If you’ve spent any time around physiotherapy students on LinkedIn, there’s a good chance you’ve come across Thalia Lau. That’s exactly how I found her!

Thalia was named the CSP’s Student Influencer of the Year 2026 — recognition of the contribution she made to the profession during her time as a student.

But what I find particularly interesting is that Thalia didn’t set out to become an ‘influencer’. She created her LinkedIn account almost on a whim, while sitting in a physiotherapy lecture with friends.

From student to newly qualified physio: how Ricky Parrish used LinkedIn to stand out.

You don't have to wait until you qualify to start building your professional reputation. Ricky Parrish's LinkedIn journey is a great example of what can happen when you start early.

I was keen to become a Band 5 physiotherapist, and like many new graduates, I was applying for jobs, going to interviews and wondering when someone was finally going to give me my chance.

But while I was waiting for that opportunity, I was actually building plenty of experience that would eventually help me get there. And I’ve got some tips for you.

I joined LinkedIn in 2015. Within 24 hours, I deactivated it. I knew immediately that I didn’t need that in my life. With a blossoming NHS career happening, I didn’t feel it was necessary. Fast-forward to September 2022, and I’d rejoined.

I've been asked this question, and I believe it's from the point of view that LinkedIn is misunderstood.

'𝘐 𝘸𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥𝘯'𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦.'
'𝘐𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘢 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘦.'
'𝘐 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘪𝘵.'

Which is why the bar is low, the opportunity to stand out on here is the highest it'll ever be, and my job is to get you up and running.

What do men need when they struggle to meet the demands that life makes of them? It could be plucking up the courage to speak to their GP. Seeking talking therapies. Or it could simply be a bit of timeout. This crazy bit of scientific history is about how men were prescribed fun and hard work to feel better.