In December 2025, Laura Bryden and I spent time with 3rd year Physiotherapy students at the University of Nottingham, sharing honest reflections on our career journeys into primary care and the varied routes that led us there.
What began as a guest lecture quickly became an open conversation about opportunities as a Physiotherapist and the myriad of options that you have available to you.
Why Career Pathways Matter
First jobs can feel unclear to students approaching graduation, particularly if exposure has been limited across all the sectors, including primary care. By sharing two different, non linear career journeys, we aimed to show that there is no single ‘right’ route in your Physiotherapy career and into Primary care.
We discussed the realities of:
Taking unexpected career turns
Making decisions without having all the answers
Developing confidence through experience
Balancing work and life
Practical Guidance for Early Careers
Alongside storytelling, we focused on what students often ask for but rarely get clear advice on:
Writing strong applications and CVs
Interview preparation and how to demonstrate potential
Networking and making yourself visible early on
This practical element was particularly well received. Following on we offered one to one mentorship to provide individual support to our future workforce.
Impact and Feedback
Snapshot feedback collected in the following session identified the guest lecturer career pathways session as the highlight of the module.
The lecturer shared:
“Your input added huge value to the student experience. Hearing real career journeys and practical advice made a significant impact, and the offer of mentorship was greatly appreciated.”
Students also valued our approachability and the opportunity to hear from clinicians working directly in primary care.
Feedback Laura recieved from one of her Mentees:
"I found both sessions with Laura incredibly valuable and supportive. Having the opportunity to work through a job application with someone external was very beneficial, during a stressful period in my life. Her guidance felt very reassuring and constructive.
Laura took the time to address all of my questions for job applications, interviews and some of my exams. Overall, the sessions were extremely worthwhile, and I came away feeling more informed, and prepared for the future."
Beyond the Session: Mentorship
Following the session, we offered individual mentorship, supporting students with:
MSc applications
Career planning and first role decisions
Balancing interests, values, and long term goals
For many, this was their first chance to talk openly about uncertainty and career direction with practising clinicians.
We’ve been invited back for future cohorts and look forward to continuing this work to support our future workforce.
If you’re interested in student teaching, mentorship, or collaboration, feel free to get in touch.
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