“The OU gave me the second chance I’d been looking for,” says gym owner turned solicitor

Posted on 21 May 2025 • Law, Student stories

As Helen from Stoke-on-Trent approached her 40s, she felt it was time for a change. Even though she already had an arts degree and was running a successful gym with her sister, she’d always wished she’d pursued a career in law. The Open University (OU) allowed her to fit studies around other commitments and having achieved a Bachelor of Law degree, she’s now an apprentice solicitor.

“I’d always done okay at school but just felt a bit directionless,” said Helen. “Like so many, I got swept up in the notion that I needed to go to a campus university at 18. I ended up doing an arts degree and after graduating got various generic jobs that paid the bills but never ignited my passion.

“In my 30s, I opened a gym with my sister. It was a fulfilling chapter and although I enjoyed running my own business, I’d always wanted to pursue a career in law.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the business had to temporarily close because of lockdown, I had a moment of reflection. With my big birthday fast approaching, it felt like now or never to make my dreams a reality.

“I discovered the OU, which gave me the second chance I’d been looking for.”

Managing her time

Once the restrictions were lifted, Helen was studying alongside a busy work schedule. The OU’s flexibility made it possible to progress with her degree while running a successful business.

“I was working odd hours at the gym, usually early mornings and late at night, with a few hours free in the middle of the day. I needed a course where I didn’t have to commit to specific times – the OU was perfect.

“I could access tutorials when it was convenient to me and study at my own pace.

“Studying with the OU never felt like an overwhelming change. I always felt supported and gradually progressed to more challenging material year-on-year.

“Once I was nearing the end of my qualification, I felt ready to enter the profession and landed myself a job as a paralegal in my final year of study.”

Change for the better

With a first-class degree under her belt, Helen was able to take strides in her career and is now on her way to becoming a qualified solicitor.

“My employer was so impressed with what I’d achieved at the OU that they agreed to fund the next part of my studies.

“I now work in family law, which utilises the skills that were strengthened through my degree, such as being analytical, organised and a strong advocate for others.

“I’m much more confident and most importantly, fulfilled. I’ve finally found the career for me and really relish my role. I wouldn’t be in this job without the OU; I wouldn’t have even been able to apply for it.

“Just because you’ve been doing something for a long time, doesn’t mean it has to be your future. With the OU, you can take charge of your destiny. It’s never too late to make a change.”

If you’re looking for a new direction, register by 11 September for courses starting in October.