Industry Advisers
The OU School for Life programme utilises our friendly and far-reaching OU network and provides Advisers across many industries. View PDF
The School for Life team are building a series of online resources offering guidance on topics such as CV writing, interview techniques, how to source internships and other careers and networking materials.
We are always looking for more content to support the OU community and, if you have some useful advice to share, we would be keen to feature this within our online library. Email [email protected]
Internships & Planning Ahead
Thinking about a vocational internship or general work experience next summer?
Anna Champion (L 95), Head of Early Careers and Group Coaching at Jardine Matheson, shares some sound advice:. View PDF
And, if you would like some help fine tuning your CV and/or preparing for interviews, the OU team will be pleased to put you in touch with a School for Life Adviser who can offer some guidance. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Sourcing Internships
Securing an internship can prove challenging and it can be a highly competitive environment. Researching the programmes available and applying in plenty of time, to more than one company, is essential for success. We have provided a list of links to various opportunities which might provide a useful starting point.
And, if you would like some help fine tuning your CV and/or preparing for interviews, the OU team will be pleased to put you in touch with a School for Life Adviser who can offer some guidance. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Working in the Charity Sector / International Aid
A career in humanitarianism, working with a charity or NGO is an aspiration for many, but sometimes the aspiration doesn’t match the reality. By reading Francesca Moorhead’s (J 12) e-book, written with Friends of Médecins Sans Frontière (MSF) Manchester, you’ll be able to decide if it’s the right path for you. The roadmap covers:
- The realities of working with MSF – is it really for you?
- MSF’s history, principles and what makes them different?
- Role based advice, including role descriptions, specific skills and the essential experiences required to apply
- An exclusive Q+A with MSF’s Cara Brooks on volunteering and working overseas
- Career portfolios from MSF employees to inspire you on your next steps
- Resources to help you prepare for your role
- FAQs
This must-read guide forms a personal action plan to help you ascertain the next steps towards your future career
The e-book can be accessed here and please feel free to share it with friends and colleagues.
Effective Career Preparation
It's not always easy finding the right career - there are so many factors to consider like your lifestyle, personality and interests, all of which can inform your career choice and how happy you will be with it down the line.
We are pleased to share a presentation by Tom Moffatt (L 84) providing some crucial pointers. View PDF
Regardless of whether you’re fresh out of university or perhaps considering a career change, giving your career choice serious consideration can make a big difference in your overall feeling of success and happiness in life.
Wellness for Busy Professionals
A few top tips on looking after yourself and what to focus on to promote your health and wellness. View PDF
Effective Pitching for Entrepreneurs
Chris Bunney (LH 72) has a wealth of experience mentoring and coaching entrepreneurs through his work with University of Cambridge, Judge Business School, as a Business Coach and Mentor and as former Director of the Accelerate Cambridge programme. He is pleased to share some general tips on pitching with the group. View PDF
Interviews with OU Entrepreneurs
The annual OU magazine includes a regular feature on 'OUs Making Waves in Business' where we are proud to showcase OU entrepreneurial businesses and include interviews on the secrets of success.
Jack (Fgh 02) and Harry (Hf 04) Mayhew share their experiences and offer valuable tips on crowd funding and fill us in on their entrepreneurial journey since launching Ember Snacks in 2017. |
James Averdieck (F 79) shares his experiences of setting up his first business Gü Puds and turning the idea into the well-known brand we all know and love. He also shares his inspiration for The Coconut Collaborative, a range of plant-based yogurts which he launched in 2014 and has gone on to be a global success. |
Sir Charles Dunstone (LH 78), Executive Chairman of TalkTalk Telecom, former chairman of the electronics retailer, Dixons Carphone, and knighted for services to industry and philanthropy in 2012 heads up the feature. Sir Charles was pleased to share his insights into life as an entrepreneur. |
We interviewed Claire Spencer-Churchill |
