Krishangi completed her Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree with The Open University at just 18, making her the youngest OU student to gain a first-class law degree.
Now at 20 years old, Krishangi shares how studying flexibly with the OU helped her land a job at an international law firm, where she’s realising her dream of becoming a lawyer.
“I completed my GCSEs at an international school close to where I live in West Bengal. I was 15 when I finished my exams and was keen to begin studying at a higher education level without taking A Levels,” says Krishangi.
“As I had studied British qualifications, I was keen to complete my degree at a university in the UK. However, at only 15, I didn’t want to move away from my parents and younger sister.
“My family and I are also lucky enough to travel a lot, so I needed a study option that I could take with me on our adventures around the world.
“This is when I found out about the OU – it ticked all the boxes. I could utilise the open entry policy so I could start a degree without A Levels, I’d be studying at a UK university, where I could remain living at home and carry on travelling with my family.
“There was no other university that offered me everything that I needed.”
So that she could study at a full-time pace and complete her degree in three years, Krishangi found study methods that kept her on track.
“Supported distance learning suited the way I learn. I could mould my days how I liked. Although the OU provided a general idea of how to shape our studies, the power was in my hands to create a schedule that worked for me.
“I also found that it helped to be clear about what I wanted to achieve. Set yourself a standard that you’d like to reach, for me, it was a distinction, and remain focused on your goal – use it as your driving force. Know what you want your future to look like. The OU will give you all the tools you need to make it happen.
“As I entered my second year and the work increased in intensity, I knew I needed to knuckle down. I made sure my laptop was only used for studying and kept other devices for fun things, which I would make sure were well away from my desk. Removing distractions definitely helped.”
With exciting plans ahead, Krishangi has already started working in the industry and is getting closer to becoming a qualified lawyer.
“I chose to study law because I wanted a degree that would give me a breadth of transferrable knowledge. I didn’t realise that I’d be gaining the valuable skills that the OU taught me, from self-discipline to organisation; getting a degree from the OU helped me to secure a remote role in Singapore.
“I’ve been working full-time since I graduated and am now finishing the qualifications needed to become a qualified lawyer.
“My next step will be to finalise my specialism. I’m hoping to become a lawyer for businesses and private clients, helping them with important documents like wills and probate.
“As an international student, the OU has been incredibly supportive throughout my entire study journey. I’ve always felt like I’ve been a part of the student community and found it easy to make friends. It wasn’t just me who was studying from a country outside of the UK; my study buddy was from Russia!
“The OU kickstarted my degree, and for anyone else considering beginning studies with the OU, I’d say embrace the opportunity. It’s been one of the best decisions of my life and I am grateful for the path it’s created.”
Krishang's story was originally published on OU news, read the original article.