Mollie Selby

Mollie Selby, Aspirant Assistant Principal and Community Organisation Chair, studied International Relations, Diplomacy and Global Development at the University of Derby, where she acquired key skills and fantastic memories.

New opportunities

For Mollie, joining the University of Derby immediately felt like home. She made new friends, developed skills that she uses to this day and was provided with exciting opportunities. Through her studies Mollie was pleased to take part in field trips abroad to Morocco and Switzerland, which enabled her to experience more of the beautiful world that we live in whilst igniting her passion for travel and meeting new people.

“Being at the University of Derby was the best time of my life. Every day was filled with something new and exciting, and I did so much! The best memories were the field trips to Morocco and Switzerland. They opened my eyes to the numerous opportunities in the world and enabled me to develop a plethora of skills as well as having the most fun times with the best of friends."

Gaining valuable experience

Mollie also developed her confidence and connected with likeminded individuals by taking part in activities through the Union of Students, this included being a Volunteer Manager where she supported students with a wide range of volunteering opportunities that complimented their studies.

Mollie also took on a Committee Member role at STAR (Students Take Action for Refugees), through which, she made connections with individuals from a broad range of diverse backgrounds and gained insight into community activism. One of the many wonderful experiences she had as part of STAR was setting up a community language class for new refugees and asylum seekers, where she experienced first hand the positive impact initiatives like this can deliver. Mollie also organised trips for students, met incredible families, raised money and created a community for local refugees.

Advice for students

Mollie's message to current students is to make the most of their time at university and take every opportunity they can. She also recommends a career within the education sector as it directly benefits people from all backgrounds, providing a wide breadth of different experiences.

“The education sector is a joyous place to work and really allows you to make a change and see the real impact of the work you do every day. I would say jump in, get lots of work experience and always keep learning!”

Career development

After graduating, Mollie gained further experience by undertaking a paid internship within the University of Derby Careers and Employability team. This helped set Mollie up for her future career enabling her to develop skills in project delivery, networking and strategic development.

Mollie is now an Aspirant Assistant Principal - Personal Development  at Alvaston Moor Academy. Mollie believes that one of her biggest achievements since graduating was being promoted to her current role, only four years into her teaching career. This is a multifaceted role as Mollie teaches Geography and Sociology whilst also delivering wider initiatives as part of the Senior Leadership Team. One of her main responsibilities involves progressing a personal development strategy to ensure all students are provided with varied opportunities, with a key focus on careers and the transition from primary school to Year 7. 

Mollie is also proud to be the Chair of She Will, a community organisation that leads female empowerment in Erewash. In this role, Mollie works with an amazing group of women to support girls to build confidence and make a lasting impact in their communities.

Mollie has constantly draws on the skills that she acquired from her time at university in both roles.

“The things I learnt during my studies are the things I teach in my classroom every day. I also use the interpersonal skills I developed at university, such as empathy, compassion, communication and teamwork.”

Plans for the future

In the future, Mollie plans to pursue further learning and travelling, she also wants to continue to contribute to the growth of She Will and aspires to lead her own school in Derby. 

"I would not be in the position I am or be the person I am without the University of Derby. From the moment I stepped foot in the university, I felt at home. My confidence grew, I have made the best of friends and I have learned so much. I don’t feel like my time at the University is over, I always feel connected and go back whenever I can. “