Tips On Transitioning From Undergraduate to Graduate Student; Student to Audiology Professional

The ending of school semester can bring about big changes in the lives of students. In some cases, it can mean the closing of one academic chapter and the beginning of a new one or it could mean leaving school behind and starting an exciting new career as an audiology professional!

National SAA provides students with a multitude of resources to help them transition from one exciting situation to the next. Read on for tips regarding transitions from undergraduate to graduate student as well as graduate student to audiology professional.

Undergraduate to Graduate Student

Graduate education is VERY different from undergraduate education and it can be difficult to make this transition. What can one to do to prepare?

• Research the school you will be attending. Read your university’s mission and value statements so you can become familiar with their goals and initiatives. What events and programs do they have for students? What resources are available to students? You can often find information about course curriculum, professors, staff members, etc. on the university’s website. This will help you to know where and who to go to in case you ever need assistance as a student.

• Research the town you will be living in. Starting graduate school can be hard, but it can be even harder when it’s also in a city you are not familiar with. Take the time to look up, visit, and become familiar with the city you will be moving to. This will help you to be prepared and reduce stress when it is time to move and start your program.

• Read through your university requirements. Programs often send a lot of information prior to start dates. It can be overwhelming to read and take in all of this information, but this information is important to your education.

• Join state and national audiology organizations (if you have not already done so). Joining state and local organizations is not only a great way to get involved in your professional community, but it is also an excellent opportunity to network, volunteer, and build upon your audiology and professional skills.

• Join university and city social media groups. This is a great way to get to know others in your school and area.

Head over to the SAA website for more tips and resources.

Student to Professional

Transitioning from student to audiology professional can be intimidating. These steps will help make the process a lot smoother.

• Start your job search early. Your graduation date will come faster than you think, and you want to be sure you have a job lined up and ready to go. Whether it be talking to your supervisors at your externship location to see if they have the capacity to take you on as an employee or searching online for job openings, start planning early. Head over to HEARCareers to get your search started!

• Check your state licensure requirements. Every state has special rules and regulations for obtaining audiology licensure. Be sure to check out your state’s requirements so you can be prepared come the time of graduation.

• Take the PRAXIS® (if you haven’t already)! Most states require you to take the PRAXIS® for state licensure. Sign up to take the PRAXIS® on the ETS® website if you haven’t already. Check out the Externship Blog Series: Studying for the PRAXIS® for tips and tricks on how to study and prepare for the PRAXIS®.

• Do research on where you will be moving (if applicable). If you plan on relocating for your new job, be sure to look up, visit, and become familiar with the city you will be moving to. This will help you to be prepared and reduce stress when it is time to move and start your job.

• Ask questions while you’re still a student! Your professors and supervisors have years of experience in the field and want you to succeed. If you are feeling lost or stuck in your transition process, don’t be afraid to reach out for help.

Head over to the SAA website for new professional resources.