Joanne Gilmore, a 41-year-old from Antrim, shares her inspiring journey of studying environmental science with The Open University while working full-time.
Joanne Gilmore, a 41-year-old from Antrim, always felt like an outsider in the world of science. Despite her administrative background in the civil service, she found herself in a scientific role with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. However, she knew she needed more than just a title to truly belong in this field.
Her journey to becoming a confident environmental scientist began with a decision to study flexibly. Joanne enrolled in a BSc in Environmental Science with The Open University, a choice that would change her life both professionally and personally.
Balancing Work, Family, and Study
Joanne’s life was already busy with a full-time job, family commitments, and responsibilities as a Boys Brigade leader. Traditional university study was simply not an option for her. The flexibility offered by The Open University was a game-changer.
With no fixed lecture hours, Joanne could study at her own pace. She would often work from 7.30am to 3.30pm and then log on for a few extra hours of study. On busier weeks, Saturday mornings became her dedicated catch-up time. One of her favorite study spots was along the shores of Lough Neagh where she could focus away from household distractions.
The Power of Flexible Learning
The flexible structure of her degree allowed Joanne to continue working full-time while steadily building her scientific knowledge. She completed each module one at a time, making her education achievable without reducing her work hours.
Her hard work quickly paid off. After completing her OU Certificate of Higher Education in Environment, Joanne secured a promotion to Higher Scientific Officer in 2026. This was an early sign that her studies were opening new doors for her career.
A Newfound Confidence
Beyond career progression, Joanne’s degree transformed how she saw herself. As someone who came from an administrative background, she never really felt like a ‘proper scientist.’ However, studying environmental science gave her a new confidence in her abilities.
‘Having studied environmental science, I have a new confidence in myself at work that I do know what I’m talking about,’ Joanne says. Her ambition to move up in her current job was made possible by her studies with The Open University.
Support throughout her studies also proved invaluable. During her first year, Joanne’s mum sadly passed away. Her tutor reached out with guidance and reassurance, reminding her that extensions and support were available if she needed them. This understanding helped her continue during an incredibly difficult time.
Joanne now reflects on her journey with pride. Completing each module was a milestone that strengthened not only her qualifications but also her confidence and belief in what she can achieve.
For Joanne, studying wasn’t just about career progression. It was about proving to herself that she belonged in the world of science. And with the right flexibility, support, and determination, she has done exactly that.
