‘It’s like having a cheat code’: how an Open University degree helped Kianna get ahead

Posted on 30 July 2026 • Student stories

After leaving school, Kianna was facing a familiar choice: go to university or stay focused on her career. Everything felt like a compromise – until her mum encouraged her to consider The Open University.

Now a proud Business Management graduate, Kianna, 25, shares how she was able to stay local, progress into leadership roles and save thousands compared to friends her age.

“Being able to learn whilst earning, it’s definitely accelerated me a lot faster than other graduates that I know,” she shares.

“The Open University has changed my life massively. If you told me three years ago, I genuinely couldn’t believe that I’m here in this place and position right now.”

University that works around you

Choosing the OU meant Kianna could shape her studies around what mattered most to her.

“I knew that I wanted to stay at home so that I could be close to my family and friends and continue working. I was able to achieve things, but also while still having a life and a social life.

“The OU is just so great because it allows you to work where you don’t have set lessons. I felt very much in control of when I needed to study and what I needed to do.”

Getting ahead while studying

“Throughout university, I’ve always worked in menswear and recently started a new role as a supervisor,” explains Kianna.

She says that combining work and study has given her an edge and impressed employers along the way.

“Employers can look at my CV and see I’ve worked while studying. A lot of employers like that. It’s gone down a hit, I’ll be honest!

“My managers like the way I run the team and my leadership and I say to them, ‘this is all from university!’ It’s good as I can use the theories and skills that I’ve learned studying Business Management to help me lead a team. It’s kind of like having a cheat code.”

Saving on student debt

Keeping costs down and not taking on too much debt was also a huge plus for Kianna.

“I would have not been able to learn to drive or afford a car if I went to a brick university,” she says.

“I didn’t need to take out a maintenance loan and now I’m only having to pay back my course fees. I still have the same level and grade of education as my peers, it’s just that they’re at least £30,000 more in debt than I am.”

Kianna hopes more young people will consider the benefits of online learning.

“I’d definitely recommend OU study to other young people, especially with how things are with the cost of living. It should be more heavily considered because my student loan compared to others is ridiculously cheaper.

“Like, my student loan is only around £20,000, some of my mates are £70,000 in debt.”

Support and student community

Before starting, Kianna admits she was unsure whether she’d miss out on the traditional student experience – a myth she’s keen to dispel:

“Being a younger student, I was a little worried at first, but there are lots of social groups and clubs to join.

“Student support groups are also available through the University. It’s a brilliant way of meeting others. If you’re looking to socialise, there’s still plenty of opportunities to make friends at the OU.

“In terms of the quality of education I’ve received, it’s been great. The tutors are on hand to help if you need additional support and will often hang back after a tutorial to encourage questions.”

Staying local also meant she could remain close to her support network.

“I was still close to my family and my friends here. It was nice to not actually have to go away and leave everything behind.”

‘I’d do it all over again’

Looking back, Kianna knows studying flexibly with the OU was the right path for her.

“If I had the opportunity, like I’d do it all over again,” she shares.

And for anyone else weighing up their options, Kianna’s message is simple:

“Anybody who is considering studying, I would definitely recommend it. With the OU, you have that flexibility. I didn’t have to relocate. I could stay in the same job and just study. It was so easy. Like it really took off that stress and that pressure.”

Inspired by Kianna’s story?
Discover what you could achieve – explore the OU’s career-boosting, flexible courses. Register by 10 September to start studying in October 2026.