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Category: Student stories

Student Kevin Odhiambo Onyango studying

“I’m studying so I can set up my own environmental consultancy”

Proud Open University student Kevin Odhiambo Onyango lives in Kenya and is studying for his MSc in Environmental Management – in preparation for setting up his own environmental consultancy firm. He shares how OU study has changed his life so far. “I am finding my experience of being an international OU student very exciting because […]

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OU student Craig shares his experience in microcredentials.

“The OU microcredentials are so good that I’m on my fourth!”

Craig Finnie first dipped his toe into the OU microcredentials waters in 2020 and says these short courses were such a great opportunity to upskill that he’s now done four – all via the OU’s social learning platform, FutureLearn. They’ve even helped him to land a new job.  With two distance learning undergraduate degrees under […]

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Young graduate Bryan completed his OU Business degree aged 18

‘I’ve always loved to learn’ says graduate who started degree aged 16

Audit professional Bryan Steinauer credits his Open University Business Management degree – which he began at the age of 16 – with landing him where he is today. He’s working for one of the global ‘big four’ accountancies, where he’s on track to become a Swiss Certified Public Accountant (CPA). “My Open University studies have […]

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Nursing Sister and OU student Karen

‘I had twins during my studies but still achieved my degree – and a new role!’

Karen Gitau was already working as an Enrolled Nurse when she began her Open University journey. She knew her BSc Open Degree would help her progress in her career – and she was right. She is proud to now be working as a successful Nursing Sister and Practice Manager in South Africa where she lives. […]

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Open University Nursing Apprentice Paul shares his innovative buddying system

‘Your first career doesn’t have to be your final one’

Paul Gardner-Smith has just completed his Open University Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship as part of a drastic career change from secondary school teacher to nurse. He’s now living his dream career as a Registered Nurse and has already created an inspired ‘buddy’ system to support the next generation of nursing apprentices. As part of Paul’s […]

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OU Law student Steven is an advocate for disability rights

‘I’m advocating for the rights and equality of people with disabilities’

Steven Sutherland from Kilbarchan near Glasgow is on a mission to create positive change for the disabled community. An established disability rights advocate and former member of the Scottish Youth Parliament, 27-year-old Steven is now studying a Bachelor of Laws Honours degree with The Open University. He’s determined to use his qualification to progress in […]

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From the Invictus Games to a coaching career

From the Invictus Games to a coaching career

Former Royal Marine Peter Dunning was playing wheelchair rugby at the Invictus Games 2018 when a fellow UK Team member told him about The Open University’s Disabled Veterans’ Scholarships Fund (DVSF). He successfully applied and before he knew it, Peter was embarking on a BSc Sport, Fitness and Coaching degree – something which has always […]

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‘I want to inspire future generations, like the OU did for me’

‘I want to inspire future generations, like the OU did for me’

When Hadiyyah Matsell started her OU journey she was a single mum with a love of science but no means of achieving her goal. After deciding ‘it’s now or never’, she began studying with the OU and life has never been the same. Hadiyyah recently graduated with BSc (Hons) Degree in Natural Sciences and has […]

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“I’m using what I’ve learned every day of my working life”

“I’m using what I’ve learned every day of my working life”

Dawn Stewart is deputy ward manager at a busy mental health facility in Cambridgeshire. Having already gained a Master’s degree with The Open University, Dawn recently returned, adding Non-Medical Prescribing to her OU qualifications. This time around, Dawn had more hurdles to overcome – continuing to study, work in nursing, and care for her children […]

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Alison shares how a short course from the OU and FutureLearn helped her level up at work

“I use the skills I developed through the microcredential every day at work!”

When Alison McLachlan began learning online during lockdown, she had no idea she’d be applying her new skills so quickly at work. She signed up for an Open University (OU) microcredential short course via the OU’s social learning platform, FutureLearn, while on furlough, but was back at work before she knew it, juggling her career […]

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