Omar Jagana

A photo of Omar Jagana, who completed two microcredentials with the OUWhilst working at a global financial services company, Omar Jagana, based in East Renfrewshire, has undertaken two courses with The Open University (OU) in Scotland; a leadership and management microcredential, and a software development microcredential.

Offering a mixture of structured learning and practical application, Omar, an Agility Lead for the company, says: “The flexibility of the Open University's online learning format allowed me to balance my professional commitments with my studies, which was particularly valuable given my busy schedule. 

“The courses were well-structured and accessible, with a clear progression of topics that made complex subjects easier to grasp.”

He adds: “One of the things I enjoyed most about the courses was the practical focus. 

“For example, in the software development course, the hands-on labs and real-world scenarios provided me with direct experience in applying what I learned, making the material more engaging and relevant.

“Similarly, the leadership management course offered actionable insights into leading teams and managing projects, which I could immediately implement in my workplace.”

Support during studies

The sense of community, even in an online setting, was another highlight.”

Feeling well-supported by the OU during his studies, Omar comments: “The tutors were knowledgeable and responsive, providing timely feedback and guidance whenever I needed it. 

“The sense of community, even in an online setting, was another highlight. Engaging with fellow students through discussion forums enriched the learning experience, offering diverse perspectives and practical tips.”

He says: “The range of courses available is diverse, and the support systems in place ensure that you’re never alone in your learning journey. 

“It’s an invaluable institution for personal and professional development, and I’m grateful for the opportunities it has provided me.”

OU a 'critical' resource

The knowledge he gained from the software development course has been directly applied to his company’s cloud infrastructure projects and resulted in improved service delivery and cost savings. 

And the leadership and management microcredential has supported him to implement agile practices – leading to more streamlined project management, improved productivity, faster delivery, and enhanced team collaboration.

The OU provides accessible, flexible options that cater to working professionals.”

“The OU is a fantastic resource for anyone looking to upskill or reskill,” Omar adds. 

“Its commitment to accessibility and lifelong learning means that anyone, regardless of their background or current commitments, can find opportunities to advance their knowledge and career.”

“In today’s rapidly changing job market, staying relevant requires continuous learning, and the OU provides accessible, flexible options that cater to working professionals,” he comments. 

“Whether someone is looking to advance in their current field or pivot to a new one, the Open University's courses offer practical, up-to-date knowledge that can be immediately applied in the workplace, making them a critical resource for career development.”

Enhanced career prospects 

Following the completion of both courses, Omar says: “My studies have significantly enhanced my career prospects by equipping me with in-demand skills. 

“The software development certification, for example, has not only boosted my technical expertise but also made me more competitive in the job market, opening up opportunities for roles that require cloud computing knowledge. 

My studies have significantly enhanced my career prospects by equipping me with in-demand skills.”

“The leadership training has positioned me as a more effective leader.”

Keen to continue his studies with the OU in Scotland, he shares: “I’m particularly interested in courses related to cybersecurity and data science, as these areas are increasingly relevant to my role and the broader industry.”

To anyone thinking about upskilling with the OU in Scotland, Omar says: “I would highly recommend it. 

“The OU provides a flexible, high-quality learning experience that is well-suited for anyone looking to advance their career while balancing other commitments.

“The courses are designed to be practical and relevant, with immediate applicability to the workplace. Plus, the support from tutors and the online community makes the journey manageable and rewarding.

“If you're serious about upskilling, the OU is an excellent choice,” he concluded.

Discover the latest microcredentials available to study with the OU.