‘I chose OU study when I left school, and it’s fast-tracked my career’

Posted on 10 July 2024 • Student stories

On A level results day Psychology graduate Joe, 22, had a lightbulb moment that changed the course of his future. When he finally listened to his heart, Joe carved his own path towards the career he yearned for and has never looked back.

Now an assistant psychologist in a mental health hospital, Joe shares how working alongside Open University study has fast-tracked his career and given him an advantage over his peers.

Bucking the trend

Feeling the pressure to conform and take a traditional route through higher education, Joe had offers from several campus universities to choose from.

“I went to a grammar school, and it was just expected that I’d go off to university like everyone else,” Joe explains. “The weight of expectation comes from teachers, friends, career advisors – everyone really. So I went through the motions – it was almost easier to follow what everyone else was doing.”

It wasn’t until he collected his A level results that a sudden realisation opened his eyes to other options.

“On results day, I got the grades I needed for my first-choice university and when I should have been celebrating, I was freaking out,” Joe remembers. “I knew in that moment of panic that I absolutely didn’t want to take up that offer. For the first time, I wasn’t being influenced by anyone else and it was empowering.”

Dipping a toe

Leaning towards a career in mental health, Joe set about gaining some work experience in the field and landed a job as a support worker.

“I wanted to make sure that I was moving in the right direction before I made any major decisions but as time went on, I knew I was where I wanted to be,” says Joe. “My thoughts then turned to getting my Psychology degree.”

By this point, Joe was used to earning a full-time wage and the “typical student lifestyle” still didn’t appeal to him.

“I started to look into ways I could study at the same time as working and that’s when I came across the OU,” Joe remembers. “Once I delved into how it all works, I realised it was exactly what I was looking for – the flexibility to study in my own time and fees I could afford – OU study was the perfect solution!”

Ups and downs

Thrilled to be on course for a career boosting qualification, Joe embraced his studies and found ways to juggle his time.

“The course content was accessible and easy to engage with. The textbooks were amazing and the guidance for assignments was so helpful,” Joe reflects. “I squeezed study sessions into breaks during my night shifts and I was feeling positive.”

The intensity of Joe’s schedule began to take its toll in his second year and self-doubt almost got the better of him.

“I had a serious wobble – I thought it was all too much for me and I even questioned whether I wanted to work in mental health,” Joe reveals. “Luckily, I had someone at work I could talk to, and they encouraged me to write a list of pros and cons. That simple advice really helped me to find perspective.”

With a long list of pros and the only con being Joe’s stress levels, he realised that it was time to lean into the support available to him.

“I turned to different avenues of support at different times, depending on what was stressing me out,” says Joe. “My colleagues were a massive help and my family were absolutely incredible. And there’s no way I’d have got through my dissertation without my OU tutor – she was phenomenal.”

Celebrating success

Having achieved the degree he’d worked so hard for, Joe describes the emotion of reaching his graduation ceremony.

“I don’t think completing my studies would have felt as rewarding without going through a few challenges along the way – I learned a lot about myself and the limits I can push myself to,” says Joe. “Graduating with other OU students was such a special experience.”

Reflecting on the path he chose after leaving school, Joe has no regrets.

“With over four years’ experience in a related field to my degree I’ve already built up a professional network. I have a huge advantage over recent graduates.”

Joe adds, “I know people who went away to university and are now struggling to find entry level opportunities. The route I took isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s really paid off – I’m in such a brilliant position with my career.”

Joe’s top tips for OU study

“Focus on the positives – whether it’s achieving a good grade, being proud of an assignment or bouncing ideas around with a colleague, you’re making progress.”

“Make a detailed plan – I found writing assignments challenging, but planning each section and including references made it easier when I came to pull it all together.”

“When it’s tough going, have a change of scenery – staring at the same four walls can get claustrophobic, try getting out of the house to a café or library. I even took my books to a field on a sunny day, it was so therapeutic.”

“Don’t be afraid to reach out for support – my tutor was always there for me when I needed support.”

“Take time to figure out what you want from your career – OU study is a big commitment; you need to know why you’re doing it.”

Inspired by Joe’s story?

Step into your future with the support of the OU. Register before 5 September for courses starting this October and discover what you’re capable of.