Traveling as a New Grad

As many of you are beginning your job search, I wanted to share my experience as a first time traveler and newly graduated Occupational Therapist. My journey to become a traveler technically started before I even graduated. I went to multiple job fairs and at first it was overwhelming because there were so many traveling companies to choose from. When I finally decided that I wanted to travel right after graduation, I wasn’t even sure where to begin.

I had an immediate connection with Madelyn, who is the Student Outreach Coordinator for Aureus’ therapy team. She came to our school and did a lunch and learn and afterwards met with me face to face to discuss options I was considering for my career. We discussed what I was thinking, where I wanted to go, and what I really wanted out of a job. She made me feel really comfortable and answered all the questions I had with complete honesty. Madelyn wasn’t afraid to tell me all the aspects of what traveling would entail. She wanted me to be sure that it was the best option for me and if it wasn’t she was ready to switch gears and help me find a direct hire (full-time) position.

Being a new graduate and accepting your first position is scary no matter what setting you want to work in. It can also be overwhelming to hear about all your classmates going on interviews and finding jobs while you still have no clue what direction you want to take. What really made me want to start traveling were the experiences I had while completing my level II fieldwork assignments. I thought I would get the traveling out of my system by completing them across the country. However, it only made me realize how much I really wanted to travel and see different places around the country.

After my final decision to travel was made and I was ready to start the job search, I was connected with a recruiter. My recruiter and Madelyn have both been so helpful and were willing to take the time to make sure I was prepared. Since I have started working with Aureus, Madelyn still calls to check in and see how things are going. She also came to Virginia when I did an assignment in Richmond and drove two hours to take me out to dinner. I also had a recruiter from a completely different department look me up when she was in Virginia to meet me and take me out to eat!

One of the things I like most about Aureus is how available everyone is whenever I have a question. Once you are placed in a job, that account manager of that state takes over any needs you may have.  They have an account manager for just about every state that you want to work in who really knows the ins and outs of the areas, the housing, and the jobs. I am currently working in Texas and my account manager has been wonderful. She is really good about staying in touch in case I need anything and has made an effort to answer any questions I have had. She also focuses on helping me move forward in new job opportunities.

I have met other travelers from different companies and at times they have found it difficult to get in touch with their recruiters. Many times it was towards the end of their assignments, which seemed really frustrating and stressful. As a traveler, you always want to have a plan as to where you want to work next. No matter who I am working with, they are always keeping me posted on positions that are available.

While working with my recruitment team it has been a big relief knowing that I have people who understand the types of positions I prefer and more importantly they keep my preferences and goals in mind. Another good thing about the people at Aureus is that if someone is out of the office for any reason, they always have someone to help if you need assistance on your current assignment or want to keep updated on available jobs.

Since I started working for Aureus, they have made my transition from student to traveling therapist seem effortless. They gave me step by step instructions along the way and are very good about finding placements where I will not be the only OT at my assigned facility. I never once felt like I was in anything but good hands with them and that has made my experience a thousand times more enjoyable! I started my career with Aureus seven months ago and have completed two assignments so far. I am looking forward to seeing where my career with Aureus takes me next!

If you have questions as a new graduate, whether you are thinking about travel or want help with a direct hire position, I recommend getting in contact with Madelyn. She is a new grad’s best friend when it comes to explaining how everything works and making sure you have all of your questions answered!

Brie Georger is a traveling Occupational Therapist with Aureus Medical’s Rehab Therapy Division. She began her traveling career immediately following her graduation from the University at Buffalo in 2013.

2 comments

  1. I thought about taking this path as well, but my concern is that as a new grad who isn’t in one place very long, how do you develop trustworthy professional ties or find/keep a mentor to help you through what you don’t have the experience to know yet? Thanks in advance for your advice. I’m still in level I fieldwork so I have a ways to go. 🙂

  2. Karen, that’s a great question and one that I would say is not the easiest to answer in all fairness. Traveling assignments are typically like fieldwork in which you are there for 13 weeks or longer. Your experience tends to be hands-on and depending on the place, you have a meeting with your mentor onsite. What has been commented to us by our travelers is how impactful their experiences are but also how many relationships they garner from them. Several travelers will return to the same facility through us to seek full time positions or simply to “visit”. Travel isn’t for everyone so it is based on where you are in your comfort level. With that said, we do have a unique therapy division that works hard in placing new graduates in environments that nurture growth. We placed over 60 new graduates last year alone and they are doing well. Please feel free to contact us anytime with further questions. You can email me at ssnook@aureusmedical.com and I will have Brie answer you as well.

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