In 2017, I began creating resources for new graduates looking to pursue travel therapy. After talking to numerous new graduates who found themselves in sticky situations once on assignment, it became clear that high quality mentorship programs are lacking in our industry. If your professors are anything like mine, you have probably been told to wait to pursue travel therapy for at least a year due to lack of mentorship. I was fortunate to have incredible mentorship in my first year of traveling as a new graduate, but after countless conversations with other new graduates, this is not the standard. Therefore, I have made it my mission to raise the bar for mentorship in our industry. I’ve interviewed countless companies who claim to be “new grad friendly” and have student outreach programs but lack a quality mentorship program. We need to hold the industry more accountable. After working your tail off in school for years and years, you deserve quality mentorship whether you decide to pursue a permanent or travel position.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How soon should I start connecting with recruiters?
It is never too early to begin talking to recruiters. Speaking with recruiters early will not only help you learn more about travel therapy, but this will allow recruiters to get to know you better. They will know what you are looking for both personally and professionally. Therefore, when the time comes, they will be able to present you opportunities that are going to be better matches for you.
2. How many recruiters should I work with?
This may sound cliché, but you don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket. Working with 2-3 recruiters from different top new grad companies is advised for a few reasons. First, you may jive with one recruiter better who will have an easier time placing you as a new graduate. Secondly, different agencies will have different direct clients. Therefore, having a few trusted recruiters will maximize your opportunities.
3. What will recruiters need from me before I can be presented positions?
Before recruiters can present you positions, you’ll need to create a profile with them. The profile consists of your resume, references, and skills checklist. You must have a complete profile to be submitted for consideration for travel assignments.
4. How far in advance will I know where I am headed to a new assignment?
You will typically start to look for your assignment 4-6 weeks before you are ready to start. Many clients will have ASAP needs or needs listed for the next 4-6 weeks. There are instances when you can secure your assignment further in advance for maternity leaves, military leaves, or seasonal staffing needs.
Did you know???? If you fill out any forms on the agencies website, you will be randomly assigned to a recruiter (typically a new recruiter looking to build their desk. It is always best to reach out to a recommended recruiter directly via email or phone.
How Do I Contact Recruiters?
Typically, it is best to send an introductory email. Introduce yourself (name, discipline, graduation date, etc) and how you received their contact information. Name dropping can be beneficial in most industries. All these recruiters know that I am an advocate of new grads being placed in clinically appropriate facilities, paired with vetted mentors, and paid fairly. I advise you to set up a time to talk over the phone. Everything in travel is done over the phone so you will want to practice this skill. It is also much easier to determine whether or not the recruiter will be a good match for you by talking over the phone.
Want a FREE sample introductory email?
Need recruiters to contact? Click here or email me at newgradtravelpt@gmail.com
