September 2023 Advisors Corner

Congratulations on making it this far in completing your clinical doctorate in audiology!  The externship application process is the next step in becoming an audiologist and is a moment to be excited about.

Make sure you take advantage of the national Student Academy of Audiology (SAA) tips and resources, starting with the 2023 Externship Guide. Below are a few highlights that you might find helpful.

1. Create a resume or a curriculum vitae,“CV”. Check out the Academy’s resume resource page which includes a wealth of information such as sample resumes and cover letters. If you’re a national SAA member, you can also utilize the free resume review service. Do your research on the externship site you are applying to so you know more about them and the services they provide and can tailor your CV for each application. This will help your CV lead with and highlight your clinical experiences, research, volunteer opportunities, and other qualifications that are most relevant to the specific site you are applying to for your externship.

2. Letters of Recommendation will also be essential in applying for externships. Check the specific guidelines for each externship application as they usually will provide information on the number and type of recommendation letters required. Timing is important when asking for recommendation letters so try to provide your references with ample time to write and submit your letters. When asking for a reference, try to ask in person when possible and be sure to ask if they would be willing to write a favorable recommendation letter for you. If they say yes, make it as easy as possible for them by providing them with specific contact information for each externship site, a timeline of when the letters need to be submitted by, and your CV or resume.

3. Make sure you are appropriately prepared for interviews. Check out the Academy’s Interview Prep List. Do your research ahead of time on the externship site and the individuals who may be interviewing you. Prepare a list of questions to help you practice your ability to communicate well and to build your confidence in answering the various questions you may encounter during an interview. You may consider asking colleagues, preceptors, and professors if they could conduct a mock interview for you. On the day of the interview, make sure you are ready and prepared at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled interview time. If you have a virtual interview, make sure you have good lighting, stable internet connection, proper audio functioning, and reduce background noise as much as possible. Finally, remember to show professionalism by sending your interviewer(s) a thank you email for their time.

Finally, the national SAA Blog features a variety of posts detailing the externship experience of other students who have been through the externship application process, including Nailing the Externship Application and Interview Process, How I Applied to Externships, and Externship Process Do’s and Don’ts: From a Recent Applicant. Good luck and you’ve got this! For more tips be sure to check out this month’s President’s Corner.

Audrey Taylor, AuD
National SAA Advisory Committee Chair