Starting your first occupational therapy role is exciting… but also pretty daunting. Looking back 18 months later, there are so many things that have made the transition easier than I expected. So, inspired by my favourite movie 10 Things I Hate About You, here are the 10 things I love most about TPAG's new graduate program.
1. A team where I belong
I was first introduced to The Potential Ability Group (TPAG) during my final Occupational Therapy placement. I remember arriving on my first day with absolutely no idea what to expect.
A placement working with (take a deep breath...) toddlers, school-aged children, adults and older adults, across the NDIS, Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA), Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), private clients, in homes and schools across the Fleurieu Peninsula, Adelaide Hills and Riverland? I was prepared to be overwhelmed and out of my depth.
Instead, I found a small team of incredibly kind, generous, and fun people who all shared the same belief: everyone deserves access to the supports they need, regardless of their diagnosis or where they live.
2. The support is real (and there is a lot of it)
One of the biggest worries as a new graduate is, 'What if I look like I don’t know what I'm doing?'. Spoiler alert: no new graduate knows everything. For the first time in my studies and placement experiences, I felt like I wasn’t expected to figure it all out alone.
Support at TPAG comes regularly and in many forms, including weekly virtual clinical catchups with the team, 1.5-hour supervision session every fortnight, regular phone calls and check-ins from colleagues, team group chats where no question is too small, and full-day team meetings every six weeks to collaborate, learn, and connect.
There is always someone willing to answer a question, brainstorm a tricky case, celebrate your wins, or simply check in on how your brother’s wedding went!
3. Learning does not stop after university
One of my favourite parts of working at TPAG is how committed everyone is to continuous professional development. Team members regularly share interesting courses, podcasts, journal articles, and clinical resources they've discovered.
Whether it is a planned team learning or a spontaneous clinical discussion, I am constantly learning from the people around me. It has made professional development feel exciting rather than like another thing to tick off the list.
4. Community OT is incredibly rewarding
There is something special about seeing clients in their own environments. Whether you are visiting someone at home, supporting a child at school, or working alongside families and teachers, you develop relationships that feel different.
You don’t just see the challenges someone experiences; you see what matters to them, what their everyday life looks like and the people who support them. You get to watch goals progress in real time, within the context of their life.
5. The driving became one of my favourite parts
I will confess, before starting, I was probably most nervous about the amount of driving and the long distances we travel as a community-based service provider.
Fast forward and it has become one of my favourite parts of the day.
The drive between clients gives me time to reflect on sessions, mentally prepare for the next one and, most importantly, listen to podcasts. My Spotify Wrapped this year is likely to consist almost entirely of Occupational Therapy and pop-culture podcasts... and I'm not mad about it.
6. Work-life balance isn't just something people talk about
It is no secret; healthcare is physically and emotionally demanding work. TPAG doesn’t just talk about work-life-balance, they genuinely take initiative to support us in taking care of ourselves so we can continue to thrive and support our clients to thrive.
One of my favourite initiatives is the daily 15-minute self-care break. I love using this time to take in the beautiful landscapes and small towns I get to visit. Some days I take a walk along the beach after lunch; other days I use this take to reset before a big session.
My personal favourite way to use this time is to grab a coffee and sneak a peak in the local op shop (small towns always have the best bargains!). Safe to say my friends working in traditional offices are more than a little jealous.
7. Everyone celebrates each other’s wins
Whether someone has completed a challenging assessment, learnt a new clinical skill or simply survived a particularly busy week, my team notices. There is a genuine sense that everyone wants to see each other succeed, and that makes coming to work each day enjoyable.
8. Asking questions are encouraged
One thing I have learnt is that asking questions isn't a sign you don't know enough, it's a sign that you care about providing the best support possible.
As a graduate, having a team that welcomes curiosity has made an enormous difference to my confidence. It has also supported the development of rapport and trust with my clients, who know I will always take the time to find the best answer.
9. Every day looks different
One morning might involve supporting a primary schooler with emotional regulation, while the afternoon could involve completing a home safety assessment for an older adult. From writing reports and trialling equipment to making slime and running a playground obstacle course, no two days look the same.
The variety keeps things interesting and means I am always learning something new.
10. I feel like I belong
Looking back at the nervous student who was preparing for her first day of placement, I never imagined I would be writing this now. What could have been an overwhelming first year on the job instead become a year of learning, encouragement, and connection.
Starting your career as an Occupational Therapist can feel daunting but having the right team around you make all the difference.
If you are looking for a new graduate program where you’ll be supported, challenged and surrounded by great people, I hope you get to experience what I love about TPAG too.