Don’t climb that mountain alone
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 […]
Portfolio careers and how you can have one
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 […]
Emilie’s son’s graduation sparked a career move that changed her life
“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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Plan smarter with Labour Market Information (LMI)
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 […]
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Find your career belonging
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 […]
From silent night to career bright: find quiet time to reflect and plan
As winter sets in and the festive season begins, there’s a certain calm that settles over our busy lives. As the night skies darken and days shorten, use quiet, peaceful moments to pause, reflect, reset and turn your silent nights into a bright path forward. Understand where you are in your career journey using our […]
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From the OU to the classroom – Kevin’s journey with Teach First
“It’s been interesting to see how all my prior experiences have proved valuable and transferable to my role as a primary school teacher.” Teach First, a rewarding route into teaching Kevin’s decision to teach was inspired by his work for a theatre and education charity supporting young people struggling in mainstream education. He chose the Teach […]
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Keep your options open with career cushioning
The job market is constantly evolving and creating exciting roles which didn’t previously exist and that you might not have heard of. With this in mind, keep your career options open and take steps to advance your skills and connections to develop career resilience. This has become known as “career cushioning”. “Career cushioning…means updating skills […]
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Mature student? Get career cosy this autumn
The warmth of experience Mature students offer years of experience as reliable and useful as that trusted, well-loved woolly jumper we put on again every autumn. When you think about your career journey, don’t discount the value of what you already know. Like the warmth of a familiar jumper, your existing skills and experience can […]
Vamp up your interview skills
Do interviews keep you awake at night, turn your face pale or make your blood run cold? Have no fear, the OU’s Careers and Employability Services is here to help you to get your teeth into opportunities and vamp up your skills so you nail your next interview and secure the job you really want. Be […]
Applying for teaching: your questions answered
Teaching remains a hugely popular career choice for OU students wanting to make a difference to society. 27% of Open University graduates from four years ago are now working in education, with ‘teacher’ being the most common job title among respondents (2023 Employability of Qualifiers Survey). Our recently updated teaching guides for your nation cover […]
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Changing seasons, changing career direction…
Autumn is a time of transition. Leaves turn from green to shades of red and orange and many woodland animals gather and store food for the upcoming winter. Just as nature looks ahead, so must career changers plan for their future. Now is a good time to take stock and consider why you want to […]
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6 Steps to ‘Becoming a Teacher’
Becoming a teacher is rewarding, fulfilling and provides the opportunity to inspire and shape the lives of current and future generations. This career pathway involves a combination of education, practical experience and a commitment to ongoing professional development. Follow these 6 steps to explore different routes to teaching careers with the help of our ‘Becoming […]
How OU student Andrew learned to taste success
‘With the OU you can grow academically and professionally at the same time’ – OU News Skills development is built into every OU students’ journey, in module activities, managing your study time and in our regular live skills workshops. Andrew developed his incredible chocolate business alongside studying at the OU. Here he shares some insights […]
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Social media superpowers and your job search
Social media can supercharge your professional presence. Your online presence is the way that you present yourself and one of the ways you’ll be vetted in the recruitment process. Here are some tips to maximise your social media superpowers and secure your future job. 1. Build your social media skills There are plenty of events […]
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