With final placement complete and the end of my course just a month away, I am almost a fully fledged OT.
On a personal level, this last two years have been a series of ups and downs, with many periods of crisis when I have doubted my ability - I almost quit after my first term because I didn’t think I was cut out for a masters level course, especially the standard of writing expected. On reflection, this has all been a valuable part of my development and growth as a student and future OT. With this in mind I am feeling proud of myself for sticking it out and very grateful for the friends, family and lecturers who have helped me to (almost) achieve my dream and supported me through many a period of panic and doubt. However, I am also apprehensive as to what the future holds. Looking at all of the opportunities that are available is almost overwhelming and it is difficult to decide what direction to take. Having loved working in an acute hospital, beginning band 5 rotations seems a sensible path, but I feel there are so many other options that I am not quite ready to rule out. For example, being an OT within learning disabilities; this is the area in which I first came across OT and that drove me to explore the career choice and so I feel a certain pull back in this direction, despite having no placement experience within it.
I know there are many of you out there at this same stage and I wonder how everyone is feeling? Does anyone else find themselves with this quandary? Are there some experienced OTs out there who can share their experiences of the leap into committing to an area of OT or of changing area of practice after a period of experience? If anyone has wise words for preparing for interviews for those of us about to embark on this wonderful career, then please share them with the community.
Regardless of where I do end up, I think I will love what I am doing simply because I love OT, it’s aims, purpose and impact. In the words of Confucius “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life”.
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@Alexandra Hunter did you get on a band 5 rotation? I have applied for one but as I don't graduate till May I don't know if its too soon but fingers crossed :-) it was nice to just fill out an application form after all this time on my course to be honest felt like I was getting somewhere.
I am in an almost similar position I graduate this year and nearly all my previous work experience is with young adults with disabilities I'm very much tempted by a rotation so I can see it all through my new OT perspective I've gained. I'm also horrendously nervous about getting through the last of my course and finding a job.
Its great to hear from a new OT, I love your passion and motivation. I would encourage you to embrace opportunities and have confidence in yourself. My first job was in acute mental health, I was surprised to get the job after my placement in mental health was in an untraditional setting. I spent some time here before moving to the LD team, again I had no placement experience but did my research and reinforced my passion for learning. Finally, mostly strangely I applied for a community nurse position, I knew I could fulfil the role with my mental health practitioner experience and focus on the psychosocial model. Yes I got the job, my point being never underestimate your transferable skills.
For interviews I would say always research the service and their values, identify your key skills, strengths and weaknesses. Plus and have a handful of examples of good practice and some relevant policy/ research to call upon.
What a lovely reflective piece, thanks for sharing.