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Free inspiring talks about improving your career, East End history, happiness and more

If you are stuck in a rut at work, or want to improve your well-being, then Birkbeck has an event for you

If you are stuck in a rut at work, want to improve your well-being, or practice some contemporary dance, then Birkbeck, University of London, has an event designed for you.

The second Big Ideas series of five thought-provoking events is taking place during the next five months at the Idea Store Whitechapel.

Caroline McDonald, Head of Widening Access and Retention at Birkbeck, said: “We are delighted to be organising more inspiring events in east London to cater for the public. From local history and defence to happiness and advice about careers, there is bound to be something for most people in this latest Big Ideas series. Come along, find out more and think about developing your interests further by studying at Birkbeck – London’s evening university.”

Talking about career progression

The first event, called Future focus: careers workshop, has been designed to help you explore how further study can have a positive impact on your future career. The session will be led by Gemma Ludgate, of the Careers Group, University of London.

Topics to be discussed will include learning about your skills, personality, values and motivations, applying this knowledge of yourself to different career options, and knowing how to find out whether the course you are considering is a stepping stone to your dream career. Information about the graduate destinations of Birkbeck students will be available to inspire you.

From East End history to contemporary dance

Academics from Birkbeck will share their expertise about their specialist subjects at the four remaining events:

  • The East End at war 1914-1918, Friday 27 June, 6:45pm-8:45pm
    Mike Berlin, of Birkbeck’s Department of History, Classics and Archaeology

    This session will look at the impact of the First World War on east London at a time when the metropolis became a power house of the war effort, the focus of planning and propaganda, a hub for troop movements to the western front and a great centre of the munitions industry. This session will look at how the city we live in, and the way in which we think about war and conflict, is still shaped by the events of 100 years ago.
  • Preparing for the 2015 defence review, Friday 4 July, 6:45pm-8:45pm
    Professor Ron Smith, of Birkbeck’s Department of Economics, Mathematics, and Statistics

    The Ministry of Defence is now starting to think about the choices that will drive next year’s defence review and trying to work out how it can balance cash, costs and commitments. This talk will analyse the defence review process and the options facing the MOD.

  • How to be happy and improve your well-being, Friday 1 August, 6:45pm-8:45pm
    Dr Amy K Harrison, Clinical Psychologist and Associate Lecturer at Birkbeck

    Research carried out in the field of Positive Psychology suggests that there are things we can do to improve our levels of well-being. This workshop will share research around the factors that contribute to our happiness. Participants will have the opportunity to think about small exercises they can do to increase happiness levels in their own lives.
  • Contemporary dance workshop, Friday 12 September, 6:45pm-8:45pm
    Maria Koripas and Katja Nyqvist, of Birkbeck’s Department of Film, Media and Cultural Studies

    This taster session gives you a chance to try out a choreographic workshop and an opportunity to meet the tutors and find out more about the training offered at Birkbeck on the BA (Hons) Contemporary Dance as Creative Practice.

The academics will also be on hand to talk about the courses on offer at Birkbeck.

The Big Ideas series

The Big Ideas series of events is organised by the Widening Access and Retention Team at Birkbeck. The first series of Big Ideas events started in November 2013, and featured academics from Birkbeck speaking about creative writing, Charles Dickens’s novel A Christmas Carol and women’s work in the twentieth century.

All the events take place at the Idea Store Whitechapel, 321 Whitechapel Road, London, E1 1BU. Refreshments will be provided at all events. The Idea Store Whitechapel is an innovative library, learning and information service created by Tower Hamlets Council.

Bookings for the events can be made online.

For more information about studying at Birkbeck visit the webpage with free support and advice for prospective students or email mybirkbeckfeedback@bbk.ac.uk .

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