Distance learning: Open University

Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Simon James believes his career prospects are considerably improved by an Open University first-class honours degree in Computing and Digital Communications

Royal Navy Chief Petty Officer Simon James believes his career prospects are considerably improved by an Open University first-class honours degree in Computing and Digital Communications. Having missed out on opportunities by not going to university 22 years ago, his new Bachelor of Science degree will open doors for him in the future.

‘I enjoy my job and the challenges that working in the modern Royal Navy poses,’ he says. ‘I am the command system maintainer and a departmental group co-coordinator onboard HMS York. Studying with the OU has enabled me to realise a life goal, but I have to admit that having the opportunity to maintain high-profile weapon equipment is very rewarding.’

Married with a four-year-old son, James finds that juggling family life, work and studying can be exhausting. Because OU study is delivered by distance learning, it provides a solution for those Service staff wanting to study at degree level.

‘I manage a highly trained and well-motivated team, and I am responsible for control of manpower and resources. Time management became a key factor in achieving my degree. Long periods of intense activity were balanced with spells of little activity, giving me the chance to catch up. He found ‘the Royal Navy very supportive of members striving to improve their skills. My department has done everything possible to facilitate my education, everything from use of ship’s communications equipment to the use of an officer’s sleeping cabin for the exam.’

His studies have boosted his confidence, strengthened his RN training and even improved his work. For the future he has ‘spent the last couple of years as a part-time GCSE and NAMET maths teacher onboard. This really has opened my eyes to a career in education, especially within the computer and communications field. The obvious choice would be for me to continue a career in engineering but that is dependent upon the job market. One key advantage I know I have is the range of skills and experience my career in the Service has given me. This, coupled with my honours degree, should make me an attractive candidate for plenty of work.’

You have to believe it when James says he would recommend studying with the OU to his friends and family. Hot on his heels is his wife, who is halfway though her OU degree. The distance learning bug is clearly catching. How about you?