’ language and communication skills, and 40% believe there is not enough emphasis placed on recruiting or selecting people who are suited to cross-cultural environments.” Respondents also reported that “differences in cultural traditions” (51%) and “different workplace norms” (49%) were “the greatest threats to the smooth functioning of cross-border relationships.”

Enhancing Business Prospects Through Language

Learning a new language can significantly boost your business prospects:

  1. Building trust: speaking a client’s language shows respect and commitment, fostering stronger business relationships.
  2. Negotiating effectively: understanding cultural nuances can give you an edge in negotiations.
  3. Expanding market reach: language skills allow you to tap into new markets more efficiently.
  4. Improving decision-making: multilingual individuals often demonstrate enhanced cognitive abilities, including better decision-making skills.

Success Stories: Companies Benefiting from Localisation and Multilingualism

With an increasing shift towards personalisation in marketing, understanding a local market and the values, aspirations and language of its customers has become key to improving customer experience and expanding globally.

  • Airbnb: by supporting over 60 languages on their platform, and encouraging hosts to be multilingual, Airbnb has successfully expanded into multiple international markets.
  • Coca-Cola: the company’s “Think Local, Act Local” strategy, which includes adapting marketing and product names to local languages, has helped maintain its global market leadership.
  • HSBC: after a costly mistranslation of its “Assume Nothing” campaign, HSBC invested heavily in cultural and linguistic training, leading to more successful international operations.

Strategies for Incorporating Language Learning into Business Development

  1. Encourage employee language learning: offer incentives or discounts for in-house or external language courses.
  2. Create language exchange programs: partner with international branches or clients for mutual language learning.
  3. Use language learning apps: incorporate daily practice with apps like Duolingo into your routine.
  4. Immerse yourself: attend international conferences or arrange business trips to countries where the target language is spoken.

Language Courses at City

At City, we understand the language needs of business professionals. Run by our experienced language coordinator, Agnes Shepherd, our courses include:

  • Chinese Mandarin: spoken by over 900 million, Chinese Mandarin is the most widely used language in the world.
  • Arabic: there’s a rising demand for Arabic speakers throughout western countries.
  • German: one of the most important languages in the European Union, used by large numbers of businesses and organisations.
  • Spanish: the official language of 20 countries.

Each course focuses not just on language skills, but also on the customs and etiquette of the target culture. Our flexible schedules and online options make it easy to fit language learning into your busy professional life.

Taught by experienced native tutors and delivered in small, interactive groups, City’s language courses will immerse you in your chosen language with a fully interactive programme of teaching designed to get you speaking, reading and writing in a foreign language.

Interested? Join us on Wednesday 4 September, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm for a special taster evening on campus. Discover our language courses, available both online and in the classroom, and meet our tutors and staff while learning something new.You’ll get a chance to try out a free 40-minute language course in anything from Arabic to Japanese.

Or register for our free online open evening on Wednesday 11th September 6pm to 7.30pm, where you’ll get a chance to try out one of our many languages on offer in our taster sessions. Full information and details are available HERE.

 

Maximising Your Learning Experience: Tips for Short Course Online Learners

August 8, 2024 / / 0 Comments

For those who you who have never taken a course with us, we offer short courses in a range of subjects from writing to computing, languages, business, and creative industries. Catering to the busy schedules of professionals and lifelong learners, most of our courses are ten-weeks long, but we also offer one or two-day workshops, and the majority are delivered via Zoom or Teams. With the new academic year around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of practical tips to help you get the most out of your learning experience while studying from home.

 1. Stick to a Schedule

Consistency is key to managing your time effectively. Treat your online course schedule as you would a traditional in-person class. Mark your calendar with class times and allocate specific periods for reviewing materials, completing assignments, and participating in discussions.

2. Actively Engage in Classes

Active participation is crucial in an online learning environment. Keep your camera on if possible, ask questions, and contribute to discussions. Engaging with your tutor and classmates will enhance your understanding and make the learning experience more interactive, and more enjoyable

3. Stay Organised

Keeping your course materials organised can save you time and stress. Use digital folders to store notes, assignments, and readings. Tools like Google Drive, OneNote, or Evernote can help you keep everything in one place and easily accessible.

4. Take Regular Breaks

Sitting in front of a computer for extended periods can be tiring. Incorporate short breaks into your study sessions to stretch, hydrate, and relax. The Pomodoro Technique—studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break—can be an effective way to maintain concentration and engagement.

5. Network with Fellow Students

Building connections with your peers can enhance your learning experience and provide support throughout the course. Participate in group activities, or create a study group to collaborate and share insights.

6. Practice Good Posture

Maintaining good posture is essential for physical comfort and health while learning from home. Try to ensure your chair provides proper support, keep your feet flat on the ground, and position your screen at eye level to prevent neck and back strain.

7. Enhance Your Technical Skills

Familiarise yourself with Zoom, and Teams used for your courses. Make sure you iron out any login difficulties way ahead of the first session. Learn how to navigate these tools effectively, including using breakout rooms. This will help you avoid technical difficulties and participate more effectively in class.

8. Stay Motivated and Set Goals

Short courses can be intense, so staying motivated is crucial. Set clear, achievable goals for what you want to accomplish each week. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself of the reasons you enrolled in the course.

9. Seek Feedback and Support

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your tutor for feedback on your work or clarification on course materials. All our lecturers are happy to answer questions about the course content and delivery and to help you with any issues that arise.

10. Explore Opportunities 

City short courses has a range of opportunities available to students on particular courses. Familiarise yourself with what’s on offer, e.g. current and past writing students are eligible for our termly City Writes Competition, and make sure you make the most of your time at City.

Enrolling in a City short online course offers a fantastic opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills in a convenient and flexible format. By following these tips, you can help maximise your learning experience and achieve your goals. Happy learning!

For those who would like to try out one of our short courses, we are running an online open evening on September 11 2024, with tasters in a variety of subjects. Attendance is free but you’ll need to register to secure your spot. Full details are here.

 

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