Exploring Pathways 

Laura Hughes

Pathways Coordinator

BSC students continue to seek opportunities for work experience placements in a diverse range of fields.

Chloe Italia (Year 10) tried out two placements - one in Primary Education and the other in Occupational Therapy – a great example of trialling multiple different fields to understand the details of each job. 

Chloe Italia

Year 10

The work experience placement I completed at KidsRise was an amazing opportunity to gain real insight into what a day in the life of a paediatric Occupational Therapist (OT) looks like. Even though I only spent two afternoons there, I now have a much clearer understanding of what play therapy can involve, and it has definitely encouraged me to consider whether it’s a career I’d like to pursue in the future.

Depending on the patient and their parent, I would observe the Occupational Therapist, Cara, while she played and interacted with the child, adjusting the session to suit the child's needs as well as what the parent is wanting to get out of it. In most sessions, I would also join in with the activities whenever the child would invite or include me in their games or conversations. I followed their lead and participated in ways that felt appropriate for each situation. There was a range of different needs varying with each child - for example experiencing troubles at school or difficulties with regulating behaviour and emotions. The OT sessions provide an opportunity for them to learn to manage issues through the medium of play therapy. 

The space at KidsRise was any child’s dream, with multiple different types of swings, hammocks, foam mats, climbing nets, fidget toys, big cushions, a ball pit, foam tunnels, dress up costumes and a play kitchen; there really was something to engage everyone.

It was really good to chat with the OT Cara about her job and to gain a fuller understanding of what it involves- not just by hearing about it, but by watching her work with patients and being able to participate myself. I’m very grateful to Cara and KidsRise for welcoming me and providing this amazing and unique opportunity to work with patients and get a real feel of the job. 

I highly recommend doing work experience for anyone wanting a clearer idea on some careers they’re interested in!

For more info on the Occupational Therapy career pathway, you can read up here:  https://www.yourcareer.gov.au/occupations/252411/occupational-therapist