Breaking into occupational therapy can feel like you’re stuck in a catch-22: you need experience to get hired, but you need to get hired to gain experience. The good news? There are some creative ways around this that most new grads never consider.
Start Volunteering in Unexpected Places
If you’re out here looking at getting employed as an occupational therapist, think outside the box. Sure, everyone volunteers at hospitals and rehab centers. But what about animal shelters? You’ll work with people who have mobility challenges walking dogs, and you’ll see adaptive equipment in action. Local maker spaces and community workshops are goldmines too. You’ll meet people adapting tools for accessibility and gain hands-on experience with modification techniques.
Consider reaching out to escape rooms in your area. Many are starting to create accessible experiences, and they need consultants who understand how people with different abilities navigate spaces. It’s unconventional, but it shows employers you think outside the box.
Create Your Own Learning Lab
Transform your living space into a mini OT clinic. Set up different stations that simulate real-world challenges your future patients might face. Practice transfers using your couch. Time yourself doing one-handed tasks in your kitchen. Document everything.
This isn’t just for practice it’s content gold. Film short videos showing adaptive techniques you’ve developed. Share them on LinkedIn or TikTok. Employers love seeing candidates who are passionate enough to practice at home and innovative enough to teach others.
Shadow in Non-Traditional Settings
Everyone shadows in hospitals, but what about corporate wellness programs? Many companies are hiring OTs to assess workplace ergonomics and prevent repetitive strain injuries. Reach out to occupational health nurses at local businesses they often know when OT consultants are coming in.
Food processing plants, tech companies, and even professional sports teams use OTs in ways you might not expect. These experiences will set you apart and might open doors to niche markets with less competition.
Build Your Side Hustle First
Start offering services before you’re officially job hunting. Not therapy you’re not licensed yet but consultation and education. Create workshops for caregivers on home safety modifications. Offer ergonomic assessments for small businesses. Partner with senior living communities to run wellness programs.
You’re building a portfolio, gaining real experience, and creating a network of people who might hire you later. Plus, it shows future employers that you’re entrepreneurial and self-motivated.
Master the Art of the Cold Email
Instead of applying to posted positions, research the facilities you want to work for and find specific people to contact. Look up recent research they’ve published or programs they’ve launched. Reference something specific in your email that shows you’ve done your homework.
Try this approach: “I noticed your facility recently started a new stroke recovery program. I’ve been developing adaptive techniques for cognitive-motor tasks and would love to discuss how I might contribute to your team’s innovative approach.”
Network Through Professional Drama
Join your state OT association, but don’t just attend meetings. Volunteer to help with conferences, write for their newsletter, or organize social events. The people planning these events often work in hiring positions or know people who do.
Professional associations also have special interest groups. Join the ones that align with your interests, even if they seem specialized. The hand therapy group might only have 20 members in your state, but those 20 people all know each other and share job opportunities.
The unconventional path takes more effort upfront, but it positions you as someone who thinks differently. In a field where creativity is essential for helping patients overcome challenges, showing that creativity in your job search might just be what sets you apart.
