The Open University

OU student Karen is studying to grow her health coaching business

‘I turned my blogging hobby into a business’ says OU student entrepreneur

14 November 2022

When Karen Oliver, 31, lost her job due to illness, she turned her health blog into a coaching business to support those struggling with eating disorders. She’s now studying Psychology part-time with The Open University and says the support she’s received as a busy entrepreneur and single parent is taking her business to the next […]

Could you be an entrepreneur in 2023?

11 November 2022

Open University students have turned their hobbies into successful businesses with the support of the OU – and so could you. If you already have a side hustle or a great business idea, 2023 could be the year you turn it into a reality. And the OU has resources and support on hand to help […]

‘An OU degree gives you the opportunity to work around the world’

1 November 2022

When choosing her next step after college, Talia from South Africa says The Open University was the perfect fit. Now a proud graduate, 22-year-old Talia is using the skills she developed through her BSc (Honours) Open degree to get ahead in her consultancy career. “I look at where I am in my life at 22 […]

‘My OU MBA has given me a voice’ says charity CEO

27 October 2022

Maria, 54, is the CEO of sustainable clothing charity TRAID and credits her Open University MBA qualification with helping her boost her career even further. She’s now focused on using her skills to encourage the next generation of CEOs to champion environmental issues. Maria shares her story so far: “I went to a comprehensive school […]

From Army veteran to space scientist

3 October 2022

When Open University graduate Ian Muirhead isn’t searching for moons and exoplanets, he’s inspiring the next generation of space scientists to reach for the stars. It’s a career he never dreamed possible when he left school at 15 without any qualifications. Over 20 years’ on and Ian tells us he couldn’t be happier making the […]

“We wanted to find an easy way for other OU students to make friends with each other”

2 October 2022

The October Study Challenge The October Study Challenge is the brainchild of three OU students who wanted to help connect new and existing students via a series of fun challenges on Instagram – and this year it’s set to be bigger and better. In 2021, The Open University collaborated with three OU students, Sam, Annette, and […]

International Development graduate Kieran

Career or qualifications? Chase both, says globetrotting consultant

26 September 2022

When Kieran Griffin dropped out of college at 16, he never imagined he would carve out an international career supporting communities around the world. Or that he could achieve it all while also gaining a degree with The Open University. After completing his International Studies degree while globe-trotting, Kieran, now 28, shares his story so […]

‘I thought I’d lose my mind to grief, then I found the OU’

5 September 2022

In the summer of 2016, Helen’s life changed overnight after the sudden loss of her husband of 31 years. Three months later, feeling lost and looking for a bolthole, Helen started a Classical Studies degree at The Open University. For Helen, what began as a distraction during the most turbulent time in her life became […]

‘Designing is the dream – my degree will make it a reality’

30 August 2022

Business owner Mica always felt held back by her lack of qualifications. Now part-way through a Design & Innovation degree with The Open University, Mica says her confidence has sky-rocketed and she’s closer to achieving her dream of becoming a product designer. “Not having a degree was always in the back of my mind,” says […]

“I’m working smarter than ever thanks to my MBA”

22 August 2022

Nestlé Germany employee Janina Bethscheider knew The Open University was the only choice for her when it came to studying for her MBA. Not only did the OU offer a triple-accredited qualification, but it also happened to be where her dad had achieved his own MBA when she was at high school. Janina says she […]

OU News

Category: Student stories