{"id":7044,"date":"2023-05-17T12:52:02","date_gmt":"2023-05-17T11:52:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/careers\/?p=7044"},"modified":"2023-06-19T12:57:00","modified_gmt":"2023-06-19T11:57:00","slug":"age-is-no-barrier-for-employers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/careers\/?p=7044","title":{"rendered":"Age is no barrier for employers"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Do you feel you\u2019ve left it too late to change career? Or perhaps you worry your youth and lack of experience might be an issue. I\u2019m Georgina, an Employer Engagement Manager here at the OU<\/strong>, and students highlight \u2018age\u2019 at nearly every employer event we host, especially those who feel too old to change career or progress in their field of interest. The employers I work with are always surprised, because age is not a barrier for a career in their organisation.<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a>\u201cHere at the Environment Agency we\u2019re interested in why you feel you\u2019re a good fit for the role and how your experiences have equipped you with the skills and qualities we\u2019re looking for.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

Recruiter Sandra Mackenzie, who joined the Environment Agency (EA) aged 48<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Many OU students, young and experienced alike, have the qualities employers value, and you are no exception. Employers tell me how much they value the experience OU students can bring, as well as the dedication and resilience gained through study. Whatever your age or career readiness stage, we\u2019ll help you build your future with career confidence<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/em>Never too old\u2026<\/strong><\/p>\n

At 57, am I too old to be accepted for a full-time role?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The skills and life experience of more mature OU students are highly valued by employers \u2013 and there is a skills gap employers are tryin\"\"<\/a>g to fill. The UK government is encouraging retired people over 50 to return to work to help revive the economy.<\/p>\n

\u201cAge shouldn’t be seen as a barrier. I just think age is something that is rich with experience and I believe in studying right through life, so we’re always upskilling ourselves,\u201d <\/em>says Dr Fiona Pienaar, Senior Clinical Advisor at Mental Health Innovations.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Have a look at our advice about age and employment<\/a> and listen to our \u2018Age is just a Number\u2019 podcast<\/a> for further reassurance. Recent research shows, however, that only 16% of the over-50s are active on LinkedIn, so make sure you\u2019re not missing out and maximise your opportunities with our LinkedIn guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2026and youth is not a barrier either<\/strong><\/p>\n

I\u2019m 21 and don’t have any proper work experience. Would I be better getting some work experience before applying?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cWe welcome candidates of all ages who can clearly explain what they have to offer,\u201d <\/em>says the EA\u2019s Sandra McKenzie. Don\u2019t forget to take stock of and learn how to present all your current strengths and skills<\/a>, including those you\u2019re gaining from OU study. However, work experience<\/a> is something that can be useful whether you\u2019re just at the start of your career or planning to move into a new sector. Our Work Experience Matters<\/a> recorded webinar is a good introduction, followed by our free OpenLearn course on Internships and other work experiences<\/a>. You can also find internships<\/a> and get inspiration from other OU student interns\u2019 stories on OpportunityHub.<\/p>\n

Employers value current and recent OU students<\/strong><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t just take it from us, or even from employers. One OU graduate comments:<\/p>\n

Being a new graduate makes me feel young in some ways, despite my real age. It gives me faith that I can organise myself well, deal with setbacks productively, and balance work, study and leisure in a sensible way. Probably the thing I am proudest of is that it shows a willingness to learn, grow and move forward, and I think employers recognise that.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

And remember, whatever your age and experience, you can book an individual careers consultation<\/a> with our friendly and professionally qualified team.<\/p>\n

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\"\"<\/a>Georgina Hawkins is the Employer Engagement Manager for STEM within the OU\u2019s Careers and Employability Services. She connects OU students to opportunities via OpportunityHub, as well as organising employer events. Over the past 5 years she has built up more than 170 employer relationships and hosted multiple events. Georgina really enjoys creating opportunities to bring students and employers together.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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\"\"Julie Emery is a Development Coordinator in the OU\u2019s Careers and Employability Services. She 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.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Careers and Employability Services<\/a><\/h5>\n