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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Feeling the pressure to conform and take a traditional route through higher education, Joe had offers from several campus universities to choose from.<\/p>\n
\u201cI went to a grammar school, and it was just expected that I\u2019d go off to university like everyone else,\u201d Joe explains. \u201cThe weight of expectation comes from teachers, friends, career advisors \u2013 everyone really. So I went through the motions – it was almost easier to follow what everyone else was doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t until he collected his A level results that a sudden realisation opened his eyes to other options.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn results day, I got the grades I needed for my first-choice university and when I should have been celebrating, I was freaking out,\u201d Joe remembers. \u201cI knew in that moment of panic that I absolutely didn\u2019t want to take up that offer. For the first time, I wasn\u2019t being influenced by anyone else and it was empowering.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d says Joe. \u201cMy thoughts then turned to getting my Psychology degree.\u201d<\/p>\n
By this point, Joe was used to earning a full-time wage and the \u201ctypical student lifestyle\u201d still didn\u2019t appeal to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started to look into ways I could study at the same time as working and that\u2019s when I came across the OU,\u201d Joe remembers. \u201cOnce I delved into how it all works, I realised it was exactly what I was looking for \u2013 the flexibility to study in my own time and fees I could afford \u2013 OU study was the perfect solution!\u201d<\/p>\n
Thrilled to be on course for a career boosting qualification, Joe embraced his studies and found ways to juggle his time.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe course content was accessible and easy to engage with. The textbooks were amazing and the guidance for assignments was so helpful,\u201d Joe reflects. \u201cI squeezed study sessions into breaks during my night shifts and I was feeling positive.\u201d<\/p>\n
The intensity of Joe\u2019s schedule began to take its toll in his second year and self-doubt almost got the better of him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI had a serious wobble \u2013 I thought it was all too much for me and I even questioned whether I wanted to work in mental health,\u201d Joe reveals. \u201cLuckily, 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
With a long list of pros and the only con being Joe\u2019s stress levels, he realised that it was time to lean into the support available to him.<\/p>\n
\u201cI turned to different avenues of support at different times, depending on what was stressing me out,\u201d says Joe. \u201cMy colleagues were a massive help and my family were absolutely incredible. And there\u2019s no way I\u2019d have got through my dissertation without my OU tutor \u2013 she was phenomenal.\u201d<\/p>\n
Having achieved the degree he\u2019d worked so hard for, Joe describes the emotion of reaching his graduation ceremony.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think completing my studies would have felt as rewarding without going through a few challenges along the way \u2013 I learned a lot about myself and the limits I can push myself to,\u201d says Joe. \u201cGraduating with other OU students was such a special experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reflecting on the path he chose after leaving school, Joe has no regrets.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith over four years\u2019 experience in a related field to my degree I\u2019ve already built up a professional network. I have a huge advantage over recent graduates.\u201d<\/p>\n
Joe adds, \u201cI know people who went away to university and are now struggling to find entry level opportunities. The route I took isn\u2019t for the faint-hearted, but it\u2019s really paid off \u2013 I\u2019m in such a brilliant position with my career.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cFocus on the positives<\/strong> \u2013 whether it\u2019s achieving a good grade, being proud of an assignment or bouncing ideas around with a colleague, you\u2019re making progress.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMake a detailed plan<\/strong> \u2013 I found writing assignments challenging, but planning each section and including references made it easier when I came to pull it all together.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhen it\u2019s tough going, have a change of scenery<\/strong> \u2013 staring at the same four walls can get claustrophobic, try getting out of the house to a caf\u00e9 or library. I even took my books to a field on a sunny day, it was so therapeutic.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be afraid to reach out for support<\/strong> \u2013 my tutor was always there for me when I needed support.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTake time to figure out what you want from your career<\/strong> \u2013 OU study is a big commitment; you need to know why you\u2019re doing it.\u201d<\/p>\nInspired by Joe’s story?<\/strong><\/h2>\n