‘OU study helped me get ahead in my career before I even graduated’

Posted on 12 May 2025 • Business, Student stories

Rather than following the same path to higher education as her peers Jaz, 24, was itching to start work and earn her independence. Still determined to achieve a degree, Jaz discovered The Open University’s flexible distance learning courses and never looked back.

Now a proud Business Management (Marketing) graduate, Jaz shares her thoughts on how learning while earning can give you the edge in a competitive job market.

Carving her own path

Having left school and already secured an intern position with a successful software business, Jaz didn’t want to choose between her career and higher education, so she set about finding a way to do both.

“I was loving my work, so I wanted to learn more about business and marketing,” Jaz remembers. “Most of my friends were physically attending a university and I knew that wouldn’t fit with my job, so I started searching online for other options.”

Finding that she could study for a degree while she was working full-time was a game-changer for Jaz.

“When I came across the OU, I just had to give it a go,” says Jaz. “It was really straightforward to apply and distance learning fitted perfectly with my lifestyle.”

A winning combination

Choosing a course that was relevant to her job kick started Jaz’s career earlier than she could have imagined.

“It was brilliant because I could apply what I was learning to my work straight away,” Jaz explains. “It worked the other way round as well. Often what I was learning on my course resonated because I could relate it to things I’d done at work.”

Impressed by Jaz’s motivation to upskill, her employer was totally on board with her studies.

“Everyone at my company has been super supportive. I’ve been promoted from intern to sales executive, and when I mentioned how much I loved the marketing element of my degree, my manager allowed me to split my role between the sales and marketing departments.”

Jaz adds, “I feel privileged to have had these opportunities before I even graduated. OU study gave me the confidence to present my own ideas and there’s no way I would be working in marketing now if I hadn’t discovered the OU.”

You’re not alone

Juggling work and study wasn’t always easy, but Jaz recognised when it was time to lean into the support on offer.

“At one point, I was really struggling and thought about giving up,” admits Jaz. “I spoke to my tutors, who were so understanding and willing to do anything they could to ease the pressure. The support they gave me was exactly what I needed to push through and get to the finish line.”

Throughout her studies, connecting with other students helped Jaz overcome feelings of self-doubt.

“There’s a whole student community to lift you up when you need it,” says Jaz. “We all helped each other on our What’s App group – that snapped me out of my insecurity and spurred me on – you’re never alone.”

Big plans for the future

After celebrating her graduation at The Barbican last year, Jaz reflects on her OU experience.

“I was so proud of myself at my graduation ceremony – it was an emotional experience.”

Jaz laughs, “I would never have believed this in those moments when I was struggling, but I actually miss studying!”

“I would recommend the OU to anybody. It’s so flexible that whatever your age, educational background or circumstances in life; you’ll be supported all the way – the OU has got you covered.”

Jaz goes on to say, “I’ve been recommending the OU to everyone I know because I really do think anyone can do it!”

Already making strides in business, Jaz has big plans for the future.

“I’m definitely further ahead in my career than I would have been if I’d gone to a campus university. Having the flexibility to study while gaining work experience makes so much sense.”

Jaz adds, “I’m in a great position and I love where I am right now. The dream is to have my own marketing agency in the future, and I think what I learned at the OU will help me get there.”