Returning to STEM

Welcome to the free badged course, Returning to STEM. This course is here to help you get back to work in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. The course is intended for anyone who wants to get back into STEM work after having a break, whether to care for family, because of redundancy or for other reasons.

Watch the following video in which Dr Sue Black OBE introduces the course.

There are case study videos placed throughout the course to show you how other people have navigated their own unconventional careers. Importantly, you will hear about how they have got back to STEM employment after a career break.

Enrolling on the course will give you the opportunity to earn an Open University digital badge. Badges are not accredited by The Open University but they're a great way to demonstrate your interest in the subject and commitment to your career, and to provide evidence of continuing professional development.

Once you are signed in, you can manage your digital badges online from My OpenLearn. In addition, you can download and print your OpenLearn Statement of Participation – which also displays your Open University badge.

Course learning outcomes

After completing this course you will be able to:

• identify key experiences and attributes, and know how to use online tools effectively to be visible
• identify long-term goals and create an action plan and CV to achieve these
• know about future trends in STEM employment and where to find STEM jobs online
• identify mentors and networks that can help with returning to work
• understand work–life balance solutions and know more about different types of flexible and agile working.

Course content

• Introduction and guidance
• Week 1: The story so far
• Week 2: Presenting yourself
• Week 3: What’s going on in your sector?
• Week 4: New ways of working
• Week 5: Work-life balance
• Week 6: Getting support
• Week 7: Finding your STEM opportunity
• Week 8: Planning your next steps

Welcome to the free badged course Returning to STEM. This course is here to help you get back to work in science, technology, engineering or mathematics, and is intended for anyone who wants to get back into STEM work after having a break, whether to care for family or because of redundancy or other reasons.

The course lasts 8 weeks, with approximately 3 hours’ study time each week. You can work through the course at your own pace, so if you have more time one week there is no problem with pushing on to complete another week’s study.

Each week will include reading, videos and activities. Some will be individual activities in which you will spend time thinking about your own life and experiences, researching a topic or finding information online.

There are also several points in the course where you will need to either reflect on your experience or write other notes. It’s up to you how you keep your notes; for example, online or using a notebook of some sort.

Every week ends with an interactive quizzes, of which Weeks 4 and 8 will provide you with an opportunity to earn a badge to demonstrate your new skills. You can read more on how to study the course and about badges in the next sections.

After completing this course you will be able to:

• identify key experiences and attributes, and know how to use online tools effectively to be visible
• identify long-term goals and create an action plan and CV to achieve these
• know about future trends in STEM employment and where to find STEM jobs online
• be able to identify mentors and networks that can help with returning to work
• understand work–life balance solutions and know more about different types of flexible and agile working.

Certificate of completion

Digital certificate - Included