Becoming a “Proper Scientist”: How Joanne Studied Her Way into a Scientific Career

“I never really felt like a ‘proper scientist’,” Joanne from Antrim admits.  

Coming from an administrative background in the civil service, she had worked her way into a scientific role with the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. But despite the new title, Joanne often felt she lacked the deeper scientific knowledge needed to progress further. 

Now, after completing a BSc in Environmental Science with The Open University, Joanne says studying flexibly alongside full-time work has transformed both her career and her confidence. 

The 41-year-old celebrated that achievement when she graduated in Dublin, crossing the stage at Croke Park, a milestone that marks years of determination balancing study, work and family life. 

Joanne had moved into a Scientific Officer role within the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, a step up made possible because she had studied biology at A-Level. But she knew that if she wanted to progress further, she needed a stronger scientific foundation. 

“I was only able to get the job because I did biology for A-Level. I had no other scientific experience and I knew I would need more to progress in my career,” she explains. 

Determined to build her expertise without stepping away from work, Joanne enrolled on an Environmental Science degree with The Open University. With a full-time job, family commitments, responsibilities as a Boys Brigade leader and involvement in a choir, traditional university study simply wasn’t realistic. 

“Flexibility was vital to me when choosing where to study because I have such a busy schedule it wouldn’t have been possible to fit studying in at the same time every week,” she says. 

The absence of fixed lecture hours made all the difference. Joanne typically worked from 7.30am to 3.30pm and would often stay logged on after work for a few extra hours of study. During busier weeks, Saturday mornings became dedicated catch-up time. 

One of her favourite places to study was along the shores of Lough Neagh. Armed with her laptop and a coffee, she would sit by the water, away from household distractions.  

“Being out of the house, free from distraction, was the best way for me to get things done,” she says. 

Studying this way meant Joanne could continue working full-time while steadily building her scientific knowledge, module by module. The flexible structure meant she didn’t have to reduce her hours or step away from her career, a crucial factor in making higher education achievable. 

Her hard work quickly began to pay off. After completing her OU Certificate of Higher Education in Environment, Joanne secured a promotion to Higher Scientific Officer in 2024, an early sign that the effort she was putting into her studies was already opening new doors. With her full degree, she is awaiting the outcome of another application to move further up the ranks. 

“My ambition was to move up in my current job, and without the OU I wouldn’t have been eligible to do this,” she says. 

Beyond career progression, the degree has transformed how Joanne sees herself.  

“As I came from an admin background, I never really felt like a ‘proper scientist.’ Having studied environmental science, I have a new confidence in myself at work that I do know what I’m talking about.” 

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. That understanding helped her continue during an incredibly difficult time, 

Joanne now reflects on the journey with pride. Completing each module has been a milestone, strengthening 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.