The Open University

Georgina Hawkins, Employer Engagement Manager

Age is no barrier for employers

17 May 2023

Do you feel you’ve left it too late to change career? Or perhaps you worry your youth and lack of experience might be an issue. I’m Georgina, an Employer Engagement Manager here at the OU, and students highlight ‘age’ at nearly every employer event we host, especially those who feel too old to change career […]

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 […]

Victoria, Marta, and Alex: When you connect with employers, unexpected things happen

1 March 2022

“I thought it would be great to visit for the day. I was unaware of the placements before the Insight Day but the team there actively encouraged us to apply. Initially, I didn’t feel ready for a 12-month placement, but I ended up applying for three projects and got invited to interview for two, despite […]

What’s it like to work in the FinTech industry?

14 December 2021

Still discovering where your OU study may take you or are you already exploring career pathways? Ever thought about the rapidly-expanding world of the technology-driven innovative financial sector, or ‘FinTech’ for short? We asked the NatWest Rapid Cash‘s CEO, Julie Ashmore Dann, to give us the low-down on careers in this exciting growth sector: Find […]

Help this elf achieve their goals

29 November 2021

Last year you helped our elf friend Clover Figgy decide on a career change based on their skills, experience, values, and passions. Clover followed their heart, swapping the elf workshop for the classroom and embarking on a programme of teacher training. Clover’s now looking to apply for their first teaching role but feeling a little […]

Josh, Valeria, and Marianne: 3 ways to intern your own way

15 March 2021

Paid internships are a great way to boost your skills and experience or get a taste for a new sector or role – but how do you fit it around your busy life and study commitments? We helped three OU students -Josh, Valeria, and Marianne- do internships in ways that suited them. Josh’s two-week internship […]

Open Door On Abstract Starry Sky Background

Happy New You – where will 2021 take your career?

22 December 2020

The new year is a great time to make a fresh start. Whilst you’re kicking bad habits, on a healthier diet and exercising again, why not give your career plans a workout? We’re all hoping this will be a better year, but you can make your own good fortune with the right mindset. A ‘Planned […]

How OU student Marianne created her own tailored work experience

9 October 2020

I am a mum of three young children, and I have never had a career. The Open University has opened many doors and has made my career choice possible and given me so much confidence to pursue environmental engineering. Marianne, BSc Environmental Sciences student Marianne knew that her goal to become an Environmental Engineer would […]

How to succeed in uncertain times

29 September 2020

Unsure how to plan your future in these changing times? There may be uncertainty but change also brings opportunities. Learn to recognise them and come out on top with these practical tips and resources based on the latest career theories. 1. Go with the flow The ‘Chaos theory of careers’ says changes, both small and […]

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 […]

The burning career questions of summer 2020

28 August 2020

The summer of 2020 has certainly been like no other. It’s been challenging for everyone in different ways, with people continuing to face various situations. Don’t forget Careers and Employability Services are here to help. We’ve been hearing your concerns about the effect the pandemic on jobs and recruitment, but also the more usual summer […]

Job Seeking Navigation Pack

21 August 2020

Looking for work and need help? We’re hearing this from many OU students and alumni in these challenging times, so we’ve put together this Job Seeking Navigation Pack. It brings together the resources you need to set you on your way. 1. Map out your journey Every journey starts with a single step, but it’s […]

OU graduate Stuart at graduation ceremony

You worked for your qualification, now we’ll help it work for you

12 August 2020

Since graduating, the OU Careers and Employability Services helped me to achieve fantastic rewards twice in quick succession. Stuart, OU Graduate Have you completed your OU qualification? Are you looking for advice or support with putting your studies into ‘career action’ like OU graduate Stuart was? Our 10-minute webinar The Journey Continues could be that […]

Spring clean your CV

16 March 2020

The days are getting longer and Spring is in the air, so what better time to dust off your CV to review your skills, make that fresh start or take the next step in your career? We’ve got everything you need. An OU student recently said about our CV support: My adviser was brilliant. She […]

Where will you meet your future?

20 February 2020

OU law student Alexander was working in his retail job when a chance conversation with a customer – who happened to be a solicitor – kick-started his legal career. He said: I was looking for work experience and was not getting anywhere due to the highly competitive nature of law. The OU’s Careers and Employability […]

Careers stories

Category: Jobs, internships and work experience