Growth Mindset as a student at Longevity

Learning Beyond the Gym Floor

Three weeks into my internship with Longevity, I’m beginning to realise that some of the biggest lessons aren’t coming from textbooks or even from the gym floor. They’re coming from conversations, mentorship, and moments that challenge the way I think.

This week, Longevity hosted a student mentorship evening with our Director, Jarrat Wood. As students, it’s easy to underestimate just how valuable opportunities like these are. Having direct access to experienced clinicians and leaders who are genuinely invested in our development is something I don’t take for granted, and it’s definitely been one of the most rewarding parts of my internship so far.

A Growth Mindset for the Future

One question that sparked a lot of discussion was, “How do we prepare for the future of Exercise Physiology?”

The answer wasn’t about learning a new technique or predicting where the profession is heading. It was much simpler: develop a growth mindset.

That really resonated with me.

As Exercise Physiologists, adaptation is already embedded in what we do. Every client is different, every session requires clinical reasoning, and every program needs to evolve as our clients progress. But adaptation isn’t just a clinical skill- it’s a professional one. Healthcare is constantly changing, research continues to evolve, and our communities will always present new challenges. If we can stay curious, remain open to feedback, and continue learning, we’ll be far better equipped to navigate whatever the future of our profession looks like.

As students, I think a growth mindset starts with being willing to put yourself in situations where you might not have all the answers. Attending events, asking questions, seeking feedback, and saying yes to opportunities- even when they’re outside your comfort zone- are all ways we can continue growing long before graduation.

Be, Do, Have

Another concept I’ve reflected on all week was the idea of “Have, Do, Be” vs “Be, Do, Have.”

It’s easy to fall into the mindset of “Once I graduate, then I’ll become a great clinician.” Or “Once I get the job, then I’ll start networking.” We often believe we need to have something first before we can do the things that eventually allow us to be the person we want to become.

The challenge is to flip that thinking.

Instead, choose who you want to be today. Be curious. Be professional. Be someone who invests in learning. Then do the things that align with that identity- ask questions, attend development events, seek mentors, build relationships, and embrace every opportunity to learn. The results, experiences and confidence you want to have naturally follow.

As someone with less than six months until graduation, that perspective really challenged me. For a long time, I thought my real professional development would begin once I became an Exercise Physiologist. Now I’m realising that it has already begun. Every conversation, every placement day, every mentorship opportunity and every event is shaping the clinician I’ll become.

My Biggest Takeaway

If there’s one thing I’ve taken away from this week, it’s that growth doesn’t begin when you graduate. It begins the moment you decide to keep showing up, stay curious, and invest in becoming the clinician you aspire to be.

Are you interested to learn more about our current opportunities for students?

To RSVP for our upcoming mentorship series meeting, please CLICK HERE!

Call us at Longevity Exercise Physiology Ascot Vale, Aspley, Broadbeach, Casey, Castle Hill, Coburg, Deagon, Drummoyne, Edgecliff, Five Dock, Gladesville, Gungahlin, Kingsgrove, Liverpool, Macarthur Campbelltown, Marrickville, Neutral Bay, Penrith, Pymble, Pyrmont, Randwick, Rhodes, Rosebery, Springfield, Yamanto today on 1300 964 002 to speak directly to one of our Senior Exercise Physiologists, or, for more opportunities, email students@longevitypt.com.au 

Written by Georgie Watters-Whyte (Broadbeach Intern)

Vlog: “As student EPs, we spend years building our clinical knowledge. But what if the biggest advantage isn’t what we know- it’s the mindset we bring to learning? Here’s what I took away from Longevity’s Student Mentorship Night.”