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Category: Jobs, internships and work experience

Take control of your job search: channel your inner mole

Feeling like your job search has you fumbling around in the dark? It might be time to channel your inner mole. Dig down – informational interviewing is one of the quickest ways to get real‑world insight into roles you’re curious about. Use it to uncover what a job actually involves, the skills employers value, and […]

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Find an internship: your bridge between study and work

“My internship has been a positive and enriching experience. It has helped me develop a range of skills, including organisation, communication, teamwork, and creativity, and apply them in my new full-time role.” Jenifer, OU intern Impactful work experience or an internship can help you build a bridge between study and work, connecting your knowledge with […]

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Succeed by letting go of your “dream career” – James’ story

“it kind of stopped my career… it’s like if you wanted to be a footballer but suddenly breaking your leg and not able to fulfil your dreams anymore…” For OU student James, being a helicopter pilot was the dream job that he’d always been “dead set” on. But then, due to medical reasons, his flying […]

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Tourette’s and your career

Moving from university to employment as a neurodivergent student can feel daunting, especially for those with conditions like Tourette’s Syndrome (TS). TS is a neurodevelopmental condition that involves involuntary tics, which can affect daily life and influence career choices. Although it can present challenges, many people with TS — including musicians Lewis Capaldi, Billie Eilish […]

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Gain professional connections and real-world experience like OU student intern Rebecca

“Did you think that internships were just about observation? Mine at The Open University is teaching me what it means to contribute, not just watch.” Rebecca, OU Legal Research Intern Get impactful work experience to help kick‑start or progress your career and make a meaningful contribution. Law graduate Rebecca is now looking for professional opportunities […]

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Strengthen your job-hunting skills

Watch this introduction to Gradcracker, one of the UK’s leading platforms for early career opportunities. In the video, Gradcracker Marketing Director Jessica shows how it can help you discover different career pathways and make informed career choices. Gradcracker is a great place to explore the labour market. Make sure you read our OU Labour Market […]

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Module choice and your career: what actually matters to employers

Choosing your modules can feel like a huge decision and many people wonder whether picking the wrong ones closes doors. The good news is that for most careers, specific module choices matter far less than you think. Explore more about what employers want in a range of industries; watch the CareersFest 2025 sector-focused employer panel sessions. What employers actually look at […]

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3 top tips to get ahead using AI

Many of you will likely have heard of generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) and the effect it is having on the world, including career planning and job-seeking. Our practical online workshops GenAI: level up your career will take you through how you can harness its power in planning your future. Here are three top tips in using GenAI to the max in […]

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Shape your career and the OU – with an OU Virtual Internship

Intern student Alice shares how Finding meaningful work experience to support your career development can be an important step in your career journey. If you’re a current or recent OU student (who graduated up to 3 years ago) looking for work experience opportunities, then The Open University (OU)’s Virtual Internship Scheme could be for you.  You may be wondering what you’ll gain. Benefits of virtual internships can include increasing confidence, providing flexibility, finding a […]

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Get into international development using UNICEF Manager Utty’s top tips

Utonnwa (Utty) Akinlaja, Resourcing Manager at UNICEF, shares her top tips for starting a career in international development. Follow UNICEF on the OU’s OpportunityHub to keep up to date with opportunities in the organisation. Discover skills, career opportunities and potential employers in Environment and Development and how to build your work experience to prepare for a career move. Improve your networking skills and if you’re considering working abroad, check out our international job search […]

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Explore a world of career opportunities with your psychology qualification, like Amanda and Anne

Amanda moved from working as a Learning Support Assistant to become a Remote Children’s Wellbeing Practitioner. Anne was an administrator in a drug and alcohol service and is now a Counselling Psychologist in Training. Both studied an OU Psychology degree and worked closer to their goals via sideways moves as they studied. Explore the wide […]

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Digital internships – OU students share the benefits

Open University students Helen, Emma and Antonina completed internships with Marketing Advisers for Schools (and DES digital platform) and share why they recommend an internship as a way to progress your career. They developed their skills, from communication to problem solving and taking initiative, and put what they learned from OU studies into practice. Explore […]

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Find your way in job seeking

Looking for work and need help? This job seeking pack brings together the resources you need to achieve your goals. 1. Map out your journey Every journey starts with a single step, but it’s good to know where you’re heading. Before diving straight into applications, take time to review where you are currently and where […]

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Work towards your dream job, even if it doesn’t exist yet

Thinking about what to do after graduating? Maybe you’re wondering what the job market will be like in 5 years? How will the growth of artificial intelligence affect you? Your dream job might not even exist yet so how can you plan for it and what skills will you need? Here’s some tips from OU […]

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Diversity matters in financial advice – new voices are reshaping the profession

St. James’s Place Financial Adviser Academy is working to challenge outdated perceptions and build a more inclusive pipeline of future advisers. Explore St. James’s Place’s current opportunities. Since its launch, the Academy has supported over 1,800 individuals into advice roles and continues to attract candidates from all walks of life, including career changers, returners, and […]

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