With a desire to change the world, Nicolle, 32, believes that her Environmental Science degree with The Open University will help her do just that.
Nicolle discovered her passion for sustainability and environmental issues through her role at electricity and gas utility company National Grid, where she has worked for over 10 years.
She says, “National Grid partners with an environmental centre next to a nearby substation where I work and I attended one of their open days. When I came out of the session, I knew what I wanted to study environmental science as it connected with me in such a meaningful way.”
Balancing work and study
Nicolle was introduced to the OU through a close friend who was studying and encouraged her to apply. “I liked that I was able to ask my friend lots of questions about what the OU was like,” Nicolle shares.
“I went to a brick university when I was 19 and did not find this to be an environment that suited me. I knew that I wanted to further my education and really liked that the OU provides the flexibility and variety including Open degrees – which can be tailored around your interests and commitments.
“As The Open University is very self-led it enables you to carve out chunks of time to suit you.”
Nicolle says that she’s received lots of support from her employer, which has made the journey a lot easier.
“I had two field schools I needed to attend as part of my modules, which were a weeklong each. My employer allowed me to carry over more holiday from one year than I would normally be able to, to support me in completing these fields courses, as well as have personal time off.”
She adds, “In my current team I am also starting to get more involved with the environmental work which is supporting with my degree. It’s great to be able to put what I’m learning into practice.”
For other students working alongside their studies, Nicolle suggests being open with employers about the benefits your qualification can bring.
She says, “Be vocal about the fact you are studying and what this enables you to bring to the table – people will start asking you questions about it! I’ve found this also helps you to find more people who are currently studying or have studied in the past.”
A supportive student community
Whilst studying alongside a full-time job doesn’t come without its challenges, Nicolle says it’s just about finding what works for you:
“I study for my degree by using 30 minutes of my lunch break during the week as well as studying after work and on weekends. This is flexible depending on how intensive the weeks are. In the first two years of my degree, some weeks I could just do 30 minutes over lunch and wouldn’t need to do other things at home which helped me to focus on the work more.”
Nicolle also recognises that the OU offers plenty of support for students, which has made a real difference. As she explains, “There are lots of resources such as the student support team which I have nothing but good words to say about. They have been fantastic at answering any questions and concerns I have had as well as providing anything I have needed.
“My personal tutors are also very good and prompt with their feedback. I’ve had the opportunity in the first year to meet with both my tutors and fellow students not too far from where I live. We also have a WhatsApp group to communicate through which I think helps you to feel part of a wider community.”
Going forward
With the flexibility to earn and learn, and a supportive community, Nicolle says she would definitely recommend others to ‘give the OU a go’.
“The Open University is transparent with what the different degree paths will teach you and gives you the ability to drive what you will learn. What is the harm in giving it a go?”
On her own future, Nicolle says, “The environment is a prevalent topic especially over the last six years and I want to be a part of trying to change the world for the better, even in a small way. I believe through doing an Environmental Science degree I can do this. I don’t have a fixed role in mind and am instead focussed on where my interests lie.”
