For Anna Lamb, no two days are the same. As a paediatric and mental health occupational therapist, Anna jumps between heading out to chat with clients, to visiting a local primary school to supervise hands-on placements with occupational therapy students there, and sometimes even just staying home writing reports.

Anna Lamb graduated from Monash University with a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) in 2021. As a part of her degree, she completed a research honours project exploring the use of handwriting assessments with primary school-aged students. Anna’s thesis was published as a journal article by the Journal of Occupational Therapy, Schools and Early Intervention. Now, she works as a paediatric and mental health occupational therapist. Anna also supervises current Monash University occupational therapy students on primary school placements, and multiple occupational therapy units with Monash University.

On her decision to study occupational therapy, Anna said “I knew I always wanted to help people by making improvements to their lives in areas that are actually meaningful to them, and therefore felt a career in occupational therapy would tick the right boxes for me.”

A highlight for Anna of her time studying at Monash was the friendships she was able to form.

“The course is very hands-on and collaborative, which facilitated the development of friendships with others in the degree,” she reflected.

Anna was also proud to receive her offer to complete her research honours, which was a rare opportunity.

Now, Anna works as a sub-contractor within the NDIS space. She mainly sees paediatric or mental health clients, whether at school, their homes, within the community or via telehealth. Anna also works part-time with Monash’s Department of Occupational Therapy, where she provides support for the next generation of occupational therapists by marking assessments and supervising students on placement.

It’s a lot of work. But Anna finds satisfaction in being able to do so much for other people.

“The smallest impact can mean the world to a client, and knowing I had the pleasure of supporting them through their challenges is very rewarding. It is a career that can really make you feel like you are making a difference to someone.”

Although she greatly cares about her job, an important lesson for Anna has been to learn how to step away from work at the end of the day and switch off.

“As I work with clients that are often going through a significant stage in their lives I want to be able to support them in any way possible. I make it a priority to engage in activities that support my own health too.”

Anna reflected on her goals for the future, saying “I would love to increase my involvement in the occupational therapy degree at Monash University, so that I can give back to the degree that I thoroughly enjoyed and share my experiences with the future occupational therapists of the world. I would also love to complete my PhD in the near future.”

For students looking to pursue a career in occupational therapy, Anna had this to say.

“If you are looking for a rewarding career, that offers so much variety and growth opportunities, and is fulfilling, then occupational therapy is worth pursuing.”