What did you study? When did you graduate?
I studied Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) at Monash University Peninsula Campus It was a 4yr degree.
How did you choose your field of study?
I was always wanting to work in healthcare but initially had interest in rehabilitation work and as I was searching through Monash University’s course handbook I came across occupational therapy with the first word that I read on the page was "rehabilitation" and I just took a leap of faith Into the course and have not looked back since.
What was your interview process like?
The Interview process was a lot less scary than I thought it would be as well as quite quick which was amazing. it started off with a screen with an HR representative where we went through things around my background and more general questions. From there a zoom Interview was scheduled with the team leader (of the team I would join) and the HR representative. In this interview, there was a heavier focus on clinical reasoning and skills however the environment was friendly and relaxed which allowed me to feel settled and answer each question that they asked to the best of my ability.
What were your first impressions of the graduate program?
My first Impression was that the graduate program was stacked. There was so much more support, teaching and supervision embedded in the program than what I first thought there was. This really allowed me to find my feet early on and feel a part of the team.
What are your areas of responsibility?
My areas of responsibility mainly look at Paediatric therapy. I work with a range of kids aged 0-18 to build their independence, play skills, emotional regulation or any other area of need that might be Indemnified by the client or their parents.
What do you love the most about your job?
Working with kids and seeing clear progression towards goals Is the most rewarding experience.
What is the best thing about your team?
As a team, we are not just co-workers but also friends. We can have conversations around non-work-related topics or difficulties and It allows us to check In with one another when we might be having a bad day or even just for a catch up which is amazing.
What have you found difficult to adjust to?
The heavy report writing demands was hard to adjust to and understand Initially however once you start completing them you do find a way to become more efficient and effective with your writing style.
How have our mentoring sessions helped you?
I tune In on a weekly basis to mentoring sessions. They allow me to brainstorm with experts my areas of concern. The best thing that I have found Is that they do not necessarily provide you with all the answers but allow you to work through the problem with them allowing for you to talk through your clinical reasoning.
How would you describe our clinical support?
Extensive. There Is so much more support available than what I first thought when taking on a job with a home office base.
How would you describe our supervision structure?
I would also say that supervision Is extensive. I receive some form of formal supervision on a weekly basis as well as my supervisor being open to questions and queries on a day-to-day basis. This has allowed me to be supported through the entire grad program to date.
What are the career prospects with your job?
Currently, approaching 12-months out of university I am completing supervisor training In the hopes of becoming a level 1 supervisor next year. From that, there is still a lot of career progression available and Includes
Which three pieces of advice would you give to your past self when you were in University?