Students get career ready with the Make it Happen Academy

Business students from Burton and South Derbyshire College (BSDC) recently took part in an intensive three-day programme delivered in partnership with PR and communications agency, MIH Solutions. 

The initiative, designed to bridge the gap between education and employment, offered students invaluable hands-on experience to help prepare them for the world of work. The newly launched Make it Happen Academy, created by MIH Solutions, provided a dynamic and practical learning environment where students could build essential workplace skills. 

Over the course of three days, Business and Kickstart students engaged in a wide range of activities, from mock interviews and CV workshops to public speaking challenges—all aimed at enhancing communication, boosting confidence and developing professional resilience.

In addition to core employability sessions, the programme also focused on personal and professional development. Students explored key topics such as making strong first impressions, managing their digital presence and collaborating under pressure through a series of team-based challenges.

Following the programme’s resounding success, BSDC and MIH Solutions have pledged to make the Make it Happen Academy an annual fixture for Business and Kickstart students.

Charlotte Sankey, Kickstart Course Leader at BSDC, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students. The course provides a genuine insight into working life and helps them become truly job ready. It goes beyond employability - it’s about building confidence, learning how to present themselves professionally and understanding what’s expected in the modern workplace.”