Olivia, one of our valued members and occupational therapy student at Oxford Brookes University, talks to us about what inspired her to study occupational therapy. She also shares her experience of being a member with us.
Tell us about yourself and the journey that led you to study OT.
I first found out about occupational therapy while working as a facilitator at a specialist college for young people with severe physical and/or mental disabilities. I shadowed an OT and thought what an incredible role!
The OT told me they were advertising for the role of Occupational Therapy Assistant and that I should apply! I got the job and it has been one of the BEST decisions I have ever made.
I’ve now decided to go back to university and complete my MSc in Occupational Therapy at Oxford Brookes University to expand my skills and knowledge! I have just completed my first placement at University College Hospital London in Acute Medicine.
What was it that attracted you to occupational therapy?
Shadowing the OT in my previous employment was a brilliant experience. I remember her working on hand function and fine motor skills and thought how brilliant her approach was to her client and how she really considered what was important to the client and what motivated her when creating her intervention.
From then on, I have continued to learn how occupational therapy can be applied to many aspects of our lives and the benefits of it in my own life.
What are you enjoying most within your studies?
I have always loved learning and research, so I was very excited to go back to university. The best part so far was definitely my placement at UCLH. It was a fast-paced environment where I worked with a wide range of diagnoses from entry into A&E to discharge from the Acute Medical Unit.
Equally so, I enjoyed being able to work with a large range of allied healthcare professionals and understand their patient views through the eye of another discipline.
What would you say to someone considering occupational therapy as a career?
GO FOR IT! I loved how it combines medicine and education with a holistic approach, a profession that can teach and educate others about the body as well as how to achieve health and wellness. The ability to be creative with occupational therapy and integrate so many brilliant aspects into practice such as nature and mindfulness is one of my favourite aspects of OT.
Working in occupational therapy is one of the most rewarding and empowering careers you could have hoped to enter.
What would be your dream occupational therapy job?
I would like to connect my love of OT with my passion for travelling. I truly believe that we should be doing more to increase accessibility and create inclusive tourism.
Whenever I get the opportunity to go away, I am constantly making notes of what's accessible and where it’s not and connecting with some brilliant businesses to discuss what they are doing to become more inclusive!
I truly believe that disability should not hinder people from experiencing another's culture and adventure!
What elements of being an RCOT member do you enjoy most?
Currently, it’s been a brilliant way to access journal articles that I cannot find elsewhere whilst completing my studies. I also love being part of a community, especially the OT community and this is a great way to meet other professionals and develop an understanding of how OT operates and its priorities within the UK.
Would you recommend RCOT membership to other students?
If you’re one of the many learners starting your course in occupational therapy this year – find out more about how we can support you throughout your studies and in your career.