Open University Business School

Rachel Blackburn was presented with her Open University Business School Highly Commended Alumni Award for her contribution to an organisation and society at the Open University campus in Milton Keynes on Wednesday 22 June.

The Open University's mission is to be open to people, places, methods and ideas, and the award was presented as part of their Student and Alumni Awards 2015, presented in 2016. It provided an opportunity to meet other Open University MBA alumni and reflect on their achievements since graduating.

The day also included a tour of the campus, with presentations on the Open University Library Services and on Space Instrumentation.

The award winners also got the opportunity to record their thoughts and experiences on camera: watch Rachel's here!

"All our winners have shown huge drive, determination and commitment" said Executive Dean and Director of Studies, Professor Rebecca Taylor.

US2U Consulting Director Rachel Blackburn has been featured as a star Open University Business School alumna case study, as the world-renowned educational institution looks back on the successes of some of its former students.

In this interview Rachel reflects on her early career days, and how the educational opportunities provided by the Open University opened doors to fulfilling career opportunities that might not have been accessible otherwise. It was also her MBA qualification gained through the Open University that ultimately gave her the confidence to establish her first company, US2U Consulting. She was recognised for this achievement in 2016 - being awarded an Open University Business School Student and Alumni Award - and her MBA continues to open doors around the world as people recognise the value of a degree from a leading British educational institution.

"My studies gave me a management and leadership toolkit. By the time I finished, I had a deep understanding of how businesses work, how to manage a business and best practice in business... I left having the confidence that I could help any business with these concepts. I wouldn't have had this confidence without my MBA.

"I now use these concepts every single day to help businesses and clients... I have used the skills I learnt to help hundreds of other businesses to become successful and generate income. People appreciate the fact that it's a British MBA... it's opened up many doors for me, particularly in the Middle East."

Read the full Open University case study here.

Rachel's commitment to lifelong learning is a core US2U Consulting value, and something that allows our team to make a positive difference to any organisation. Find out more about our services.

Rachel Blackburn has been nominated for the Open University Business School Alumni of the Year Achievement Award 2015-16.

Coinciding with US2U Consulting's 10th birthday in April, "Rachel has been nominated for her ambassadorial role and her generous spirit of sharing knowledge and expertise amongst her alumni peers", while also underpinning her Open University Business School learning with strong company brand values including integrity and encouraging diversity.

Her full profile is available to view here.

As voting is open to Open University Business School alumni we encourage those within their network to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.