Our Graduates Share Their Stories
When you’re making the choice of which company to join as a new graduate, it’s helpful to hear from someone who has been in your shoes. So, meet some of our graduates. Just like you, they joined Ability Action Australia at the beginning of their allied health careers – and they haven’t looked back!
Katee’s story
Straight out of school I entered university to study a Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science before transferring to a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. I was drawn to OT as I love helping people be the best they can be and wanted a role where I could build relationships and work together with people to achieve their goals.
I came aboard the Ability Action Australia Graduate Program in early 2021. I’m really enjoying the support, guidance and encouragement they offer to be the best I can be in my chosen career. The team are always encouraging me to meet my personal goals and expand my skill set. I love that everyone is open to supporting each other whenever and wherever it is needed.
What’s really great about Ability Action Australia is the culture and team cohesion. I appreciate having my achievements acknowledged, whether they are big or small. And as a new graduate, I have valued the one-on-one support I’ve received in all areas of OT, such as paediatrics, assistive technology, home modifications and mental health.
I’m excited about the future and would like to specialise in mental health and home modifications. I’m also striving for a leadership role to help others achieve their own career goals, just like I’ve been supported.
If I had any advice for new grads looking for a rewarding career, I’d say:
- Take time out to complete self-paced learning and develop your knowledge and skills about the NDIS sector and the rewarding career it offers
- After graduation, find a company that supports growing your skills and knowledge (and of course, come to Ability Action Australia if you can!)
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions – every question allows us to learn and become better health professionals
Meet Maddy
I always knew I wanted to work within the health sector, so I started a Nutrition and Dietetics degree. I soon discovered it wasn’t really what I wanted, so I took some time off to travel. During those travels I met an Occupational Therapist who introduced me to this unique way of supporting people. It was then and there I decided to complete a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy.
After my studies, I joined Ability Action Australia because I was excited by the flexibility, work culture and further training offered through the graduate program. I’m really keen to continue to grow my skills so I can make a difference in participants’ lives.
In the future, I’d like to work toward a leadership position with Ability Action Australia. That would enable me to support future graduates through the same program which has helped me get started as an OT.
My advice to other OT students is:
- Don’t be afraid to give everything a go during your practicals – nobody judges you and in actual fact they really want to support you
- Ask questions and take every opportunity you can to further your knowledge and skills
- Most of all: have FUN! It’s so much fun being an OT student, so enjoy the time you have
Say hi to Sarah
I always knew that I wanted to work in a profession that involved interacting with people and helping others. During high school, I wasn’t really aware of what OT was, however after doing some research and talking to a few OT’s, I felt that there was no other career choice for me! So, after graduating high school in 2018, I went straight into studying a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy at the University of Queensland, where I am about to enter my final year.
I am very passionate and excited about starting this career. Every day I get the chance to support people in ways I never thought possible, while I also get to work towards my full qualification.
I started with the Ability Action Australia Graduate Program in early 2021. I am really enjoying the support, guidance and encouragement they offer to be the best I can be. They support me to meet my personal goals and encourage me to grow my skill set. I love that everyone is open to supporting each other, whenever and wherever it is needed.
Ability Action Australia appealed to me right from the initial point of contact because the team’s friendly nature and willingness to help out. The culture is very welcoming, and it makes me excited to see how my career will progress after graduation.
My favourite part about working at Ability Action Australia is the community of people and the feeling of being a part of something bigger. Regardless of how many days are worked from home versus the office, you always feel supported by and connected to others.
In the next five years, I would love to gain enough experience to step into a leadership role and mentor and support others in the same way I have been mentored at Ability Action Australia.
Meet one of our new grads
Sean joined Ability Action Australia’s Graduate Program in January as one of our new occupational therapists.
He says his experience with us over the past couple of months has been “amazing”.
“The company provides plenty of opportunity for growth, professional development, and really focuses on your potential,” Sean says.
He particularly likes having a workplace buddy who’s there to provide him with friendly support and be that point of call for any questions he might have.
“I organise fortnightly half-hour check-ins with mine, and it’s a good opportunity for me to reflect on my learning for the past weeks, and for them to offer their knowledge on my caseload,” Sean says.
“Ability Action Australia is a great choice for new graduates to develop fundamental skills that community clinicians need when working with the NDIS.”
Apply today and take the first step to where you want to be
Applications for our 2025 Graduate Program are now open. Start your allied health career with a graduate role at Ability Action Australia!
Contact us
If you would like to have a chat to learn more about our Graduate Program, please email gradcareers@abilityactionaustralia.com.au or contact our Early Careers Manager Fiona Turk on 0497 943 345.
