Jess Coventry – building connections and finding mentors, rather than networking. Tips for students and newly graduated physiotherapists.

Physio Foundations

On this episode I had a conversation with recently graduated physiotherapist and PhD Candidate Jess Coventry about networking as a student and early career practitioner, and how to find mentors. We spoke about Jess’ experience seeking specific skills, finding mentors, networking at university, and her first couple of years of clinical practice leading up to the start of her PhD. Thanks Jess for a great conversation.

In this episode

0:00 About this episode

1:05 Welcome Jess – bio, interests, clinical career so far

4:40 Jess’ PhD working in the Kids Leg Pain project

8:50 Building connections and seeking specific skills rather than networking. The benefits and drawbacks of saying yes to lots of things at the early stage of your career

12:50 What are the benefits of being involved in professional associations and activities and when to realise you are doing too much.

17:45 What are some mistakes you have made or lessons you have learnt from other people’s mistakes?

19:02 What is a mentor?

20:20 How have your mentors shaped and influenced your career?

22:29 Formal vs informal mentors

24:52 Finding informal mentors – good and bad experiences

25:55 LinkedIn. Why LinkedIn isn’t cool (it ain’t TikTok) but it can be very useful

31:00 Be specific about what you want from your mentor, and how much time is required from them

35:54 Approaching mentors – who dares wins! How to put yourself out there and ask for time from people

40:50 What happens if you are unsure about your study and career? How early is too early to start networking and seeking mentors?

45:36 What are the most important knowledge and skills for a physiotherapist? Strategies for finding the truth using communication

53:45 Final thoughts – develop skills in reflection before and after patient and colleague interactions

This is a discussion aimed at health professionals and health professional students. Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

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Always seek the guidance of a qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.