PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Marissa Stendel
OCCT508

YEAR 1
Personal

1. I will attend Yoga and Pilates classes at least once a week in order to improve my physical
and mental health.
2. I will plan one small vacation between each school term to visit my family and friends.

Career

1. I will research various occupational therapy career opportunities in San Diego, California
where I eventually would like to begin my practice as an occupational therapist.
2. I will narrow down my various interests in occupational therapy to one or two subfields by
being an active participant within the occupational therapy field in Nevada and researching
these different areas of interests.

Educational

1. I will become a tutor for Analysis of Movement in Occupation at Touro University Nevada.
2. I will modify study habits throughout each term by creating short term and long terms goals
that are attainable throughout the semester.

Recreation/
Leisure

1. I will spend more time participating in activities that I am interested in outside of school with
peers by creating a schedule that coincides with school and allows for more leisure activity.
2. I will attend church at least twice a month on Sunday mornings or Wednesday afternoons.

YEAR 3
Personal

1. I will relocate to San Diego and begin a new gym/ Yoga and Pilates routine near my
home or work to stay physically fit.
2. I will keep in contact with old friends and family and continue to mentor my younger
sister as she begins her journey through college.

Career

1. I will begin working as an occupational therapist in my field of interest by completing

my masters degree, passing the NBCOT, and attaining a license for the state of California.
2. I will attain a job that provides benefits, a 401K, and allows growth within that particular
field of practice.

Educational

1. I will find an OT mentor that can help me further my knowledge as a novice OT, and
provide educational advice in multiple areas of the field.
2. I will attend the annual AOTA conference in order to learn and promote occupational
therapy to others.

Recreation/
Leisure

1. I will adopt a pet, preferably a dog, and walk it once a week either on the beach or on
hikes.
2. I will volunteer within my new community in a charity or organization that I feel needs
promotion or help.

YEAR 5
Personal

1. I will hopefully meet and be in a long term relationship with a man in San Diego.
2. I will have bought a new car, and will be saving money to purchase a home.

Career

1. I will be working as an occupational therapist in my field of interest at a setting of my

choice after having gained a few years of experience.
2. I will research new areas of practice and new opportunities to advance my education
within the field of occupational therapy.

Educational

1. I will be working to attain certifications in areas that I am interested in within

occupational therapy.
2. I will be researching and possibly applying to doctoral programs within the field of
occupational therapy.

Recreation/
Leisure

1. I will try to become involved in culinary classes as a hobby outside of work.

2. I will begin to travel the European countries that I would like to visit during my
vacation time.

YEAR 10
Personal

1. I will have purchased a single family home to live in for the rest of life (hopefully).
2. I will have a child or baby within 10 years.

Career

1. I will become an advanced occupational therapist working within the field and hope
to have made some contributions to my specific field or place of practice.
2. I would like to become a fieldwork educator or a mentor to new occupational therapy
practitioners or students.

Educational

1. I will continue to promote the field of occupational therapy and attend annual
conferences such as the annual conference and expo by the AOTA.
2. I will attend a WFOT conference outside of the United States to broaden my
perceptions and education in practice from around the world.

Recreation/
Leisure

1. I will continue to progress in my professional development by being involved within

my community outside of work.
2. I will spend most of my time with my family and ensure that opportunities for my
child are being pursued for his/her benefit.