Hermione Halman

The end of uni is a scary time for most, mainly because you’re trying to balance so much, stay focused, finish the coursework and dissertation, prepare for the big clinic exams and final written exams. While trying not to think about what awaits you after the last clinic session.

Now, breathe!

A good friend of mine once told me a quote; now is a good time to share it here in this blog post.

“ It will be ok in the end, and if it’s not ok, then it’s not the end”. I’m not sure of its original source but it’s all a journey and will always be ok.

I have a few tips for those of you who are in their final year of uni, thinking about jobs and what might happen in the next few months.

The studying part is down to you, keep your head down, focus and do the best you can. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else, your situation is completely unique. You learn differently, you respond differently to stress, you’ve got this in your own way and that’s ok.

The next tips are in regards to life as you approach the end of uni. (There is such a thing and I didn’t think so either)

1. Network – Join Facebook pages to get into the osteopathy network. The pages listed below I find particularly helpful and interesting. 

a) #Osteopathyworks

b) UK osteopathic opportunities

A is a friendly place where hundreds of professionals present cases and queries, which are discussed thoroughly.

B shares job advertisements, recommendations and also some other useful topics.

2.  Write an up to date CV– when you’re ready to start applying and if you haven’t already, make sure your CV is good and up to date. This is the first impression many will have of you, this is your selling point.

3. Keep a broad mind – You might not land in the dream job you have hoped for straight away (there’s no reason why not of course) but keep an open mind when applying to jobs.

Go to all interviews you’re offered even if you don’t fancy it. You never know, and at least you will be gaining interview experience for when the dream positions arise.

4. Think thoroughly about all positions offered– You don’t have to take the first position that you’re offered. This is your job, whether you plan to stay there for short term or long, you’ve worked hard for the best part of 4 years to get here. You might as well be happy and enjoy it.

 5.  Don’t be afraid to ask questions – If you have been offered a position but you still have some questions, ask.  

 6.  Be patient – When starting in a clinic, it will be quite slow to start with. Be available as much as possible in the clinic. Ask your principal osteopath to advertise that you have joined the team.

Be proactive, confident and the patient list will start building.

7. Don’t lose faith– It will be ok in the end.

8. Trust your instincts – You do know what you’re doing, you do have the skills you need to treat most people and if something isn’t right trust your gut.

Good luck and take care,

Hermione