Boost Your Summer Experiences

By Amanda Prozeralik

Congratulations! You’ve almost made it to the end of another semester, and you are that much closer to graduating and becoming an audiologist! For many audiology students, the summer semester means that schedules are a bit more relaxed. Because of this, you will have  a wonderful opportunity to dedicate yourself to unique student opportunities you may not otherwise have the time for while also giving yourself a much needed break.

I encourage each of you to find at least one volunteer position or student opportunity that you can engage in during the summer. These opportunities will not only help you grow professionally, but they can also set you apart from other students when you apply for externships and/or jobs. This can include volunteering with your local SAA chapter, volunteering with national SAA, attending your state’s conference, or attending various student hearing aid training sessions or camps.

Applications for becoming a national SAA volunteer are NOW OPEN! The application is available on the national SAA website. Volunteering for national SAA is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to the profession of audiology and meet other audiology students from all over the country. I have truly enjoyed my time serving on the national SAA Board of Directors, as I have been able to meet other like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and expand my knowledge in many areas of our profession. It has been a fulfilling experience and I would recommend everyone be involved in national SAA in some capacity, whether that be serving on the board or volunteering for a committee. It is a great experience, especially for students interested in learning more about leadership in audiology.

Additionally, one of the best experiences I had while a student was attending my state’s local audiology conference over the summer. I had the chance to present research I was working on, learn about current topics in audiology, and network with other professionals and students in my state. Find out when your state audiology conference is and discuss student opportunities at the conference with your audiology program. Another unique opportunity specifically for students is hearing aid camps and training sessions. Many hearing aid manufacturers, such as Oticon and Phonak, will hold dedicated events for students, and these can be wonderful opportunities to gain knowledge on hearing aid programming.

While I would encourage everyone to be as involved as they can be, don’t forget to relax and give yourself a break over the summer as well. Make sure you’re dedicating some time each week to engaging in activities that provide some reprieve from your school and clinic responsibilities. My favorite things to do include hiking, baking, and hanging out with friends! Even if only for a short time, I always feel refreshed after doing one of these activities, which better prepares me to tackle the next item on my to-do list.

Whether you are graduating, starting your externship, or just starting your program, I wish you all the best this summer.

Amanda Prozeralik
2024-2025 National SAA Secretary

Additional Resource

• Mental Wellness Resources