OU Psychology and Counselling graduate Sean went on to study for his CPCAB diploma in Integrative Counselling after he graduated. Below, he shares how volunteering for the Wren Project, a charity offering listening support to people with autoimmune disease, led to a rewarding career as Volunteer Manager for the charity. Dive into the Wren Project’s […]
Thinking about what to do after graduating? Maybe you’re wondering what the job market will be like in 5 years? How will the growth of artificial intelligence affect you? Your dream job might not even exist yet so how can you plan for it and what skills will you need? Here’s some tips from OU […]
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The Open University’s latest research reveals that 54% of UK organisations have a skills shortage, and 71% of young people say they have been considering their career prospects based on which skills are in-demand in the UK. Using Labour Market Information like this helps you make informed decisions, plan for the future, and explore career […]
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OU psychology and criminology graduate Lindsey Shipton, now Recruitment, Marketing and Engagement Officer at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary (HIOWC), shares her career journey in policing after graduating. Explore HIOWC’s current exciting career opportunities and optimise your application, CV and interview skills. Hi, I’m Lindsey — a proud Open University graduate and now the […]
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St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy is working to challenge outdated perceptions and build a more inclusive pipeline of future advisers. Explore St. James’s Place’s current opportunities. Since its launch, the Academy has supported over 1,800 individuals into advice roles and continues to attract candidates from all walks of life, including career changers, returners, and […]
Read more about Diversity matters in financial advice – new voices are reshaping the profession
Making career decisions can feel overwhelming, but there’s a powerful tool that can help. Edward de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats is a method designed to help you see your situation from multiple angles, breaking through indecision with clarity and confidence. White hat: gather the facts first What do you already know? What additional information do […]
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Lydia and Sue are two Christian colleagues who work in the Careers and Employability Services at the OU. Here are their personal reflections on Lent and Easter, a time to look back and start to navigate your future. Sue, what does Lent and Easter mean to you? Easter is a time of extraordinary joy and […]
Read more about Easter is much more than chocolate eggs and bunnies
“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” – Pablo Picasso When Pablo Picasso created his masterpieces, he always began with sketches – of ideas, of smaller parts of a bigger […]
Whether it’s a conscious decision or caused by unexpected circumstances, such as redundancy, change can be exciting, daunting, overwhelming and energising. Changing career takes time but follow our four steps to plan your new start. Step 1: Making a career shift You may be seeking a new challenge or looking for promotion. You may want […]
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Are you studying, working, socialising and relaxing by staring at a screen? You may have digital fatigue. If you want to plan your next career move without clocking up any more screen time, here are 3 top tips for going offline… 1. Get a printed copy of Your Career Planning Guide Your Career Planning Guide is […]
We understand it can feel like climbing a very steep mountain when you’re studying and planning your career while experiencing mental health difficulties. Help is on hand. It’s University Mental Health Day this month so we’re highlighting resources that can help you through the challenges. Finding work and support in the workplace Finding and keeping […]
A ‘portfolio career’ or “squiggly career” (Tupper, 2024) is a version of self- or partial employment where you have several part-time jobs at the same time, rather than taking the traditional career ‘path’ of one full-time job. It offers a more flexible way of working, tailored to your unique set of skills, needs and priorities […]
“Don’t be put off by the preconception that only younger people can switch career.” Emilie OU BSc Chemistry student Emilie began studying at the OU after her son had completed his degree. She embarked on an OU qualification and found that she could put the transferrable skills from her previous work experience to a career […]
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Many of us feel uncertain about the job market and the future of our careers, especially as the labour market is ever-changing terrain. Understanding how and why things change will help you navigate it, find current and future opportunities, and build your career confidence. This is why OU Careers and Employability Services has developed in-depth […]
Read more about Plan smarter with Labour Market Information (LMI)
Research from the Valuegraphics Project (2024) shows belonging “tops the list of core human values”. Career belonging is your need to have a career that represents you on your terms, with the freedom, flexibility and autonomy to choose your own direction (Dr Sarabeth Birth Bickerton). Here’s how to feel belonging, be seen and valued in […]
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