‘You’re not just improving your career prospects, you’re learning about yourself at the same time’

Posted on 9 September 2025 • Society and politics, Student stories

Working towards a degree was something Jack, 28, always assumed was in his future. After leaving school, Jack set off for a campus university but with no financial support to lean on, soon found it unsustainable. When a housemate told him about The Open University’s flexible courses, Jack couldn’t wait to dive in.

Now a proud Politics, Philosophy and Economics graduate, Jack shares why he thinks OU study is the perfect solution for young people who need to earn while they learn.

Study that fits around life

Finding it impossible to fit a fixed, in-person timetable around his full-time job, Jack had a difficult decision to make at the end of his first year of university.

“I always thought of myself as someone who would complete a degree, but the higher education system is skewed towards those with financial support,” explains Jack. “I really didn’t want to give up on university, but with rent and bills to pay, I needed to work more hours than I could fit around my lectures.”

Accepting his situation, Jack searched for opportunities to move out of the retail sector and build up his work experience.

“I worked for a green energy company for a while and then in customer service, but I wasn’t stimulated mentally,” Jack remembers. “Then someone in my house share told me about her OU experience – she had the freedom to give her all to her job and still pursue a passion for learning – that really appealed to me.”

Taking the leap

Inspired by his housemate, Jack decided to embark on his own OU journey.

“Seeing someone else doing it and how they managed to incorporate a degree course into their working life, showed me it could be done,” says Jack.

Keen to encourage others to take the leap, Jack reflects on why OU study worked for him.

“It’s flexible in so many ways. The main thing for me was being able to achieve a degree while working full time, but the way the courses are structured also make it a great way to learn,” says Jack. “Being able to pick the modules you’re most interested in, keeps you invested.”

Jack adds, “I think finding a subject you love is crucial because it’s not easy to study for a degree in your spare time. It’s a real test of how much you want it, so be sure of your motivations before you start.”

Developing new skills

Gaining confidence in his ability to juggle work and study, Jack started to think about his next career move.

“I was looking for a role with societal impact and I was drawn to the civil service,” Jack remembers.

Navigating a rigorous recruitment process, Jack was grateful for the skills he’d developed through OU study.

“The application and interview were centred around competencies and behaviours, which gave me plenty of opportunities to showcase what I’d learned from studying independently,” Jack reflects. “I would say that studying at the OU definitely helped me get the analyst job I wanted and set me on a new career path.”

Pushing through

Starting a new job while facing into his final year, there were times when Jack needed to dig deep.

“There were a few months where I was on residential training courses for work and I was trying to complete my TMAs at the same time – that was tough,” Jack admits. “But I had to remind myself how far I’d come and give it that final push.”

Celebrating with his family and thousands of fellow graduates at his degree ceremony, Jack took the opportunity to look back on everything he’d achieved.

“It was a fantastic experience. I worked very hard to get there and for a period of time after leaving university the first time, I didn’t think I was ever going to get a degree,” says Jack.

“With the OU, you’re not just improving your career prospects, you’re learning about yourself at the same time. I have no doubt this degree will open doors for me in the future, and it’s already driven me forward professionally.”