Ex-banker says social work career pivot is his calling
A man who swapped a career in banking to train as a social worker after being made redundant is encouraging others to follow their passions and consider a return to education.
Omar Khan, 35, enrolled on the BA (Hons) Social Work programme at the University of Bradford after losing his job as a bank manager at Santander in Bradford.
On the same day his redundancy was confirmed last summer, Omar submitted his application to study social work. He began the course in September 2025.
The married father-of-one had originally started a Teaching degree 15 years ago but was forced to leave due to ill health. After spending a decade working across the banking sector, he decided the time was right to return to higher education.
He said: “Sometimes you have to find your own journey. I do think becoming a social worker is my calling. I have family members who are social workers.
“On the day my redundancy was confirmed, my university application was submitted. I saw it as my chance to come back to education.
“If I had studied social work when I was younger, I don’t think I would be as good at it. Everything happened for a reason.
“I’m not confused about what I want to do now. Social work is exactly what I want to do.”
Omar Khan, who is studying Social Work at the University of Bradford, says becoming a social worker is his calling. Images credit: Omar Khan
‘Never too late to study’
Omar is encouraging others considering programmes around social care, including Working with Children, Young People and Families and Public Health and Population Studies, through Clearing at the University of Bradford to take the leap.
He said: “Weigh up your options and choose something you’re passionate about, even if you’re still trying to figure out exactly what you want to do.
“It’s never too late to study. Do your research and understand the course requirements. If you do something you enjoy, you’ll really excel at it.
“I want to inspire younger students by showing them that you’re never too old to return to education.”
Alongside his studies, Omar works part-time as a support worker for adults with disabilities.
Omar Khan, who is studying Social Work at the University of Bradford, says becoming a social worker is his calling. Images credit: Omar Khan
Rewarding career
During his first year on the Social Work programme, Omar took part in video podcasts exploring values and ethics and performed in a theatre production linked to his studies.
He said: “I just assumed I would never come back to education. My redundancy gave me the opportunity to plan and prepare for it. It’s not a decision I regret. I love university.
“Social work is a rewarding career. You can make a real difference to people’s lives. It’s about standing up for people.
“The Social Work programme at Bradford includes placements, which provide valuable experience. One of the great things about social work is that there are strong employment opportunities, and many students secure jobs after their final placement.”
Clearing call
Programmes around social care including Working with Children, Young People and Families and Public Health and Population Studies and other programmes at the University of Bradford are available through Clearing 2026, which runs until 9 October, offering prospective students the chance to secure a place at University. Prospective students may include adult learners who want to return to education.
The University of Bradford Clearing phone line – 0808 196 9129 – is open now and you can also apply online.
Sign up for the University’s On-demand Clearing Hub which offers more details on courses, virtual tours, applications tips, and further support.