Small business owner uses online course to grow his business
For Jason, the idea of going to university felt like stepping into unknown territory. It had been decades since he last sat in a classroom. But as a small business owner, he knew that completing a uni course would open doors for his career and future.
Jason had a wealth of hands-on work–and life–experience under his belt, but without any higher education experience, making the pivotal decision to enrol in the Introductory Psychology course brought on nerves and self-doubt.
"I hadn’t gone to university before, and it’s been a long time since I was at high school".
The big question was: Were there university offerings out there that he could do in his own time?
The answer: Yes.
Uni, your way
When he discovered he could complete the psychology course entirely online with the university of his choice through Open Universities Australia, as well as work around his own schedule and have support every step of the way from student advisors, he started to realise this was the right path for him.
In fact, he was surprised at just how easy it was to get started, and how seamlessly it fit into his life. “The process itself of getting started was really easy to get on board with. There were opportunities to attend lectures and tutorials live...if life kind of got in the way, then I could always circle back and watch the recording.”
The nerves of starting something new
Like many people returning to study as a mature-aged student, Jason had plenty of questions: How will I balance work and study? Will I be able to keep up? Do I belong in this world of university learning?
But with every challenge came a moment of validation, and with every small achievement his doubts started to fade. Submitting his first assignment, getting encouraging feedback, receiving advice and support from an Open Universities Australia student advisor, seeing his knowledge grow and applying that to his work in real time.
These moments reassured him he was on the right path and helped him realise–university really is for everybody at any stage in life.
A degree that aligns with his passion
Jason's decision to study a degree in psychological science wasn’t random. It was deeply connected to his work and interests. "A lot of the decision to go down the path of getting a degree in psychological science was based on the type of work that I’m doing," he says.
As a business agility coach and trainer, understanding people is at the core of what he does. His studies aren’t just about adding a qualification to his name. They are about refining and adding to the skills he already uses every day; a stepping stone to new opportunities, greater credibility, and a deeper understanding of the work he loves, paving the way for success and happiness in his future.
From nervous new student, to hitting his stride
Now, Jason is excited about what’s ahead. "I wanted to take the next step," he says. And with Open Universities Australia, he’s proving to himself that he can.
If you’ve ever wondered whether university is for you–no matter your background, age, or experience–Jason’s story is proof that it’s never too late. He’s advice: “It's better to get started than to not have tried it at all.”
The journey starts with one step–book a call with a student advisor to find out what your options are.
