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17 Feb 2026
Lucinda Blundell
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Graduating as an Occupational Therapist isn’t just a milestone; it’s the beginning of a journey that really shapes who you’ll become as a professional and as a person. I remember the mixture of excitement and nerves when it was my turn to step out of uni and into the workforce.
Looking back on when I graduated as an OT, the scene was very different. Our graduating classes were smaller, and many of us found our first jobs straight from our fourth-year placements. If you missed out, you’d likely head into a hospital, aged care, or an “Occ Rehab” (Occupational Rehabilitation) role.
There was no NDIS back then, and everything was handwritten on paper! It’s wild to think how much has changed.
These days, if you’re coming into the profession, you’re spoilt for choice. The scope is so much broader now; you can focus on so many different client groups and work in all sorts of community settings. Honestly, there’s never been a better time to start out as an OT. The world is your oyster!
If you’re passionate about supporting people with disabilities in the community, you’re not only making a difference: you’re signing up for one of the most rewarding, challenging, and meaningful parts of our profession. I can honestly say, some of my most fulfilling days have come from working alongside people in their everyday spaces. I have also made lifelong friends and mentors!
But here’s what I wish someone had told me: community-based OT is a world of its own. You’ll be in people’s homes, schools, and workplaces, seeing first-hand what’s important to them. It’s powerful, but it’s also complex and can feel overwhelming at first. That’s normal, and it’s okay to feel a bit out of your depth in the beginning.
So, if you’re weighing up your options for your first role, here are the things I recommend you look for — the very things that helped me build confidence, resilience, and a genuine love for this work.
#1. Weekly, structured supervision
Supervision in your first year is gold. I can’t overstate this enough. You’ll run into questions and clinical situations you’ve never faced before, and you should never have to figure them out alone.
From experience, the best graduate roles offer:
- At least one hour of structured supervision each week
- A consistent, reliable framework for debriefing and case discussion
- A supervisor who’s not just qualified, but genuinely invested in your growth
If an employer can’t explain how they look after new grads, my advice is to keep looking. You deserve better.
#2. A strong induction program
Your first three months set the tone for your whole career. I’ll never forget how those early days shaped me. Good induction makes all the difference. Look for a real 90-day onboarding, not just one afternoon of policies and templates.
A strong induction should include:
- Time to shadow senior clinicians
- Senior clinicians shadowing you as you find your feet
- A gradual, graded KPI structure so you’re not thrown in the deep end
- Easy access to mentors who can answer real-life questions
If you’re expected to manage a full caseload from day one, that’s a big red flag. You deserve time to learn and adjust.
#3. A supportive team culture rooted in mentorship
The team you join makes all the difference. I’ve worked in places where you felt alone, and in places where people genuinely watched out for each other. The latter is where you’ll thrive. Community OT can get lonely, so having a team that’s got your back is everything.
Look for a workplace where:
- Senior OTs love mentoring and supporting new grads
- Questions are encouraged, and there’s no such thing as a silly one
- Everyone shares their wins, challenges, and even mistakes without judgment
- You can always call for help when things get tricky
Whether you’re on the road, in a school, or at a client’s home, knowing you’re supported makes a world of difference to your confidence (and your sanity!).
#4. Efficient systems that simplify your workload
Admin is part of the gig, but it shouldn’t swallow up your day. I’ve found that having the right systems in place is a game-changer for your workload and your wellbeing.
When you’re looking for a job, don’t be shy. Ask about:
- Their platforms for documentation and scheduling
- How they keep communication clear and caseloads coordinated
- What training they offer to help you master their systems
Well-designed systems mean you’ll spend less time bogged down in paperwork and more time doing what you’re there for, i.e. helping people live better lives.
#5. Personalised learning and development plans
No two new grads are alike. I know I brought my own strengths (and a few weaknesses!) into my first job, and it made a huge difference to have a manager who tailored my learning and didn’t expect me to fit a mould.
Look for a program that gives you:
- A learning plan shaped around your goals and interests
- A mix of workshops, shadowing, peer learning, and case discussions; variety keeps things interesting and practical
- Room to gradually expand your skills, rather than getting dumped in the deep end
- Ongoing CPD and clear career pathways, so you know what’s next
Learning isn’t just for your first few months. It’s a lifetime thing. Find a workplace that invests in your growth from the start and continues to support you as you go.
#6. Opportunities to make real, everyday impact
For me, the best part of community-based OT is working with people where it matters most: at home, at school, or in their workplace. You get to see real change, up close, and you know you’re making a genuine difference in people’s lives.
You’ll have the chance to:
- See the immediate impact of your interventions
- Build strong, lasting therapeutic relationships
- Get creative with solutions that fit real people’s lives
- Adapt and problem-solve in the real world, not just on paper
It can be unpredictable and even a bit messy at times, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. You’ll grow in ways you can’t imagine.
Choose the role that supports your growth
Your first OT job will shape you, so don’t settle for a role just because it’s convenient or pays a few extra bucks. My biggest piece of advice? Choose a role where you’ll be guided, supported, and given the chance to really learn and grow in line with your own values.
Look for a team and a culture where you’ll:
- Feel supported, every step of the way
- Learn from hands-on, practical guidance
- Grow at a sustainable, manageable pace
- Make a real, meaningful impact on people’s lives
- Finish each week feeling more confident and inspired than the last
- Build genuine connections with other therapists and health professionals
Community OT is an incredibly rewarding career. With the right support and foundations, you’ll thrive from your very first day and discover just how much you have to offer. Good luck, make the most of every learning opportunity and enjoy the ride!
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