From Kildare to Berlin: Isabelle’s Journey of Discovery

Growing up in Ireland, Isabelle completed her Leaving Cert and graduated in 2018 with a degree in English Studies.  She spent a few years working before deciding to pivot towards psychology, enrolling in the OU’s MSc in 2022. “The OU gave me this really unique opportunity to continue working while also studying, something I really wanted.” she says.  “It allowed me to advance my career and personal interests while travelling and working.” 

Now Head of Customer Relationship Management at a Berlin based fintech startup, Isabelle emphasises how the analytical skills gained from her psychology studies have been invaluable in her marketing career. “Marketing today is so numbers-driven, and you really need the ability to analyse data and conduct research.  My MSc gave me that framework of analytical thinking, which is essential in tech nowadays,” she explains. 

Isabelle’s decision to study with the OU was influenced by a recommendation from a friend and the course’s accreditation by both the British Psychological Society and the Psychological Society of Ireland.  She was drawn to the flexibility of the program, which allowed her to study remotely while travelling through Southeast Asia.  “I left my job last December and travelled through Asia for five months while completing my dissertation.  The key was coworking spaces with consistent internet, though Thailand’s solar flares did mess with the Wi-Fi at times!” 

Despite juggling work, travel, and study, Isabelle maintained a strict routine.  “I would study every morning before work and for 10 hours every weekend.  When deadlines approached, I’d take study leave or use holidays,” she shares.  “At times, the workload was intense, but I systematically worked through it, and setting up personal calls with my tutors was a big help.” 

One of the highlights of her studies was conducting research for her dissertation on habit change, which involved participants from across Europe.  “It was such a lovely experience to connect with people from different locations and hear their personal stories,” she recalls. 

While Isabelle encountered challenges, particularly in adjusting from a humanities background to the scientific method of psychology, she triumphed by the end of the course.  “I think the moment I got a first in a Tutor Marked Assignment was a huge personal victory for me.” 

Looking back, Isabelle credits the OU with transforming her thinking and helping her realise her personal limits.  “The shift from a humanities perspective to a more scientific way of understanding of the world has been profound.  And I learned that I can’t work all the time, I needed to draw boundaries, which has been an important life lesson.” 

For those considering studying while working, Isabelle offers a piece of advice: “If you’re good at working independently and want to advance your career without giving up your job, the OU is a fantastic option.” 

From Kildare to Berlin and beyond, Isabelle’s journey with The Open University showcases the transformative power of flexible, supported distance learning in shaping both career and personal growth.