KINNECT shares career tips with University of Sydney OT students

KINNECT believe that with the right support, new allied health graduates have the potential to make a significant impact on thousands of people’s lives by helping them recover from workplace injury and illness. That’s why our NSW State Manager Gerald Peterson and Talent Acquisition Manager Ali Cammel were honoured to be part of a virtual panel at the University of Sydney, which provided career advice to fourth-year Occupational Therapy students on transitioning into the workplace.

The panel was coordinated by Dr. Jennie Brentnall, Senior Fellow – Higher Education Academy, at the University of Sydney’s School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health. The panel also included Dave Jereb, Occupational Therapy Mentor and Director of Move About Therapy Services, as well as a representative from Queensland Health.

During the panel, Gerald and Ali covered key topics such as:

• What employers look for in new graduate employees during the hiring process and the early stages of employment
• The differences between the expectations of new graduate supervisors and final placement supervisors
• Advice for graduates on entering and thriving in a new graduate position, including supervision, workload management, professional development, and self-care

Advice for New Graduates Starting Out: Things I Wish I Had Been Told

Starting a new graduate position is both exciting and challenging. Here Gerald and Ali’s top pieces of advice for graduates as they embark on their careers:

1. Embrace Feedback: Be open to receiving feedback and use it constructively to improve your skills and performance. Feedback can be tough to hear, but it’s essential for growth. Learn to welcome it!
2. Seek Mentorship: Find experienced colleagues who can offer guidance and support. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek advice – we’ve all been in your shoes and are happy to help.
3. Manage Stress: Be realistic about what you can achieve in a day. Avoid overcommitting and learn to say “no” when necessary. It’s vital to develop effective stress management techniques that work for you, and make sure to take time to recharge.
4. Maintain a Positive Attitude: Approach your work with enthusiasm and a willingness to learn, not just from colleagues and supervisors, but from clients. A positive attitude is invaluable – while most skills can be taught, a great attitude comes from within!
5. Set Goals: Establish both short-term and long-term career goals, and regularly review and adjust them as you progress. Ambition is great, but you need a clear direction to reach your desired destination.
6. Reflect and Adapt: Regularly reflect on your experiences, learn from them, and be willing to adapt and improve your approach. Stay flexible, as nothing remains static.
7. Trust Your Intuition: Always listen to your gut instinct – it’s usually right. Be sure to reflect on times when you didn’t and remember the outcomes.
8. Enjoy the Journey: Make sure you’re enjoying what you do and that it’s fulfilling. You only live once, so make it a life well-lived, driven by your passions.

We are a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we value our people for their unique qualities, ideas, and perspectives. If you are recent or soon-to-be allied health graduate who cares about making a difference to people’s lives, explore our Graduate Program.

We’re always happy to hear from students and graduates wanting advice about a career in workplace rehabilitation and occupational health – reach out to our team at careers@kinnect.com.au