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Adaptability

Adaptability is the ability to navigate change effectively. It involves being open, flexible, and capable of learning from experiences to adjust in response to new circumstances.

Developing your Adaptability 

You can improve your adaptability skills both at university and in your personal time, remember, some these suggestions may be more appropriate for you than others. 

Consider engaging in activities that challenge your comfort zone, seeking feedback, and reflecting on experiences to foster your own personal growth. By embracing adaptability, you'll be better prepared to navigate change and challenges effectively.

Developing Your Adaptability on Biteable.

LinkedIn Learning  

The University of Derby has access to LinkedIn Learning, which hosts a range of courses and videos that can support both your personal and professional skills. 
 

LinkedIn Learning


It is free for students and staff at the university to use, and you can use this service help you build your adaptability skills.  

Joining a Society 

Through your Union of Students, you can join a society to explore your hobbies and interests while enhancing your adaptability skills. Engaging with new activities and the wider university community helps you build flexibility and resilience for future challenges, as well as find new friends along the way. 

Work Experience / Volunteering / Internship 

In the modern workplace, adaptability is a desirable skill. It shows that you can be flexible and resilient when faced with change.  

You can develop your adaptability skills at work by: 

  • Express openness to change in your schedules and work plans, even if it initially feels uncomfortable.  
  • Learn new skills and take opportunities to develop other skills. 
  • Keep up to date with developments in technology that may benefit you, for example, Generative Artificial Intelligence.  
  • Communicate clearly with people around you. It is easier to adapt to changes if you understand why it is needed.  
  • Reflect on your learning when things do or do not go to plan. Take notes on what you would like to continue/ do differently next time. 

Engaging in a part-time job, internship, or volunteering also demonstrates adaptability by proactively introducing new experiences into your life. 

Student Representative 

https://www.derbyunion.co.uk/change/academic/

You can stand for election to become a student representative for your course from your first year of study, and you can hold this position throughout the duration of your studies if you are re-elected by your peers.  

Adaptability plays a key role in this role. As a Student Representative, you'll need to be flexible and responsive to the evolving needs and concerns of your peers, as well as the changing dynamics of the university surrounding the student voice.  

Your ability to adapt will help you navigate different situations, whether it's working with diverse groups of students, course leaders and lecturers, responding to challenges, or finding creative solutions for issues that arise. This role can contribute to your personal development, enabling you to refine your skills in leadership, communication, and creative problem-solving. 

Peer Assisted Learning 

https://www.derbyunion.co.uk/getinvolved/pal/

Peer Assisted Learning is where a PAL Leader (a student in their second year or above) from your discipline, supports you in your first/ foundation year. PAL Leaders are here to give you top tips about settling into university life, to signpost you to resources and support, and to help with questions relating to your course. 

You can take part in this scheme as a PAL Leader (a student in their second year or above) or as a student joining the scheme to learn more about your time at university. You can learn to adjust to university life quicker, gain support from your peers, cement your understanding of support available at the university and it can help you to meet new people in your course.  

Skills you can gain as a PAL leader are the following:  

  • Proving your ability to manage time well & be organised. 
  • Demonstrating problem solving and signposting skills. 
  • Presenting your ability to communicate effectively in a professional environment. 
  • Helping you to foster a sense of community within the university.