Career/ open uni/ apprenticeship advice needed

[pingpongping]

Hello,

Basically I had previously decided on doing an apprenticeship in something business related and not going to university. There was various reasons to this including the cost and that I wanted to earn a decent amount of money to support myself whilst still learning.

Now, I recently heard about open university and after a few days researching I have concluded that it would be the right path for me. I would want to do a business based course. I would probably do the degree over 3 years although anything up to 4/5 years would not be a problem with me ( You can decide how long you take to do your degree whilst doing it in between modules)


Would an apprenticeship in business and doing a degree in my spare time be do-able and be worth it? Or would it better to get a part time job ( Hopefully something business related) and do the degree at the same time as that?

Does anyone have an experience with open uni?

Thanks guys i'm just a bit confused about what path to take with all of the options that I have.

 

[virtuocity]

Open uni is an expensive but respected method of study. It takes enormous discipline to manage work, life and study successfully.

Out of interest- why do you feel you need a degree? It seems like you know what sector you'd like to work in- what is it? I've never understood why people study degrees like "Business Administration" because on obtaining it you can't immediately command a job with a huge salary- certainly not anymore.

I would bet that you'd get further going into an entry level job within your preferred business sector and working your butt off to get as high up as you can.

 

[Sharktooth]

Business??? Engineering, Engineering and once more Engineering

 

[Doon frae Troon]

To true, keep well away from Business Studies and Media studies. They hand them out like sweeties.

I would go for either bio science, engineering or languages.

 

[blackpuddinmonster]

I did a degree with the OU a few years ago.
I doubt you'll be able to complete one in 3 yrs, (thats basically a full time degree course,) whilst working full time, but then i know nowt about a buisness degree syllabus.
As Virtuocity says you need to get organised. Set a study timetable and stick to it. I was lucky in a way, working long distance meant i had plenty of down time to study with no external distractions to tempt my resolve. Also it was a subject i was interested in, so never seamed a hardship.
It took me five years, but graduation was one of the proudest days of my life, so i might be a bit biased when i say go for it.
At the very least contact them and have a chat about what you hope to achieve from the course.
Good luck in what ever path you choose. :thup:

 

[CMAC]

Engineering with business would be a good option. You can start at the bottom and work your way up but thats risky and certainly not the best advice, a degree will certainly put you in a far superior position in the future.

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Get a trade - engineering will stand you in good stead

Renewable energy would be a very good area to look at

 

[Liverbirdie]

I did a degree with the OU a few years ago.
I doubt you'll be able to complete one in 3 yrs, (thats basically a full time degree course,) whilst working full time, but then i know nowt about a buisness degree syllabus.
As Virtuocity says you need to get organised. Set a study timetable and stick to it. I was lucky in a way, working long distance meant i had plenty of down time to study with no external distractions to tempt my resolve. Also it was a subject i was interested in, so never seamed a hardship.
It took me five years, but graduation was one of the proudest days of my life, so i might be a bit biased when i say go for it.
At the very least contact them and have a chat about what you hope to achieve from the course.
Good luck in what ever path you choose. :thup:

What degree course did you do?

 

[blackpuddinmonster]

What degree course did you do?

Hi LB not ignoring you, been at work.
I did a BSc in Earth Sciences, i believe they call it Natural Sciences now, with an earth science pathway.
I,ve always had an interest in this rock we live on, so really enjoyed the experience, bloody hard work to start with, getting organised and getting the old grey matter working again, but well worth it. I'am still driving a truck, but work/career change wasn't why i did it. I just wanted to know how everything worked a little better.
I've always been a nosey git.

 

[Liverbirdie]

Hi LB not ignoring you, been at work.
I did a BSc in Earth Sciences, i believe they call it Natural Sciences now, with an earth science pathway.
I,ve always had an interest in this rock we live on, so really enjoyed the experience, bloody hard work to start with, getting organised and getting the old grey matter working again, but well worth it. I'am still driving a truck, but work/career change wasn't why i did it. I just wanted to know how everything worked a little better.
I've always been a nosey git.

Very interesting, I don't believe in just getting educated for job prospects,either. People I worked with questioned why I did A levels at night school in Political history and sociology. I did it for enjoyment and to broaden my horizons. I'd love to do a degree but I think it'll have to wait until I retire, to have enough time to do it.

 

[blackpuddinmonster]

Very interesting, I don't believe in just getting educated for job prospects,either. People I worked with questioned why I did A levels at night school in Political history and sociology. I did it for enjoyment and to broaden my horizons. I'd love to do a degree but I think it'll have to wait until I retire, to have enough time to do it.

If you found time to do the A levels LB you'd have plenty to continue with your studies.
Your A levels should also count towards your eventual degree with the OU, through a process they call credit transfer.
To get a degree through the OU you need 360 credits, each module is usually 30/60 credits, and i believe you can take upto 16 yrs to get to 360. THats the beauty of the OU, you can study as hard as you like.
Go for it mate, as you know when you enjoy a subject its not really work. Have a gander at their web site, i bet it tweaks your interest. :thup: