In September the OU will welcome three lucky new students. They are the winners of recent competition run in the 'Work' section of 'The Guardian', the prize, a chance to study with on an Open University course.
6,000 people applied, but the prize is no mean feat. Two winners will study for an undergraduate degree and one for a postgraduate degree which will take a huge amount of commitment, time and self-motivation. This opportunity reflects the work/study balance faced by many OU students.
The three winners are: Sophie Tease, Brian Magorrian and Steve Lawson will commence their studies in September 2012.
Platform caught up with them to find out more about what they hope to achieve from their degrees.
How does it feel to have won the competition?
I was very surprised when I found out that I had won! I had been browsing OU courses before the competition was announced but there was no way I could justify or afford to do another degree at this time. I entered the competition on a complete off-chance and couldn't believe it when I won. But I am really excited about the chance to study a new subject. I love learning and I am very interested in economics, my chosen subject
Are you studying for career or personal development?
I want to work in policy and would like to understand economic theory in much more detail, especially in light of the global financial crisis. The more I have studied law, the more it seems that I need a proper grasp of economics in order to engage in the debates. Plus I have always enjoyed maths and regret giving it up at school so this is a chance to refresh my skills and learn how to interpret empirical social science research.
I studied Law at Bristol University and am currently completely a Masters in Law at Harvard. I am focusing on policy areas such as education, climate, energy, financial regulation and poverty.
My reasons for studying further are pretty much evenly split between personal enjoyment and career goals. I also really like the model of studying part-time while working.
What are your future aspirations once you have completed the course?
My career goals are to work in policy formation or implementation, either for government or NGOs.
How does it feel to have won the competition?
It felt great to win the competition. I was delighted to have the opportunity to study with The Open University (an institution I have held in high regard). I look forward to having fun learning and grabbing this opportunity which I am fortunate enough to get.
Why are you studying Psychology?
It’s an interesting subject. I wanted to do something that I am really interested in as I feel one will be more inclined to put more effort in if one is interested in the subject.
What studying have you done in the past?
Mental health nurse training. ‘O’ levels, ‘A’ levels (including Film studies which was very enjoyable), diplomas in health care, teaching and assessing courses in nursing, a C.B.T course and several others in the health care field.
What are you reasons for wanting to study: career, personal development?
I want to enhance my knowledge and understanding of a subject which is very relevant to my work. With the future of healthcare somewhat uncertain in some ways I am keen to bolster my credentials so I can do my current job even better and allow myself to include knowledge and skills acquired in possible job applications in the future.
What are your future aspirations once you have completed the course?
Well...I don't know for sure but I hope to continue to help people with mental health problems. I might be able to work in a different area of mental health to my current one. Time will tell. Of course i have to continue to pay the bills as well!
How does it feel to have won the competition?
It is amazing to have won, I was so surprised when I found out! Very lucky.
Why have you chosen this subject area?
I have been working in this area for a few years and intend to continue to, so this course will improve my skills and knowledge.
What are you reasons for wanting to study: career, personal development?
Since graduating I have considered further study, it would need to be part-time to fit in with working full-time. When I saw this competition I thought it would be the perfect opportunity
.
What was your first degree in and where did you study?
I graduated with a BSc Mathematics from Imperial College in 2002.
What are your future aspirations once you have completed the course?
I plan to continue working in software development. There are always new technologies to learn and work with which is something that I enjoy.
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