Entering the Profession: A Good Conversation with a Mentor

This weekend at a tailgate, I had the chance to pick the brain of a mentor with decades in the field. The conversation left me with some clarity, and some much needed perspective, about stepping into our first jobs, transitioning out of school, and thinking long-term about our careers.

For many of us, the reality is setting in: school is ending. After 7+ years of higher education, we’re stepping into our mid-20s while some of our peers have been working for years already. Pair that with student debt and the daunting question of ROI, and the weight is real. But that’s exactly why this advice was so helpful.

Transitioning Well

The first takeaway was simple: find out what you want to do, and do that. It sounds obvious, but in a world where job postings are endless and advice is scattered, this reminder hits hard. Instead of chasing every opportunity (or money), narrow your focus to patient populations and settings that truly interest you. That way, even if the job is demanding, your work will still feel meaningful.

Salary does matter, especially if offers come in far below your expectations, but remember that your first job isn’t necessarily your forever job. Many new grads “double dip” by taking a full-time position in their preferred setting while working PRN elsewhere to supplement income. That flexibility can ease financial pressure while still giving you the experience you want most.

Once you’re in the door, the priority is clear: be excellent at what you do and make sure others know it. Improvement is not self-evident. If you’re seeking a raise, promotion, or more responsibility, you’ll need to make your case with concrete evidence(ex. patient outcomes, continuing education courses, certifications, or written feedback from patients and peers). Saying “I’ve grown with experience” is vague. Showing specific examples proves your worth. And remember: no one is coming to rescue you. Advancement comes when you pair skill with initiative.

Life After School

When I asked what post-grad life was like, his answer was immediate: “It rocks.” And after hearing him describe it, I believe it. There’s more free time, fewer deadlines hanging over your head, and a sense of control over your day-to-day life that’s rare in school. You get to set the rhythm, and for the first time in years, that rhythm isn’t dictated by professors, assignments, or exams.

But with that freedom comes responsibility. Free time is great, but how you use it determines your trajectory. Rest and hobbies should absolutely be part of your schedule. They restore balance and keep burnout at bay. At the same time, if you have aspirations of moving up, learning more, and eventually earning more, some of that time should be dedicated to continued growth. Whether that means staying up-to-date with research, pursuing additional certifications, or learning from mentors, you need to carve out space for professional development.

Healthcare changes quickly. What we learn in school today could be outdated in five years. Burying our heads in the sand is not an option if we want to serve our patients well. That doesn’t mean your entire free time must be consumed by studying, but it does mean recognizing that graduation isn’t the finish line. It’s the start of lifelong learning.

Knowing When (and How) to Exit

The best advice came here: “Know how and when to exit.”

This perspective flips the script. We often think only about getting our first job, but understanding when to move on is just as important. When you start, ask yourself: Does this role provide room for advancement in pay, benefits, or leadership? Does the clinic invest in mentorship and growth? Does the job support the lifestyle I want outside of work, whether that’s family time, training for a race, or other pursuits? These aren’t questions to push aside for later. They shape whether a position serves you long-term.

If those answers start shifting toward “no,” that’s a signal. And when it’s time to go, strategy matters. Protect yourself first. Secure another offer before announcing anything, and avoid putting yourself in a vulnerable position by leaving prematurely. Once you have your next step lined up, give your employer generous notice, three to six months is ideal in a clinical setting. That timeline ensures continuity of care and prevents your coworkers from being overwhelmed.

And finally, exit with humility. Don’t badmouth your current job or boast about the greener grass elsewhere. Everyone’s on their own timeline, and your story doesn’t need to diminish theirs. Our profession is smaller than it feels, and bridges burned unnecessarily have a way of circling back. A graceful exit preserves your reputation and leaves options open down the road.

Balancing Your “Yeses”

Finally, the reminder I needed most: “Every yes is a no.”

Every time you commit to something (another job, another side gig, another race) you’re saying no to something else. It might be time with family, sleep, social events, or even just space to breathe. Recognizing this tradeoff is critical. It forces us to think not only about what we’re chasing but also what we’re sacrificing in the process.

As clinicians, it’s easy to let work consume us. After all, it feels noble serving patients, picking up extra shifts, chasing growth. But we have to remember where our values truly lie. Work is meaningful, but it’s only one part of a much bigger picture. Neglecting relationships, health, or time for yourself ultimately diminishes both your quality of life and the quality of care you provide.

Time is the only resource we can’t buy back. Money can be earned again, positions can change, but the hours you spend are gone forever. Be careful with your yeses. Protect your time, align your commitments with your values, and don’t lose sight of the bigger life you want outside of the clinic.

Parting Words

This conversation reframed a season that feels overwhelming into something manageable. Find the right fit, work hard and prove your value, keep learning, know when it’s time to go, and protect your yeses. If we can keep those principles in mind, our first jobs won’t just be survival. Good luck everybody.

Disclaimer

I am a current Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student sharing information based on my formal education and independent studies. The content presented in this newsletter is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered professional medical advice. While I strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, my knowledge is based on my current academic and clinical rotations and ongoing learning, not extensive clinical practice.