Open University:Anita Burbridge

Few people know at school what career path they want to pursue but, by the age of 13, Chief Petty Officer Anita Burbridge already wanted to be an Air Mechanic. 'I had always been a tomboy as a child, I knew instinctively that the traditional female secretarial job was not a career path I wanted to follow. My parents completed National Service in the RAF and I wanted to do something slightly different and opted for the Royal Navy.'

After a short spell as a secretary in a hospital, she 'joined HMS Raleigh for a six-week basic training course, prior to joining HMS Daedalus … for … specialist training as an Air Mechanic (Weapons Electrical). I loved every minute of my training - before I joined the Navy, I had not even put petrol into a car so learning to be a mechanic was a definite challenge.'

Spells on Wessex, Sea King and Harriers led to promotion to Chief Petty Officer in 1999 and, at 38, she has now set her sights on becoming a Warrant Officer.

In 1994, Burbridge felt the need for another challenge, and started studying for an Open University degree since she could achieve this through distance learning and 'the flexibility that allows studying to be taken anywhere. Now that I have achieved my honours degree in Natural Sciences I am considering studying for a Master's degree with the OU.'

With her energy, determination and vision there is no reason why she should not continue this into a career in teaching in the future. She remembers being a basic training instructor at HMS Sultan as one of the 'most challenging drafts' she has had.

'I recommend OU study to anybody,' says Burbridge. 'It really opens up your horizons and a vast array of new opportunities. Once I adjusted to the studying regime, it quickly became part of my routine. I found the courses interesting and enlightening, and definitely thought-provoking. The tutors were always supportive and the summer schools opened up chances to meet a range of people from a wide range of professions.'

With just over two years to go before she leaves the RN, Burbridge is also taking an NVQ Level 4 in Management. As she considers her life as a civilian she is assessing where best to use her skills and the experience gained throughout her career.

Maybe a career in teaching will be her next step, which she can pursue through the OU. Certainly her enthusiastic and dynamic character may inspire other women to be different and not just follow the norm.

Burbridge felt the need for another challenge, and started studying for an Open University degree

I recommend OU study to anybody ...... It really opens up your horizons and a vast array of new opportunities