ACM GRADUATE INTERVIEW - Ray Dally

19/04/2011

ACM Graduate Ray Dally and his wife were given the Introductory Course as something they could do together

What first interested you about massage?

My wife and I travelled from our hometown in Orange to Sydney to complete the 2 day course over a weekend.

We had a really great weekend together learning a new skill that we could use on each other and friends and family.

During the weekend I had flashbacks to a previous career of mine in optics and I remembered how enjoyable an occupation was when I was paid to help other people.

It didn’t take long for me to decide I wanted to continue with further training on the topic and so I enrolled into the Diploma program.

How long have you been massaging?

I have been working in the industry now for almost 2 years.

What do you enjoy most about massaging?

The thing I enjoy the most about massaging is twofold – I love how I can improve someone else’s life and I love the reward I get in seeing an instant result from my work.

I also get a great sense of achievement seeing people’s reactions to my treatment sessions. They are always positive and that’s what drives me to continue.

What was your experience at ACM like?

I completed the Diploma as an on-campus student. Living in Orange NSW, I travelled to Sydney once a month for my practical classes. I was working full-time whilst completing the Diploma and I found the study load very workable and easy to manage in a twelve month period for completion.

"The ACM course was well planned and easy to follow. The mix of resources was excellent. The on-campus practical sessions helped to tie everything together, whilst the home-study easily fitted into my family and working life."

How have your studies at ACM assisted preparing you for working in the massage industry?

ACM gave me a great understanding of the current massage industry and the wide variety of work choices on offer. As a business, hobby or employment venture, all the options were laid out.

"On completion of my Certificate IV, I felt fully prepared for the industry and now that I have been a part of that industry for some time, I feel privileged to be part of such a rewarding industry." 

What advice would you give aspiring massage therapists?

My best advice for anybody, massage therapist in the making or not is “always enjoy what you do”.

There are not many jobs in the world where you are given immediate appreciation for what you have done. If you complete a course always make the most of massage opportunities that are presented to you. 

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

The highlight of my career so far is that after working as an employee for the best part of my working life, I have now started my own massage clinic business. A business within an industry that I am very passionate about.

I enjoy the fact that I can create every aspect of my business to what I want, as far as branding and anything to do with making decisions about the business is concerned.

"I enjoy having the opportunity to welcome new clients into my clinic and have them choose my services to help manage their health and wellbeing."