Opportunities for new graduates

Once the study is over you will have a different set of priorities in your first two years as a newly qualified OT plus numerous professional opportunities in which to get involved

The guidance and suggestions on this page will help you make the transition from student to professional in the two years following on from graduation. Some of this is general advice which relates to all graduates but only members of the British Association of Occupational Therapists (BAOT) get access to the full range of opportunities explored below.

Find job opportunities

There are a variety of different sources of job listings, such as OT News and the British Journal of Occupational Therapists (BJOT) both of which are posted directly to members of BAOT. Other good sources of job listings include word of mouth, The Guardian (on a Wednesday) and NHS Jobs. While the majority of occupational therapists still work in the NHS more occupational therapists are now working in local government and the charitable sector. The sites listed below give useful advice on how to get to, and prepare for, interview:
Visit the Guardian’s CV service
Visit Know How Non Profit Job Tips
Visit the NHS for careers advice

Join or renew membership of BAOT

New graduates value membership of BAOT because it provides ‘confidence that I belong to a professional organisation that is responsive to its members’ needs and represents my passion for OT to others’ (Sarah Blackbourne).
Become a BAOT professional member and receive 25% off your first year's subscription

Start networking

Enhance your continuing professional development and meet OTs who work in different practice settings across health and social services. You’ll share best practice, learn what’s happening both locally and regionally, and enhance your knowledge and expertise in practice. Joining a local group is a great way to network in your area. If there isn’t a local group we will support you in setting one up: it’s a great CPD opportunity. Joining a Specialist Section will enable you network within your clinical specialism. Use the discussion forums on this website, follow BAOT on Twitter and make contact with other new graduates on Facebook.
Join or start a BAOT Local Group
Nominate yourself for your BAOT regional committee