\u201cI found the OU course simple to follow and well organised. I also had plenty of support from my tutors, which made it possible to manage my degree alongside my GCSEs and A Levels.\u201d<\/p>\n
First trip abroad<\/strong><\/h2>\nEileanoir went on a trip to Spain, which was the first time she had been abroad without her family. Being able to flex her language skills gave her the bug for travelling.<\/p>\n
\u201cSpain was a great experience; as well as beautiful weather, I took part in lots of activities that furthered my language skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cOn returning to Ireland, I knew I wanted to engross myself in other cultures and utilise the languages that I was learning.<\/p>\n
\u201cI started to venture on more trips by myself and have now travelled to over 30 countries, including Brazil, Mexico and Morocco.\u201d<\/p>\n
Transferrable skills<\/strong><\/h2>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Eileanoir-Blair-photo-2-300x225.jpg\")
Eileanoir with her parents at her degree ceremony<\/p><\/div>\n
Eileanoir finished her OU degree at 20 and after obtaining a Masters in Marketing, she landed a prominent position at a business that helps healthcare organisations recruit nurses. Not only does she use her language knowledge every day, but there are also various transferrable skills that have come in handy.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy role is marketing-related, so I\u2019m able to do it online,\u201d commented Eileanoir.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means I can work from anywhere, as long as I have an internet connection, much like studying with the OU. The OU prepared me for working independently \u2013 it made me good at organising my own time and staying focused on the task at hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe worked on a major campaign in Quebec, so my French has been useful, especially as I\u2019m the only person on the team that can speak the language. It\u2019s helped me stand out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve also recently been assigned a leading role in a project to expand job opportunities for Latino immigrants in the US, who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. This wouldn\u2019t have been possible without my Spanish language skills.\u201d<\/p>\n
Plan ahead<\/strong><\/h2>\nFor those that are about to start their studies with the OU or are considering beginning their journey into further education, Eileanoir has some advice.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s always a good idea to have like a list written down so that you have a clear idea of what you need to achieve each day. Things can get messy trying to remember everything.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s also useful to map out the long-term goals, whether it\u2019s deadlines or a career milestone. It\u2019ll keep you focused on the right path. Seeing the bigger picture is really helpful.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s lots of pressure to follow the same path as everyone else, but it\u2019s not the only way. There are so many possibilities, for me the OU was a great option.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe OU has helped me to achieve my career goals and travel to lots of different countries. It\u2019s given me the freedom to make my own decisions.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really glad I pursued these qualifications\u2013 they\u2019ve opened doors for me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Eileanoir with her parents at her degree ceremony<\/p><\/div>\n
Eileanoir finished her OU degree at 20 and after obtaining a Masters in Marketing, she landed a prominent position at a business that helps healthcare organisations recruit nurses. Not only does she use her language knowledge every day, but there are also various transferrable skills that have come in handy.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy role is marketing-related, so I\u2019m able to do it online,\u201d commented Eileanoir.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means I can work from anywhere, as long as I have an internet connection, much like studying with the OU. The OU prepared me for working independently \u2013 it made me good at organising my own time and staying focused on the task at hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe worked on a major campaign in Quebec, so my French has been useful, especially as I\u2019m the only person on the team that can speak the language. It\u2019s helped me stand out.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve also recently been assigned a leading role in a project to expand job opportunities for Latino immigrants in the US, who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. This wouldn\u2019t have been possible without my Spanish language skills.\u201d<\/p>\n