From a New Graduate: Tips to Make the Most of Your Capstone Experience
The capstone project period is one of the most exciting, yet seemingly intimidating experiences while receiving an occupational therapy (OT) degree. It is an opportunity to be creative, passionate, independent, and a changemaker in an area(s) OT students are not yet experts in, but are interested in. Capstone often marks the transition from student to soon-to-be practitioner, armed with the skills needed to advance our profession and better the lives of those around us. The daunting component of this experience is the power that is in our hands to make a difference. It can be overwhelming, yet is so rewarding. As someone who recently completed my capstone project, I’m sharing some tips to help guide OT students who are beginning the brainstorming and planning process of their own experience!
1. Explore the areas, topics, and settings that interest you but that also may intimidate you.
Through exploring and executing a capstone project, you have the chance to push yourself out of your comfort zone to pilot new ideas. Your higher-level education has prepared you to curate your unique project, so it is up to you to take advantage of the opportunity. Don’t be afraid to immerse yourself in an area of practice, topic, or setting that you may not be extremely familiar with, as this is a great time to experiment with a new practice area—it could ultimately become your area of passion!
2. Don’t be afraid to reach out for mentors and advice outside of your institution.
While there is no doubt that your professors are skilled and knowledgeable in aiding you in the capstone process, it can be beneficial to gain outside perspectives from those both within and outside of our profession. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with others to gain insight and advice from individuals who may have more experience in your area of interest, as it can help to narrow your ideas and strengthen your project. Through these unique conversations, you will feel better suited and prepared to tackle your project from its first step to its very last.
3. Create a sustainable project, whether it be sustainable for your future or your site (or both!).
The beauty of capstone is in the creative process, which includes your ability and drive to create a sustainable project. The hope is that after you leave the project or site, others can carry on your legacy, and you can even continue growing your project yourself if interested! Through every step of the process, take time to reflect on what you could do to ensure the project is feasible and sustainable for months and even years to come. Much of this comes from educating those around you on the benefits of the project, while making sure that the project can be run without you physically there. For example, consider creating a short guide or manual to supplement your project so others can read about the background, intended purpose, and execution of your unique creation. Throughout the semester, keep track of additions, changes, or side projects that you could potentially pursue during your free time as a future practitioner.
4. Stay open and be aware of what you think your site can benefit from most.
While you may approach the capstone semester with a solid understanding of what you would like to do, you may begin at your site and realize they could benefit from something different, either related to or not related to your original idea. Be flexible and open to adapting your project to better suit the needs of your site and participants, as your project is not only for you, but for them as well. Listen to what staff and participants at your site wish they had more of, and where they believe the need may be!
5. Dream big, but understand that you likely can’t accomplish everything in the allotted time frame.
When looking ahead at the semester, it could seem as though you have an endless amount of time to curate and execute a thorough project, whether it be individually or within a group. However, while in the midst of your capstone, you may begin to realize that you have less time than you think. You may not be able to implement everything you originally wanted to, and that’s okay! Within one semester, you are expected to become accustomed with your site, establish relationships, recruit participants, create and execute your project, analyze data, and write your final paper (quite a lot in a short time frame)! This process can act almost as a foundation toward your future research or implementation, where you can expand upon what you found to be of the most need or interest in your area of practice if desired.
You may never have the chance to work for several months conducting research and implementing a passion project under the supervision of knowledgeable professors after this semester, so I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity and put your all into every aspect of the process. This is a time to uncover your strengths and passions, and build connections with those around you as a soon-to-be practitioner! I encourage you to keep these tips at the forefront of your mind throughout your planning and execution process, and I wish you the best of luck as you immerse yourself in such a rewarding experience.
Breanna Ciardullo, OTD, OTR/L, received her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Occupational Therapy from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. She recently completed her capstone project within the elementary school setting, creating and introducing a coping skills program for kindergarten and first grade teachers to incorporate into their classrooms to promote positive mental health of their students. Breanna has a passion for working with the pediatric population and addressing the importance of preventative mental health for this population. Breanna currently serves as an Associate Editor for the AOTA Student Pulse.