The Open University

Shortcuts to success: career planning for busy people

20 April 2022

Struggling to find time to plan your career? Don’t put it off any longer – fulfil your ambitions with the OU’s quick and easy careers guides, exercises, templates, and links. I’m Catrin, and I’m an OU Careers and Employability Consultant who supports students and graduates like you to work towards their goals. My 6 quick […]

Juliet Andrew Orji, Client Services Manager for Employers for Carers

Employers want carers – and here’s why

22 March 2022

Are you an OU student and combining your studies with being a carer? If so, perhaps you’re starting to discover career options that fit in with your caring responsibilities, or exploring pathways to specific career goals. You may even be ready to start applying for opportunities. Start discovering where OU study might take you with […]

Dungeons, dragons… and discover your role in life

2 March 2022

Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a game where you roleplay a unique character in an imaginary world full of monsters, magic, and mischief. Jack from OU Careers and Employability Services is a big enthusiast, and he thinks D&D could teach us to unlock new pathways: “D&D could give you a creative way to imagine your […]

Reflect first, Explore second and Decide third

Thinking about a career change? Your journey starts here

27 May 2021

Whether it’s a conscious decision or caused by unexpected circumstances, making a career change can feel daunting. So where do you start? Step 1: Self-reflection Take time to discover your skills and qualities and match them to potential careers. This is the first step to achieving your goals. Discovering your career interests means finding out […]

Career Planning for your dream job if you don’t know what it is yet

27 November 2020

Career planning can be daunting if you can’t decide what to aim for or you want to keep your options open. You might be confused or skeptical about planning out your future. Well, career plans are meant to be flexible. Even if you don’t have a ‘dream job’, planning for the unplanned is still useful. […]

Supercharge your CV with volunteering experience

10 September 2020

Do you have the skills you need to succeed? Upskilling your portfolio with volunteering could be just what you’re looking for. Volunteering is a great way to gain additional skills that graduate employers want, give your confidence a boost, and have fun whilst making a difference. Volunteering can also help you network and build up […]

Careers consultant Penny wearing the six different hats

How to break the career decision deadlock

13 August 2020

Stuck in a rut with a career decision? Not sure what module to study next as a result? Whatever your dilemma, OU Careers Consultant Penny Beecroft has a trick up her sleeve which can help you decide. “Students often come to me when facing a difficult career decision. I usually recommend getting a more rounded […]

Not a 9 to 5 person? A portfolio career might work for you

31 January 2020

It took me a while to realise that when you do something you enjoy, the career that follows will be a fulfilling one. Is the same old way of working getting you down? Want to put all your various skills to work? Fancy fitting work around your own personal rhythm? A portfolio career might be […]