Getting Involved as an Audiology Grad

By Brenna Downing

Being a graduate student can come with a lot of stressors, and adding on more experiences outside of school responsibilities can seem daunting. While it does require some extra effort, getting involved during your time as a student can be a very fun and rewarding experience! There are plenty of opportunities available that you may have an interest in that can double as a resume builder. Luckily, there are many resources available to help you make the most out of your graduate school experience.

Start Local, Expand to National

A great first step into getting more involved as a graduate student is to check out your university’s Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) Chapter. You can search online to find a local SAA chapter available to you, and we encourage you to reach out and get involved. Being active in your local SAA chapter is a great way to work closely with fellow audiology graduate students, serve your community, and gain more hands-on experience within audiology.

Membership in the national SAA is another great option if you’re looking for even more resources and ways to get involved. National SAA offers many volunteer, leadership, and advocacy opportunities geared towards advancing the profession and you as a professional. Applying to become a volunteer with national SAA is an opportunity for you to help make an impact and build upon your leadership skills.
National SAA membership also gives you discounted rates to the AAA Annual Convention, access to research articles, scholarship opportunities, and many other benefits.

Explore Volunteer Experiences That Match Your Interests

While membership in local and national audiology organizations is a great place to begin, there are endless opportunities for you to be engaged during your time as a graduate student. Playing into your interests will allow you to do things you enjoy that can highlight your unique skills on your resume. For instance, you can look into volunteer opportunities with a specific patient population you enjoy working with by reaching out to local healthcare operations like assisted living facilities or specialized children’s hospitals.

It may seem intimidating, but the best thing you can do if you are wanting to serve your community is to simply begin reaching out to local organizations that interest you. If you have an interest in a certain area, but you are having trouble finding a way to get involved, consider creating your own volunteer opportunity! Mentioning this interest to fellow students and faculty can help you build an opportunity from the ground up, so don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled. Students have used their passions to create community outreach and hearing screening events, participate in audiology service trips, and more.

Take the Next Step: Become a National SAA Volunteer

Getting involved and following your interests is one of the best things you can do to be a stand-out student. It will also set you up for success in your future career. So what are you waiting for? Take the next step and become a national SAA volunteer. Applications are being accepted until October 1, 2026.