Better Hearing Month and Beyond: Summer Opportunities for Audiology Students

By Sarah McAlexander, AuD

Happy Summer and Happy Better Hearing Month!

Summer can often feel like the “off-season” for advisors, as students may be completing off-site clinical rotations or attending other events and camps, but there’s still plenty you can do to support your SAA chapter over the summer semester!

Help Students Find Off-Site Clinical Placements

If your program offers students the opportunity to head off-site for clinical placements in the summer, you can help them narrow down potential sites of interest. Students may want to consider what city or location they hope to practice in for externship or their first job or specialties of interest. Helping them figure out what placements may be the best fit will set them up for success over the summer.

Encourage Students to Prepare for Externship Applications Early

The summer is fast, and for students applying to externships in the fall, it can be a great time to start gathering necessary materials. Encourage your students to compile a list of potential externship sites, begin working on a personal statement or updating their resume, and start reaching out to preceptors or professors who may write their letters of recommendation. Students can check out HEARCareers for open externship opportunities and, as part of their national SAA member benefits, can use the Academy’s Resume Review Service to get expert feedback on their application materials.

Connect Students with Additional Training and Service Opportunities

Depending on summer class and clinic schedules, students may have some extra time to participate in additional training and service opportunities. Some manufacturers may offer student training camps over the summer, which can be great opportunities for students to learn more about technology while meeting with other students and professionals across the country. The summer can also be a great time to consider other community service opportunities, such as volunteering with the Special Olympics or at local summer camps for children with disabilities.

Additional Resources

• Boost your Summer Experiences by Amanda Prozeralik
• Lessons from a LEND Trainee by Kelly Schroeder