How OU student Andrew learned to taste success

Posted on 27 September 2024 • Discover

‘With the OU you can grow academically and professionally at the same time’ – OU News

Skills development is built into every OU students’ journey, in module activities, managing your study time and in our regular live skills workshops. Andrew developed his incredible chocolate business alongside studying at the OU. Here he shares some insights into the skills he developed and what he looks for in potential candidates.

1. Initiative and the drive to keep learning

Employability skills are important for all students to learn. They’ll help you make connections between your study, personal development and other activities to showcase your capability in your chosen career. Here Andrew talks about developing valuable skills:

“Anyone who can demonstrate independence, autonomy and good time management has an advantage…I undoubtedly developed those skills throughout my studies.”

Looking to audit your employability skills? Your Career Planning Guide has an activity that can help you evaluate your strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement.

2. Nurturing your confidence to boost your other skills

Confidence is a skill like any other – something that needs dedicated time and effort to grow. Building your confidence will help you recognise and nurture your other skills as you learn from every challenge that you overcome. Andrew talks about his confidence as a skill that grew over his years of study:

“I could feel myself becoming stronger, more confident and more capable with every year of study. I didn’t have to wait to use those skills – I could apply them immediately.”

3. Communication and collaboration harness the power of words

Communication and collaboration skills are the building blocks of every relationship – including the ones you’ll have in your career. Andrew remembers a stand-out module, which still helps him navigate his personal and professional interactions:

“It [the module] unlocked the wonder and power that words can wield…It had a profound impact on me and influences the way I communicate to this day.”

Communication and collaboration skills are key to building professional contacts that can give you new insights and may lead to new opportunities. Check out our networking pages for everything from conversation starters to contacting employers.

Just as you adapt the way you communicate in different situations; it is important to tailor job applications to each role you apply for. We have a host of resources on CVs, applications and interviews to help you communicate your unique value effectively.

Read more about Andrew’s inspiring OU and professional journey.