In a wonderfully reflective manner, IMC alumna Natalie Horvath describes how she repeatedly took new directions in her professional career before arriving at occupational therapy. She took us along on her journey.
Story
Natalie Horvath swapped her trouser suit for work trousers and ended up in occupational therapy
My path was never a classic career ladder, but rather a conscious approach to what really suits me. After completing my bachelor's degree in biomedical engineering and my master's degree in health management, formative travels, personal experiences and private turning points led me to repeatedly ask myself how I wanted to live and work. I was less concerned with faster, higher, further – and more with meaning, authenticity and the inner need to go my own way.
Professionally, I initially worked in corporations and on projects until I eventually swapped my trouser suit for work trousers and completed a short apprenticeship in orthopaedic technology. This period was a turning point: I worked with my hands, was close to people and children, and felt very clearly how fulfilling genuine encounters can be in everyday working life. This path led me to discover occupational therapy – and I knew I had found my calling.
Accompanying people
I didn't just want to care for people, I wanted to truly accompany them. For me, occupational therapy combines closeness, creativity, professional depth, science and practicality. Its diversity constantly opens up new perspectives for me – and at the same time gives me the opportunity to support other people individually in their development.
My heart says ‘yes’ to IMC Krems
My decision to attend IMC Krems was a decision made with my heart. Even during my part-time master's degree, I greatly appreciated the family atmosphere, the clear structure and the excellent support. I always felt well looked after – and therefore knew immediately that I wanted to complete my occupational therapy studies here as well.
Dolphin Therapy in Curaçao
During my studies, I had the opportunity to get to know the CDTC Curaçao Dolphin Therapy Centre for the first time during an Erasmus internship in the summer holidays, where I mainly provided administrative support to the team. At the same time, I was able to gather my first therapeutic impressions and observations. After graduating, I deliberately returned to experience the work there from the perspective of an occupational therapist.
My time in Curaçao showed me how powerful relationships, presence and non-verbal communication can be – especially in the interaction between people, animals and the environment.
Animal-assisted therapy enables immediate, non-judgmental access. Animals create trust, closeness and security – often precisely where words fail. For children in particular, this approach opens up new opportunities to open up and form relationships.
Following my inner compass
Today, I work primarily with children and their families. I accompany children from infancy to young adulthood in outpatient care and also work in inpatient child and adolescent psychiatry and psychosomatics – an area that is particularly close to my heart. I find it deeply moving to be able to accompany children through challenging phases of their lives.
At the same time, I am gradually making my way towards self-employment. My inner compass is clear: to create spaces where children can retain their light-heartedness and adults can rediscover it.
I don't know exactly where my own path will lead me – but I am approaching it with openness, curiosity, anticipation and confidence that the spaces in which I can work will reveal themselves.
