Getting into the health profession before you graduate
When you’re studying health, you just want to jump in and start helping people! The good news is that you don’t have to wait until you graduate to dip your toes into the industry.
If you’re keen to pick up work in the health profession before you finish your studies, here are my top tips to get you started.
Know what you can and can’t do
First up, we need to get clear on what you can do as a student practitioner and what you can’t! As a student, you can’t practise clinically (unless you have a previous qualification in that area). So, for example, if you’re a student naturopath, working as a naturopath is a no-no – you can’t get insurance and therefore would be open to legal claims.
But there is still plenty you can do as a student in the profession! A few examples of potential work include:
Receptionist/clinic assistant
Dispensary assistant
Social media/marketing support
Sales rep
Health food store sales assistant
Pharmacy assistant
Some positions with supplement companies
Demonstrator for health food company
The list goes on – which is why we need to explore the next point.
Figure out what you want to try
Next up, it’s time to think about what sort of work you’d like to do. This might be what the job involves – for example, sales – or it could be the type of companies you’d like to work with. That way, you’ll know what to keep an eye out for and where to look for openings.
For example, I went through a period of time where I was interested in where nutrition education began – in school. So I picked up some volunteer work with the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Foundation. This is a great option for you to test out whether that sort of work is a fit for you, and from there you can pursue job opportunities that pop up.
Hot tip: make sure you keep an eye on the Endeavour Industry Job Board. There are often positions that are suitable for students, and they may be something you’ve never thought of!
Network, network, network!
The vast majority of work in the health profession never makes it to SEEK or the usual job platforms. That’s why it’s crucial to start networking in the area you’re keen to start working in.
Dreaming of a job at your local organic store? Shop there regularly and chat to the staff.
Hoping to work with one of the big health brands? Connect with managers on LinkedIn, follow the brand on social media and pop along to events where brand reps are attending.
Looking to work for a local practitioner? Find out if there are practitioner meetups and events in the area and pop along.
Even if there isn’t a position available at this moment, you’ll be the top of mind if one opens up or even if a new position is being created.
Consider Virtual Assistant (VA) work
One of the booming pathways for student practitioner is working as a Virtual Assistant, or VA. If you have any skills that you can offer in an online/remote capacity, this could be a fit for you! For example, some services that student practitioners are offering include:
Social media management
Blog writing
Inbox management
Customer/client service
Research assistance
Recipe development
Website design
Graphic design
Some of these do require previous experience, but many can be self-taught or even started today! The best part is that VA work can be incredibly flexible – you choose your own hours and all you need is a laptop and internet connection. It can also help you to build connections in the profession and learn from experienced practitioners how they run their business.
There really is no time like the present to kick start your career in the natural health profession!
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