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‘Crab-ify’ your career

Posted on • Career planning

‘Carcinisation’ refers to the scientific observation that several different species of non-crab keep evolving into crabs independently of each other. Does this mean that crabs are the ultimate form and end point of natural history? If so, should we start embracing the crab-life now? Here are 4 ways you can get ahead of evolution and ‘crab-ify’ your career today.

Diverse specialists

The crab form is so popular in evolution because it specialises in the areas it lives. Crabs share skills transferrable across the ocean floor. However, there’s also a lot of crab diversity – in size, colour, and more. Humans are just as different, and employers value the experiences and perspectives of the wide range of people who take on OU study.

As an OU student, you have strengths and experience from not only study, but life and work experience too. Audit your skills in Careers and Employability Services’ Employability Skills page. We also have a page for you to discover the different types of Your Skills and Qualities.

If you want become a specialist but aren’t sure where to start, take a look at career matchmaking tool or careers with your study subject for inspiration.

Don’t be afraid to step sideways

There’s often a pressure to move forwards towards a defined goal, but careers advisors also endorse a ‘planned happenstance’ approach. This means going with the flow and embracing any opportunities that come by, including lateral career moves.

Our Developing Your Career pages can help you manage your career progression in an ongoing way, whether you’re starting, staying, or leaving a job.

Considering a change? Indecision can keep you frozen, so keep moving with the help of our Career Decision Making Resources. Remember, you only need to meet 70% of a job description. We can help you Understand Job Adverts and Analyse Potential Jobs to see if you’re a match.

Durable under pressure

Where crabs have a squat exoskeleton, you’ll need to Develop Your Career Resilience to navigate the tides of your career, and manage change and uncertainty.

Low confidence can keep you from making goals and taking opportunities. Visit our Build Your Future With Career Confidence pages for key resources and practical activities to help you plan for the future, present your skills, and feel confident in the workplace.

Snap up opportunities

Personify those pincers by grabbing opportunities where you can. You’ll find a variety of sources and strategies on our Job Seeking page. Log into OpportunityHub for the latest job, volunteering, and work experience vacancies from employers eager to meet OU students.

Plan your evolution

The truth is, carcinisation only happens in crustaceans. Scientists don’t think humans will evolve into crabs. Your career evolution is yours to plan out. That might sound daunting, but our structured activity pathway can help you take your next steps and progress towards your goals at your own pace.

OU Careers and Employability Services
Headshot of Jack Renshaw, author.Jack Renshaw is a Development Coordinator in the OU’s Careers and Employability Services. He supports careers-related activity both within the service and across the University, helping students to achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential. Explore the rest of our blog for more articles from your careers team.