Grad stars from the Habit Health 2024 Graduate Programme

This week we have a sit-down with Makayla, one of our Occupational Therapists new grads from the 2024 programme, who is really making a mark in our Dunedin clinic. Imbibing our values of continuous growth and learning, Makalya is a joy to work and have a laugh with – let’s get candid!

What are you enjoying the most about your role?
As a new grad OT working in Vocational Rehab, I am loving being out in practice, going and visiting clients and seeing a wide range of workplaces. I am gaining new skills and experiences that have helped me grow as a new grad learning the ropes. The team has been so supportive and have helped me gain different experiences, assisted with the various processes and has been a great bunch of people to have a laugh within the office!

How has the induction and ongoing mentorship process been for you?
There has been an immense amount of support as a new grad, everyone is willing to answer questions and help where they can. I am getting weekly supervision, coaching and monthly catch-ups which are super helpful. The induction process was straightforward and easy to understand with lots of step-by-step guides, videos and straight-to-the-point processes. Everyone has a range of experience and I have been able to learn new things from them - and I am still learning!

What message would you like to give aspiring new grads when it comes to picking the right kind of programme for them?
If you are not sure what type of OT you want to be, branch out and try something new. Habit Health has so many options and choices that you can start with one thing and change to another. Occupational Therapy is all about the people, so it doesn’t matter what area you want to work in, it’s the people that make it fun.