Top 10 Pieces of Advice For The New Grad
By: Emma Jack BSc (HKin), MSc(PT), MClSc(Manip. Therapy), FCAMPT, Sport Dip. ∙ Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Well, my friends, after a little summer blog-cation I am back!

Fall is just around the corner and I must admit that it is one of my favourite seasons - I love the cooler mornings, crisp leaves and of course everything pumpkin spice.

I was saying to a patient last week that what I love the most about fall is that it is like a second New Year! To me, September and back-to-school time is all about setting our sights on new goals and ventures and getting back down to business after a little extra summer playtime. 

Fall also brings with it a brand new group of fresh-faced physiotherapists who are about to embark on their careers. Finally, after at least 6 years (6 years!) of post-secondary education, these students are finally making the transition into their professional lives.

I remember the feeling like it was yesterday. I was excited, energetic and motivated while simultaneously feeling exhausted, scared, a little bit nauseous and like the biggest imposter on the planet.  

Truth is, no amount of formal education can truly prepare you for the reality of professional practice and just like any life transition, this transition can be challenging and test what you are made of. 

Though written from my perspective as a physiotherapist, I am sure that much of this advice would apply to other professions outside the physio world too. So without further ado, whether a new graduate or long-time professional, here is my advice.

1.  Stay a student

Just when you thought you were done! I recognize that this is a bit of a bummer but it's the cold hard truth.

Those who are successful stay curious and are life-long learners.

Sure there aren't assignments or grades anymore but now the effort you put into looking up information, reading current research and taking continuing education all pays dividends when it comes to your reputation and success. 

2.  Don't be shy, NETWORK

Now more than ever it is so easy to network.

At the risk of sounding old, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter were not popular at all when I graduated and certainly were not channels for professional networking.

Today, I find it to be one of the best ways to be able to interact, connect and learn from others in our field. Of course, don't just rely on social media, I think it is equally important to go out and actually meet people! 

Not just PTs but other health care practitioners and people in your community. If people know you, they are more likely to refer to you. Trust me, some of my strongest referral sources are people I have just put extra effort into meeting face-to-face. Set up a coffee date, video chat, whatever you have to do- just stay connected!

3.  Have a mentor, be a mentor

No matter what there is always someone ahead of you and always someone behind you.

Finding a good mentor that aligns with your values, your why and your goals is imperative. I honestly don't know where I would be today without some amazing individuals who have nurtured me.

In this day and age (again, I'm feeling old), your mentor does not need to work in your clinic, live in your city or even live in your country! You have the ability to be a bit more picky and find someone who meets your needs. Cold call, send some emails and DM's- you'd be surprised what might happen. 

At the same time, recognize that you can also fill the role of mentor now. As much as it seems crazy (you're a new grad!) giving advice to those coming up behind you in PT school is not only valued but good practice.

Whether it is checking in via email or sharing key resources, advice or experiences you have a lot to offer! Consider staying in touch with those in the years below you as one day they will be fellow colleagues. 

I think it is important to take on both roles here- being a mentee makes you a better mentor and being a mentor makes you a better mentee. Though maybe not, in the same way, you will certainly learn from both. 

4.  Always be a bit of a skeptic

As much as social media can be great, don't take anything at face value. You are in charge of your own practice, opinions, and ideas. Just because someone has half a million Instagram followers or is a well-published author does not mean you should adopt their methods and opinions without your own critical thinking.

If you were to look on Twitter today you would find that manual therapy is the best and worst treatment going- so what do you think? YOU! There is a lot of biased and opinion-based content out there and it is important to stay vigilant.

Paradigm shifts and pendulum swings are pretty common in this profession so sure, someone may have flashy graphics or a quippy video but it is important to try things yourself, look into research and test your own theories!

5.  Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

Oh momma this one was the hardest for me- and still is! As a recovering perfectionist, I did not handle this well as a new grad.

Waves of imposter syndrome and inferiority plagued my first few years of practice.  Hold space for the fact that you are still learning and can't know it all. You'll be caught not knowing all the time - probably multiple times a day to start. Heck, it still happens to me and will continue happening for the rest of my career. The best thing you can do is to trust yourself and your resourcefulness.

Don't know? Ask someone, look it up. Create a notebook with things that come up for you throughout the day so that you can attack some of those learning points when you get a minute. And always remember that the person in front of you does not expect you to be perfect. You are human. Be honest if and when you don't know something, demonstrate initiative to get to know and you will impress those around you.

6.  Focus on connection NOT credentials

Please if there is one thing you do, don't take every course known to man in the next few years. Trust me, MORE IS NOT BETTER (I know, I know this is coming from a girl who became a certified Sports Physio, FCAMPT and clinical pilates instructor within the first 5 years of her career)

I PROMISE YOU. Do you know what I have realized?

None of my patients know what any of my letters mean nor do they care. What they do care about and notice is the fact that they can cry with me when they have had a horrendous day, that I remember it was their birthday on the weekend or that I tell them that chocolate milk is on sale for 99 cents at Metro (woohoo)!

They care that I care. So my advice is not to worry about your techniques right now - you have the basics, focus on how you talk and connect with your patients. When starting in private professional practice, it is far more important to be able to engage in difficult conversations, provide empathy and connect to those you are working with. 

I am not saying courses are bad - they can be game-changing! But make sure you nail down the basics of human connection first. 

“The business of business is relationships; the business of life is human connection” 
— ROBIN S. SHARMA