When Natural Sciences student Andy, 54, was made redundant, he was unsure what to expect from the next chapter of his life. With a thirst for new experiences and an open mind about his next career move, Andy embarked on an academic journey with The Open University, never imagining it would take him on the adventure he’d always dreamed of.
Andy shares how OU study helped him to unlock a new career path and grab an unmissable opportunity to support vital research on Earth’s most remote continent.
Planning his next move
When Andy found out his employer was planning to close the site he’d worked at for 10 years, he had some big decisions to make. When weighing up his options, he discovered the OU, but initially had doubts about committing to six years of study.
“I worried that it was too late in my career to make that sort of investment,” Andy remembers. “So I chose a subject that wasn’t directly linked to my job as an electrical engineer. I decided to study Natural Sciences purely out of personal interest.”
Supportive learning
Having gained technical qualifications throughout his career, Andy knew he was capable of learning, but taking on a whole new area of study was daunting. Andy reflects on how he’s managed to adapt.
“I love the way the learning materials are structured. They take you from the very basics to the point of a high level of understanding,” says Andy. “I’m so enthralled by the content that I get excited to move on to the next chapter. The resources are interactive, and you can take it at your own pace.”
Andy adds, “I’ve also had brilliant support from my tutors, I’m so grateful to them for all the help they’ve given me so far.”
Respected by employers
4 years into his OU degree, whilst applying for jobs, Andy spotted an irresistible prospect. British Antarctic Survey (BAS) were looking for an electrical engineer who would have the chance to support their research team in Antarctica.
“I’d always been fascinated by Antarctica and the story of Captain Cook’s failed mission to get there. Apparently, he circumnavigated it! Imagine not being able to find a continent – it must have been the harsh conditions that kept him away,” says Andy.
He wasted no time throwing his hat in the ring and was thrilled to be offered the role.
“I honestly think my OU studies helped me get through that recruitment process – I could feel the focus of the interview change when I mentioned it,” Andy recalls.
“Although I was applying for an engineering role, I could demonstrate through what I’d learned and the course I was taking, that I could take a scientific approach to my work. Not to mention all the other skills you develop through OU study – commitment, self-motivation – it says something about your character. Being an OU student helped open the door.”
Study from the South Pole
Andy’s dream trip became a reality last December when he set off for his first season in Antarctica, where Rothera Research Station would become home for twelve weeks.
“We celebrated the new year of 2024 on the bridge of the RRS Sir David Attenborough – that’s going to take some beating! The last day of the journey was spectacular. I was speechless seeing Antarctica for the first time, getting up at 03:00 for two days in a row, just so I didn’t miss a thing.”
With full days exploring sustainable ways to generate power at Rothera, whilst maintaining and updating the site electrics, Andy still managed to carve out time to study.
“Days were long and there was so much to do, so I would get up very early and get through some of my reading to keep on top of things,” says Andy. “I even did a couple of tutorials from Rothera, you don’t get more flexible than that!”
A great decision
Looking back on the doubts he had about committing to a degree, Andy has no regrets.
“I’m such a big advocate of the OU experience, it was exactly what I needed,” he says. “That’s not to say it’s been easy. OU study is demanding, especially in the run up to a deadline. But still, I often think I could keep studying like this forever.”
Thinking of how far he’s come after facing redundancy and an uncertain future, Andy shares how OU study made a difference.
“Some people would be looking to the end of their career at 54, but I didn’t want that,” he says. “I feel like the OU threw me a lifebelt, it made employers sit up and take notice. I’m so glad I went for it.”
