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Category: Career planning

Find your goal and inspiration in OU study, like Stuart

OU student and disabled veteran Stuart describes his OU journey as one of ‘resilience, struggle and growth’. After being medically discharged from the military following 23 years of service, he felt lost and unsure what to do next. Studying towards a BA (Honours) History degree gave him focus and motivation to move forwards in a […]

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Tourette’s and your career

Moving from university to employment as a neurodivergent student can feel daunting, especially for those with conditions like Tourette’s Syndrome (TS). TS is a neurodevelopmental condition that involves involuntary tics, which can affect daily life and influence career choices. Although it can present challenges, many people with TS — including musicians Lewis Capaldi, Billie Eilish […]

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OCD and your career

Career decision making can bring the excitement of new opportunities and experiences, but the uncertainty involved can be challenging, often triggering anxiety and flare ups, for those with OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). OCD involves a cycle of intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours or mental acts (compulsions), which can be distressing and interfere with daily […]

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ADHD and your career

Career planning and job hunting can be challenging, especially for individuals with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). If you’re currently studying, you may already be developing strategies to manage such challenges. It’s always useful to start with building your confidence and realising you have a lot to offer. Studying with ADHD includes techniques that can also be […]

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Gain professional connections and real-world experience like OU student intern Rebecca

“Did you think that internships were just about observation? Mine at The Open University is teaching me what it means to contribute, not just watch.” Rebecca, OU Legal Research Intern Get impactful work experience to help kick‑start or progress your career and make a meaningful contribution. Law graduate Rebecca is now looking for professional opportunities […]

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Dyspraxia and your career

What is dyspraxia? Dyspraxia (also called developmental coordination disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition which affects movement, coordination and motor skills. People often associate it with poor spatial awareness, but it can also lead to difficulties in processing, judgement, and memory. The NHS estimate that around 3-5% of adults in the UK have dyspraxia. Everyone’s experience […]

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Achieve your goals in small steps, not giant leaps – like NASA

The inspiring Artemis II mission tested the Orion spacecraft for future lunar landings. It shows ambitious goals are achieved by breaking the task into achievable, realistic steps. Apply this NASA principle to your goals. Review your goals in three minutes and generate your instant personalised ‘Actions towards goals’ checklist. Then work out your next steps […]

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How OU study opened doors for Farhana

MA History student Farhana Qayoom Shaikh recently spoke to the Arts and Humanities student newsletter about the value of OU study to her employers and her career. “One thing I wish I had known before starting an MA in History with the Open University is how many professional opportunities it would open for me.” To […]

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Shine through in applications: top tips from a CEO

In this episode of the OU’s In Office Hours podcast, discover top tips from Jack Harrington, CEO of the British Academy of Management and OU MBA graduate, to help you work towards your goals and make yourself and your application stand out from the crowd. “I used a lot of the OU’s careers advice tools, […]

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Get hired, get inspired with GenAI

Generative Artificial Intelligence (Generative AI or GenAI) use amongst students is approaching near universal levels but do you really know how to make the most of these tools to help you with your career? Find out how to use Generative AI for your career and discover how it can help, from self-reflection and generating ideas, […]

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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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