Abigail Cobby

Current Employer/Organisation Name

University of Southampton

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

I began as a SEN teaching assistant from June 2018 to August 2019. I then became a homeless outreach worker between October 2019 and July 2021. I then worked in police custody under the NHS Liaison and Diversion Service between September 2021 and December 2022. I am now a student at the University of Southampton completing my masters to become an Occupational Therapist (began January 2023, finish December 2024).

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I chose to be an Occupational Therapist as I had been a support worker for many years and in order to progress further I needed to have a specialist registration. Occupational Therapy appealed to me the most as they have a holistic view of the patient and you are trained in dual mental and physical health.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

President of the Disney Society 2017 – 2018 Social Sec of the Disney Society 2016 – 2017

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

I felt we were given a range of psychology knowledge and a big highlight was completing my dissertation in to traumatic brain injury.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

Beautiful campus and resources.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

My boyfriend also attended the University.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

Learning how to work with the vulnerable, actively listening, having patience and understanding a person from their perspective.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

Try to find a course where you can complete Occupational Therapy as an undergraduate degree!

What are your plans for the future?

To complete my course and be a qualified Occupational Therapist.