Ramadan Mubarak! Time to reflect and plan, whatever your beliefs

Posted on 20 March 2024 • Career planning

The sacred month of Ramadan is not just spiritual reflection, charity and fasting for Muslims; it’s also an opportunity for people of all backgrounds and beliefs to step back, review and plan for your future. For OU students and recent alumni, the 3-minute careers check-in and intelligent, automated Navigate Your Future activity pathway are structured ways to help you do just that.

My non-Muslim friends have always enjoyed pitching in for a day or two of fasting during Ramadan to see what it’s like. It made fasting much more enjoyable for teenage me in school, but, surprising for them, Ramadan also focuses heavily on deeper personal understanding and self-development. It’s a time for the bigger picture and making important decisions. Some of my learnings during my years of observing Ramadan might help your career development. It’s my invitation to join me during Ramadan in reflecting on your future too:

Time management

Altered schedules and fasting during daylight hours, helps you learn how to optimise time, prioritise tasks and maximise productivity. These skills are invaluable to employers. Find out more about maximising your skills.

Discipline and self-control

Resisting temptation and maintaining focus despite hunger and fatigue takes a lot of willpower. This shows you can stay composed under pressure, make rational decisions, and persevere in the face of challenges, things employers value. Make sure you recognise your skills and demonstrate what you have to offer.

Reach out for help when you need it

Knowing when, how and who to ask for help goes hand-in-hand with self-reliance. Networking for your career is an investment in your future, and remember, during your studies and for three years after, the Careers and Employability Services are here to help you successfully transition to career confident alumni.

Empathy and compassion

Muslims give za’kat (2.5% of their saved wealth) to charity every Ramadan and are encouraged to partake in events and volunteering to build their understanding and get involved in the community. The motivation is charitable, but a positive benefit is the skills you develop through volunteering.

Cultural awareness and inclusivity

Ramadan enables people to learn about different cultures, traditions and religious practices. Learning how to embrace diversity helps you contribute to building equality and diversity in the workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and talents.

Reflection can build confidence

If you use this time to assess your actions, behaviours, goals and strive for personal growth and improvement to build your future with career confidence.

By taking this month to really focus on yourself, I hope that you can enhance your employability, advance your career and make meaningful contributions to developing yourself. Your Careers and Employability Services will always be here to support you.

Regardless of whether you are practicing, I invite all of you to join me to celebrate the joyous month of Ramadan. With our lives being so busy it’s crucial to devote time to yourself. May this time bring you the space to reflect and bring you peace in your future – wherever it may take you.

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