Sam Orme

Sam Orme, a software engineer, was promoted shortly after completing his Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Computing and IT Practice with The OU. Credit from a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Software Development which he had achieved a few years earlier counted towards his degree. 

Sam, aged 24 (pictured right), said: “After leaving school I did an HND at North East Scotland College in Aberdeen. I was then offered a full-time position as a junior software developer at Project Development International (PDI) in Aberdeen, which works with the oil and gas industry. 

“To improve my chances career-wise, I later decided to top up my HND to a degree. A former line manager encouraged me to study with The OU and suggested I look into the possibility of registering; I could study at times to suit me and I’d be able to continue working. 

“The OU offered a BSc (Hons) Degree in Computing and IT Practice, so I decided to sign up. 

“My employers funded my studies and were very supportive throughout, allowing me some time off to complete assignments."

Work promotion

Studying for the degree has had positive impacts. I was promoted to software developer the week after I submitted my final assessment, losing ‘junior’ from my job title in the process! 

“I took two years to complete my degree and found that although I already had a lot of practical experience, modules such as Software engineering helped me gain a better understanding of the theory behind different software architectures.
 
“I enjoyed the practical side of the modules I studied, but found writing reports very time-consuming as I’m not a strong writer. However, I can honestly say that I never felt like giving up my studies, despite sometimes finding it difficult to fit them around my other commitments. 

“By getting up earlier than usual on a Saturday morning and studying on weekday evenings I was able to get through, and I’m glad I persevered.

“I can’t fault my tutors - they were helpful, always quick to respond to queries and gave constructive feedback on assignments.

Accessible materials 

“The learning materials were well-written and what I particularly liked about them was their accessibility, meaning I could study anywhere I wanted.

“If anyone considering OU study were to ask for my advice, I’d tell them not to worry about it. It can be daunting when you register for your very first module, but remember that everyone’s in the same boat to start with and you’ll soon get used to The OU’s methods.”

Sam, who stays in Huntly, Aberdeenshire, adds: “I’m very relieved to have made it to the end of my studies! Having got through has given me a strong sense of satisfaction and knowing that I’ve achieved my degree makes me happy. 

“The OU has changed me as a person in that I’m now more focused, and my time management skills have definitely improved. 

“The experience I’ve gained has also been really useful and I’ll be able to put my new-found skills to good use in the future.”

Sam now works for software development company Codify, specialising in bespoke software solutions.