Broadcast: News items

In today's economy it's easy for students to believe that they will be in debt for most of their working life.

But an innovative new workshop at Sussex will show finalists how to pay off their student debt quickly and painlessly.

A total of 80 students have signed up for the ‘Graduate Zeronaire’ training on 15 and 22 February, so that they can gain the confidence to take control of their financial situation once they’ve finished their education.

The financial literacy workshop, believed to be the first event of its kind, is packed full of strategies and tools to help the students transform their relationship with money, both personally and in the workplace.

It is being facilitated by a ‘money coach’, who will help the students to learn:

• how to pay off student debt quickly and painlessly
• tricks for managing a budget
• how to stand out from other graduates and demonstrate financial awareness
• and how to master the psychology of money.

Andrea Wall, from the Careers and Employability Centre, says: “As far as we know there are no other similar events taking place in higher education and very few practitioners.

“Neil Almond, who has developed this bespoke session for us, is one of the UK's top money coaches.

“He has incorporated the debt-busting strategy he uses in coaching work, with a session that looks at developing financial awareness, both personal and professional.”

The event has been made possible by a gift from two friends of the University, Consuelo and Anthony Brooke. Consuelo, a former investment manager, sits on the University’s governing body (Council), having been the University's Treasurer from 2002 until July 2011.

They say: “We are delighted to be able to support this innovative series of financial workshops for Sussex students.

“We know how difficult it is in the current climate for students to balance their studies with acquiring the practical skills to manage their finances, both while at university and as they move into the workplace.

“We hope that the workshops will play a part in helping to prepare today’s students for the lives that lie ahead of them.”

For information about and to sign up for any event organized by the Careers and Employability Centre, see http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/newsandevents/events