Counting on a new career path

Aisling's journey is one of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfilment. Aisling currently works as a Pharmacy Technician in a community pharmacy in Co. Clare. She graduated with an OU BSc in Mathematics in October 2023.

After excelling in school, Aisling went to college to pursue her passion for maths. In her third year, Aisling encountered a period of self-doubt and decided to leave college. Aisling utilised this time outside academia to gain work experience and learned some invaluable life lessons. Aisling reflects, "This was a difficult time where I had little confidence in myself... but, that time in 'the real world' definitely taught me life-skills that were sorely needed."

When Aisling felt ready to return to study, she sought a flexible and accessible path back to higher education. The Open University provided her with precisely that opportunity, offering part-time study options that fitted seamlessly with her work commitments. “Attending a traditional university didn’t seem possible at the time.”

Aisling pursued her OU Maths degree primarily for career advancement, aiming to transition from her job as a pharmacy technician to an accounting role. Aisling adds that the degree was “also for personal interest in my subject and the sense of achievement that completing an undergraduate degree has brought.” Summer breaks were eagerly anticipated each year, but yet by September I was always more than ready and excited to start up again, especially when a big sack of new books would arrive in the post!”

Aisling found attending in-person tutorials in Dublin uplifting, allowing her to bond with fellow OU students. Another highlight was making the OU’s 2021 University Challenge team. “Although we unfortunately didn’t make it to the televised competition, I really enjoyed the application process and getting to practice with the team.”

Aisling valued the OU’s high quality teaching materials and resources. She also found great support from her tutors, OU student services and the IT desk.

To any student who is struggling and thinking of giving up, Aisling has some words of advice. She emphasises the importance of seeking help early and prioritising well-being over academic pressures.

“I have been in the same position, though not while studying with the OU, but with a traditional university. The biggest two things are, to ask for help as soon as you can. The sooner you realise you are falling behind and look for help, the easier it will be to get back on track. Staff and tutors are there to help, at least in my experience, and a lot of students will struggle at some point. People will help you if they know you need it.”

“The other thing is that if you are thinking of giving up, it might be worth taking a break or considering if this is the right time for study. Health and happiness are more important than your grades or what expectations you or others may have for you, and there is nothing wrong with deciding to take a step back and allowing yourself to focus on yourself. If it takes an extra year to earn your qualification, or if you get a slightly lower grade than you planned, maybe that’s not actually as important as you thought.”

Supported by her loving family and the flexibility of the Open University, Aisling navigated through various life changes while staying committed to her studies.

“My family, my parents and two siblings, have been my number one biggest support over the years, and they know that there have been times where I really struggled to keep going and finish out the course. They are the ones I relied on to support me and get me back on track when needed. So, I hope they are proud of me and know that I couldn’t have done it without them.”

“I moved houses and jobs several times during studying, but that really shows the benefit of the OU. It made no difference whether I was in Dublin or anywhere else in the country, studying was always the same, and the flexibility meant I had one less thing to worry about when moving or job-hunting. I could always adapt my routines to fit in around everything else.”

Now, on the brink of a new chapter in her life, Aisling is hoping to develop a new career path. “I’m currently studying towards a professional qualification in accounting, so I’m hoping to make the change and start working in that area soon. I don’t see myself as an ambitious person, but during my study with the OU I think I’ve grown up and into myself. I know now what I want in life, nothing really special, but just enough to keep myself and my family well and happy. And I’m hoping that my degree from the OU is going to help me get to that.”

Aisling’s journey exemplifies the power of perseverance and the transformative potential of education.