4 answers
5
Asked 597 views

How do I get my foot in the door to gain experience and knowledge as a freshman in college on the career of my choice, currently aspiring to be a Speech Pathologist?

I am a senior in high school, interested in the field of Speech Pathology, but have no current experience. I look forward to helping students struggling with speech impairments in an educational setting such as a public school/district.

career college spring25 health experience communication
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
5

3 answers

0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Mary’s Answer

Speech Pathology is an incredible career path and so rewarding! One thing you can do to get started and get your foot in the door is to request job shadowing. This is very common within the medical field and most providers will be open to having you shadow them throughout their day. First, you'll want to reach out to some providers to request job shadowing -- you could start by seeing if staff at your school, your family or friends have connections with Speech Pathologists and reach out to those professionals first to request a job shadow. Another option is to use Google to search for clinics or schools that have Speech Pathologists on staff and give them a call to see if they are open to job shadowing! Northwestern College has a great guide on job shadowing that includes example emails that you can send to professionals to request a job shadow: https://www.nwciowa.edu/uploads/files/pdf/compass-center/Job-Shadow-Guide.pdf

If you reach out to someone and they are not open to job shadowing, you can also ask if they would be willing to do a 20 or 30 minute informational interview with you. In this conversation, you can ask any questions you have about what it's like to be a Speech Pathologist, how to prepare, what advice they have for you, etc. I'd recommend preparing a list of questions ahead of time so that you know what you want to talk about during the conversation. And always make sure to send a thank you note or email after a job shadow or an informational interview!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Ali’s Answer

As a college freshman aspiring to become a speech pathologist, the best way to gain early experience and knowledge is to seek out relevant opportunities both on and off campus. Start by joining student organizations related to communication sciences, pre-health, or disability advocacy to network with peers and professionals. Look for volunteer or shadowing opportunities at local clinics, hospitals, or schools where speech-language pathologists (SLPs) work—many facilities welcome eager students. Additionally, consider part-time work or internships as a speech therapy aide or in related fields like special education or audiology. Building relationships with professors in your major can also lead to research opportunities or mentorship. Finally, familiarize yourself with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) for resources, certifications, and guidance on graduate school prerequisites. Taking these proactive steps now will strengthen your graduate school applications and deepen your understanding of the field.
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Kazi’s Answer

First, delve deep into this field, know, and explore what SLPs do, follow and watch videos, listen to podcasts/Instagram/LinkedIn /you tube
For a college program, majoring in communication science and disorders or Psychology would be the precursor.
Join NSSLHA, the national Speech-Language-Hearing Association, which is a student organization for SLP students, by either networking or volunteering.
Find a mentor, a professor, or a senior student, shadow /volunteer with the autism center, summer speech camp, or special ed center.

Hope this is helpful.
Best,
0