To the Class of 2025: Welcome to my favourite profession in the world.
At Talking Fish Speech Pathology, we are beyond thrilled to see a new wave of clinicians entering the field. Our profession is growing, evolving, and most importantly helping more people find their voice than ever before. My sincerest hope is that each of you enjoys a long, prosperous, and deeply fulfilling career.
However, as you transition from university to the clinic, there are a few pearls of wisdom for the journey ahead that I want to share.
Build your support team
In your first year, support isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. It is vital to have both formal and informal structures in place.
- Peer Support: Check in with your fellow new grads. They are the only ones who truly understand the specific “first-year jitters” you’re feeling.
- Workplace Support: Ensure you have a clear line of sight to your supervisors.
- The Family Factor: While friends and family are amazing, if they aren’t in the “therapy world”, they might not fully grasp the complexities of a difficult session. I was incredibly fortunate to have my mum support me during my first year. She started her Occupational Therapy career in a similar special school setting as I did, and having someone who truly “got it” made all the difference.
Protecting your spark: Mental health & burnout
We are a caring profession. By nature, we are empathetic, driven, and invested. But this also means we are uniquely prone to burnout, vicarious trauma, and moral injury.
I want to give a huge shout-out to Michelle Bihary for her pioneering work on these topics. Before reading her insights, I hadn’t even heard of “moral injury,” but identifying it is the first step toward preventing it. Remember: you cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your mental health isn’t a distraction from your job; it is your job.
The power of specificity
Your manager or supervisor wants you to succeed, but they aren’t mind readers. To get the best help, keep your communication professional yet open.
The more specific you can be about what is challenging you, the better we can support you. Instead of saying “I’m overwhelmed,” try: “I’m struggling with the documentation turnaround for my NDIS reports,” or “I’m finding it difficult to manage the behaviours in my 4:00 PM session.” Specificity allows for targeted solutions.
The “One small person” reality
This is perhaps the hardest truth to swallow: You are one person in a much larger system. You are a talented, dedicated clinician, but you are not a superhero. You will not be able to fix every problem or resolve every systemic barrier your clients face. Accepting that you are one piece of a larger puzzle, rather than the entire solution, is essential for your long-term wellbeing. Do your best, provide evidence-based care, and be kind to yourself when the “system” feels heavy.
Welcome to the fold, New Grads. We are so glad you’re here.
