From Cleaning to Psychology: How a Mum of Four Transformed Her Career with Open University

Anna Shellard, a 41-year-old mother of four from Llanedeyrn in Cardiff, is one step closer to her career goals thanks to the Open University. This inspiring story comes as the organisation launches the second phase of its Mumentum campaign, aimed at empowering mums ready to progress in their careers.

After leaving college to raise her family, Anna worked in a cleaning job but yearned for professional opportunities that aligned with her passion for psychology. Inspired by a friend who earned her psychology degree with the Open University, Anna enrolled in an online degree programme. Now in her second year, she balances her studies with motherhood, thanks to the university’s flexible courses and career development resources.

Anna's journey highlights the systematic disadvantages mothers face in the workplace, known as the 'motherhood penalty'. The Open University is tackling these barriers through practical toolkits for both employers and mothers, and by partnering with the Department for Work and Pensions to train career coaches.

Key initiatives include:

• For employers: Strategies to reintegrate mothers into the workforce effectively.
• For mothers: Resources to navigate their return to work confidently.

The OU’s commitment to accessible education is transforming lives, with graduates seeing a 61% increase in earnings. Anna’s story is a testament to the power of flexible learning and the importance of supporting mothers in their professional journeys.