An informal guide to pursuing your passion

Posted on 23 May 2024 • Career planning, Jobs, internships and work experience

OU study opens an incredible number of possibilities and opportunities. But while students are busy balancing their studies with their home and work lives, they often find themselves carefully skirting around the big question: What is my passion? We can help you dare to dream and build your confidence to realise your passion.

Reflection

Take time to reflect on your interests, values, strengths, and experiences. What makes you lose track of time? What ignites your curiosity? Consider your past and moments when you felt fully engaged in something.

Explore diverse experiences

Step out of your comfort zone and explore a wide range of experiences. Try volunteer work, internships, and work experience – whether they align with your work or expose you to new fields. Every experience offers valuable lessons and can spark unexpected interests.

Inspiration

Inspiration can come from various sources, such as books, podcasts, mentors, and role models. Have a read of real-life student careers stories and make sure you book one of our upcoming events to hear from our team, employers and get excellent advice. Try networking to gain insights from industry professional and fellow students.

Experiment and adapt

Don’t be afraid to experiment, try new things and work on your employability skills development. Take on challenges out of your comfort zone and sample different interests and skills. Be open to failure and setbacks, as they provide valuable learning opportunities

Set goals and take your next step

Once you’ve identified your passion, a good place to start thinking about your goals is the 3-minute careers check-in. Then, work out your next steps using the Navigate Your Future tool. Every small step brings you closer to realising your passion.

Everyone in the Careers and Employability Services team wants to ensure that your university experience leads to your academic, personal and professional development. Our team and services are always here to help you through your qualification and for three years after.