Occupational therapy students: To present or not to present?
If you are anything like me, as you approach the end of your time as an occupational therapy student, you may be asking yourself, “What’s next?”. Many of us have spent the past 2 to 3 years exploring research topics that have grown close to our hearts—projects we feel passionate about, yet we are unsure if they are ready to share with the world. My message to those who find themselves in this situation: GO FOR IT!
I recently had the opportunity to present my Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate (PP-OTD) capstone on chronic pain management at the Occupational Therapy Association of California (OTAC) conference. Despite my initial reservations about the readiness of my research, the experience was incredibly rewarding.
Here are some valuable insights I gained about the benefits of presenting:
Developing Strong Communication Skills
Even if a future in academia is not your goal, as an occupational therapy professional you’ll need to communicate effectively with clients, families, and stakeholders throughout your career. Presenting your research is a fantastic way to practice and refine these skills. When you speak about a topic you are passionate about and know deeply, it is the perfect setting to develop clear and confident communication.
Expanding Your Network and Career Opportunities
Presenting connects you with other students and practitioners, which can help shape both your research and your career. During my presentation, I met people who offered insights and perspectives I had not considered—even from those outside the field of pain management. These interactions were thought-provoking and have helped to shape my ongoing work.
Propelling Your Research Forward
After completing my PP-OTD program, I initially felt unanchored without the support and structure of my classmates and professors. Presenting allowed me to regain momentum, as conversations with other occupational therapy professionals encouraged me to continue developing and researching my pain management program. This inspiration was crucial in keeping my project moving forward despite challenges.
Building Professional Identity and Community
Depending on your program structure (online versus in-person) and location, many occupational therapy students and practitioners can feel isolated from the stimulating exchanges that come with interacting with others passionate about occupational therapy. Attending the OTAC conference and meeting other driven, knowledgeable occupational therapy professionals reignited my enthusiasm for the field and reinforced my pride in being an occupational therapist.
So, my advice is this: Get out there and share your ideas, projects, capstones, and programs. I understand the temptation to think, “It isn’t ready yet, it’s not perfect.” But the truth is, it will never be perfect, and there will always be more to refine. Take the leap, present at a conference, and see where it takes you!
Amanda Soukup, OTD, MS, OTR/L, holds a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University in California. In August 2024, she completed her post-professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy at Indiana University. Her capstone project focused on pain management, and she aims to specialize in the chronic pain field, implementing and refining her OT pain program. Amanda is dedicated to conducting further research to advocate for and elevate the role of occupational therapists in this crucial area