Mock-Interview Reflection

Although it was a low-stakes, mock interview, I began feeling nervous beforehand. Regardless, I felt it went well, overall. Prior to the mock interview, I looked at the provided resources to see what kind of questions we could expect and prepare responses, in addition to some interview "tips and tricks". I took time to self-reflect on my strengths, weaknesses, and relevant personality traits and characteristics that I could potentially bring to a company at the assigned setting. The phrasing of some questions were unexpected. I was expecting the stereotypical "What are your strengths/weakness?", but would instead received a question similar to "If a mentor/professors was to describe you to me, what do you think they would say?". Otherwise, I think the structure of mock interview went mostly as one would expect. Something I would do differently in the future is look up questions that are different from what is typically asked and try to prepare for something different, just in case. The entire process was very helpful in providing a sort of simulation to a real life experience. We were given potential job sites and had to tailor our cover letters and resumes to the site, create a professional LinkedIn account, prepare for a job interview by reviewing the site's information, and sit for the interview. It was a good refresher for everything involved in the process now that we are about to transition into our fieldwork rotations and then OT practice after graduation.

- Pam ♡

A Glyph on Leadership

I don’t currently have physical access to the original drawing we did at the beginning of OT school, so luckily, all of the glyph's we did at the beginning of last year were uploaded for us to reference. There weren't too many differences, but a couple notable ones for sure. One was adding an accessory. Since starting OT school and being in a class FULL of leaders, I have been exposed to different traits and roles myself and others bring when working with each other. Finally, I wrote my name in cursive. I don’t have any concrete titles that I am striving for, but I know that no matter where my profession takes me, I want to serve, influence, and lead others toward positive changes in their lives. This activity was a fun, nostalgic revisit to the beginning of our OT journey!

Locus of Control

Locus of control refers to the source of influence, whether it be internal or external, toward a certain outcome in individuals’ lives. However, it’s not a black and white concept, rather a spectrum. Someone with a greater internal locus of control believes that their own actions are the source of what occurs around them. On the contrary, someone with a greater external locus of control, believes that life’s occurrences are determined by influences outside of one’s control.

As we’ve learned in school, one’s ability to adapt is a valuable trait as an OT. This means understanding the situation, accepting what is in and out of our control, and adjusting to the best of our ability. Situations created by our external environment will present themselves frequently, and it’s with the extent of our internal locus of control that we are able to approach the situation. 

Just like ourselves, it is just as if not more important for our clients to acknowledge and understand their own locus of control. As therapists, understanding our clients’ locus of control can help us approach our client and guide our treatment. It is our job to educate our clients, and sometimes that is accompanied by helping them discern what is in and out of their control. If it’s out of someone’s control, maybe the therapist and client can collaborate to approach it in a way that improves the client’s perspective on the situation.