Our staff stories

Education is a gateway to realising new opportunities and the Open University provides a fantastic platform to enable this.

The most enjoyable part is seeing the students flourish and develop both in their knowledge and understanding of the learning material and their growth and development as an individual.

What is especially rewarding for me is being able to bring some of my practical experience of financial markets into discussions with students.

I will start by saying that I know how challenging and rewarding studying at the OU is, as I did it for four years as an undergraduate, followed by a year out and then another four years for my MBA.

Learning with apprentices and students from across the business spectrum is always interesting, rewarding and fulfilling. I learn so much from the variety of their work roles, the diversity of the organisations they work for and above all, am inspired by their ability to balance challenging work demands with home life and studies.

I like the diversity and the depth of talent we get to work with. Students and colleagues come from such a broad range of situations and backgrounds.

What I cherish most about my time with the OU is the flexibility it offered, allowing me to pursue my degrees while maintaining a full-time job.

Why OU – I wanted the opportunity to develop my business knowledge further.

I studied for my qualifications part-time whilst working and bringing up a family, and so I have a natural affinity with the OU and its learners. As well as teaching at the OU more latterly I have also studied at the OU, and so I have experienced both sides!

Abigail enjoys teaching at the OU and particularly loves witnessing students’ growth, knowing she’s contributing to their personal and professional development.