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Category: Career planning
Careers research tips for students with dyslexia
“When I read long job descriptions, I lose the thread. But when I talk things through, everything clicks.” Undergraduate OU student with dyslexia. Exploring career ideas can be a challenge when you’re dyslexic, especially if traditional text-heavy resources don’t play to your strengths. Start with your strengths Build your future with career confidence by identifying […]
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Career lessons from the Stoics 3: control what you can, understand what you can’t
Job searching can feel unpredictable, slow, and driven by forces far beyond your influence – labour markets shift due to wider economic factors and related employer needs. So, what can you do? Stoic philosopher Epictetus has the answer: “Make the best use of what is in your power”. It’s all about knowing what’s up to […]
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Career lessons from the Stoics 2: don’t wait – take the next step now
The Stoic philosopher Seneca famously said, “while we wait for life, life passes”. It’s natural to wait until ‘the right moment’; when we’re ‘more qualified’, when work ‘quietens down’, when the time ‘feels right’. Seneca said that the right moment rarely announces itself. Review your goals regularly as they evolve, then use Navigate Your Future […]
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Career lessons from the Stoics 1: grab unexpected opportunities
If your career path so far hasn’t looked the way you planned, you’re in good company. Student careers stories show careers don’t usually move in a straight line and there are many paths to a satisfying future. According to ancient Stoic philosophy, that might be exactly the point. Amor fati: embrace what comes your way […]
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Culture is everything – find the right role for you
Understanding your values and motivations, interests and strengths can help you work out what matters to you in your future career, and what you need to feel a sense of reward and satisfaction at work. In this OU In Office Hours podcast, host Elijah Akinfenwa, OU Business Management student and co-owner of Liz Pie Pastry, […]
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Overcome career setbacks like OU student Dan
OU student and disabled veteran Dan talks about the shock of losing his military career after a motorcycle accident and how his resulting struggle with job seeking impacted his mental health. Now studying Engineering through the BA/BSc (Honours) Open degree, Dan is looking forward to new career opportunities. Find out how to successfully deal with […]
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Job-hunting tips for students/graduates with Autism
It’s much harder for people with Autism to find the same information; everyone else just seems to magically know things! Victoria, OU graduate with Autism Job seeking can be demanding for anyone, and students with Autism also tell me about some unique challenges they face. As an OU Careers Consultant, here are the top three […]
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Find your purpose by volunteering like Natasha
OU student Natasha shares how her voluntary experience with Action Tutoring has improved her employability skills, boosted her confidence and even helped her mental health and wellbeing. Find out how volunteering can help your career and increase your chances of success. Volunteering boosts confidence and skills “I think the most valuable skill I’ve developed is […]
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Module choice and your career: what actually matters to employers
Choosing your modules can feel like a huge decision and many people wonder whether picking the wrong ones closes doors. The good news is that for most careers, specific module choices matter far less than you think. Explore more about what employers want in a range of industries; watch the CareersFest 2025 sector-focused employer panel sessions. What employers actually look at […]
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Back to basics 3: your first day
Starting a new role: workplace expectations decoded Starting a new job – whether it’s your first role, a career change, or a return to work after time away – often means navigating unfamiliar workplace expectations. It’s always wise to do your research about the organisation before applying, but it’s also a good idea to go […]
Back to basics 2: the unwritten rules of interviews
Got an interview coming up? Here’s what you need to know about dress code, body language, and tone to help you feel prepared on the day. Dress the part without losing yourself: clothes, confidence, and first impressions If in doubt, the general rule of thumb is that it’s better to be too smart than too […]
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Back to basics 1: the unwritten rules of the job hunt
Navigating the world of job applications can feel like trying to crack a secret code – from ambiguous phrases in job adverts to knowing what to wear to an interview. The good news? These “unwritten rules” can be learned, and understanding them will help you feel more confident and prepared. What do employers really mean? […]
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3 top tips to get ahead using AI
Many of you will likely have heard of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) and the effect it is having on the world, including career planning and job-seeking. Our practical online workshops GenAI: level up your career will take you through how you can harness its power in planning your future. Here are three top tips in using GenAI to the max in […]
Shape your career and the OU – with an OU Virtual Internship
Intern student Alice shares how Finding meaningful work experience to support your career development can be an important step in your career journey. If you’re a current or recent OU student (who graduated up to 3 years ago) looking for work experience opportunities, then The Open University (OU)’s Virtual Internship Scheme could be for you. You may be wondering what you’ll gain. Benefits of virtual internships can include increasing confidence, providing flexibility, finding a […]
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Showcase your values, increase your job search success
Values. What do you think about when you hear that word? Things that are important to you? Your ethics? Or politics maybe? We all have different things that are important to us and impact the way we see the world. That’s why it’s important to consider your values when thinking about career choice or the […]
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