A career begins with a commitment
I recently had the pleasure of working with three second-year Health Science students at Otago, all thinking about becoming physiotherapists. Each came with their own concerns and characteristics that made the pathway a good match – or not so good. I worried that one might not use all her interests. Another had shadowed a physio in private practice and couldn’t see herself working in that setting. The third had another pathway of equal interest that I felt was better.
As career coaches, we’re often asked to help students make decisions that will guarantee a perfect future fit. Underneath this is usually a longing for reassurance that the time, money, and energy invested in training will pay off with lifelong job satisfaction. The truth, of course, is that no one can promise that. What we can do is support students to make a good choice for where they are right now, trusting that their career journey will open up, twist, and evolve as they grow.
Usually, a foundation qualification can open out into many differing pathways from which the foundation qualification is the platform.
An extension of my own knowledge of physiotherapy came home to me quite vividly ten days ago when I found myself riding in a St John’s ambulance to Auckland Hospital. I’d injured my knee at the gym. Nothing dramatic, but I couldn’t walk, and the pain was excruciating. No flashing lights or sirens, just a quiet ride along the waterfront.
What struck me most wasn’t the injury, but the two wonderful paramedics who looked after me, Logan and Kristy. While Logan managed my care, Kristy and I talked about her career. With my Otago students fresh in my mind, I was curious.
Her story was inspiring. Kristy had first completed a physiotherapy degree, working with sports teams and travelling internationally with them. After a few years, she returned to New Zealand and decided to train as a paramedic. Now, she says, she couldn’t imagine a better combination. Much of paramedic work involves physical injuries, so her physio background gives her a strong edge. She still picks up part-time private practice work when she chooses, and the paramedic salary gives her a good base and a predictable income.
Most importantly, Kristy loves her work; it’s meaningful, varied, mobile, sometimes exciting, sometimes confronting, sometimes mundane, but always worthwhile.
Her journey is a powerful reminder: careers are rarely straight lines. They are living, evolving stories shaped by our experiences, setbacks, leanings, and passions. We build skills, make pivots, and add dimensions to our expertise that we could never have imagined at the beginning.
A career is a journey. The key is to start well (make a good enough choice) and follow the threads of your curiosity. If you do, your career will unfold beautifully.
Kaye Avery
006121474765
Contact: kaye.avery@careereq.nz