Jo Myers
May 31, 20234 min
Aspiring to a career in speech pathology? The time before entering grad school can be filled with rich opportunities for skill-building.
Here are some potential jobs you can consider to augment your knowledge and experience, where you dan learn and demonstrate the qualities and skills that graduate programs are looking for in their applicants
Working as a Lab Assistant in a Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) research lab allows you to delve into data analysis and interpretation, crucial aspects of the speech pathology field. As you interact with raw data and the research process, you develop strong analytical and critical thinking skills. With in-person recruitment and implementing research interventions, you will expand your ability to tailor technique to fit behaviors or unique characteristics within a session.
Furthermore, it offers the chance to showcase professionalism and a keen understanding of ethical behavior, particularly regarding research ethics. Lab assistants in a CSD research lab often assist with data collection, data analysis, literature reviews, and sometimes even participant recruitment and interaction. This role can offer valuable insights into cutting-edge research in the field of communication sciences and disorders.
SLPAs work directly under the supervision of licensed Speech-Language Pathologists, implementing treatment plans. In this role, you develop clear and effective communication with clients and families, as well as with other professionals, building vital collaboration skills. This experience also hones your familiarity with clinical settings and ethical behavior, demonstrating your readiness to handle the responsibilities of a graduate program in speech pathology.
Paraeducators work alongside certified teachers, providing additional support to students. As a paraeducator, you have the chance to develop and demonstrate flexibility and a growth mindset. You'll be required to adapt your approach to each student's unique needs, displaying creativity, resourcefulness, and innovation.
Preschool teachers or aides work with children aged 3-5, facilitating play-based learning and monitoring developmental milestones. They often work on basic pre-literacy and language skills with their students.
Working with young children allows you to observe and understand the early stages of language development. It sharpens your social and emotional awareness, active listening, compassion, and empathy skills. Additionally, your familiarity with legal frameworks such as the IDEA or Section 504 is enhanced, an understanding essential for any future speech pathologist.
These roles often involve helping patients with speech disorders or developmental disabilities, providing a close look at the challenges and triumphs of those navigating speech and language issues. As you assist with personal care tasks or even carry out newborn hearing screenings, you gain exposure to the medical aspects of speech pathology. This role tests your cultural intelligence and responsiveness as you navigate interactions with diverse patient populations.
In this role, you'll be assisting speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists in a hospital or outpatient rehabilitation setting. This job will give you a firsthand view of various therapeutic strategies and techniques used in rehabilitation. It also offers valuable experience in collaborating with an interdisciplinary team, nurturing professionalism and fostering a strong understanding of the ethical considerations inherent in patient care.
Teaching English to speakers of other languages requires you to understand and explain the intricacies of language and speech. As you interact with students from diverse cultural backgrounds, your own cultural intelligence and responsiveness is honed. In addition, effective communication and collaboration skills are needed to ensure your students' success.
As a Personal Care Assistant, you contribute to a client's increased independence, collaborating closely with family members and other professionals. This role offers opportunities for setting familiarity, as well as an increased understanding of the ethical considerations inherent in speech pathology.
Even if it’s unpaid, volunteering can be a valuable experience. This could include organizations supporting individuals with communication disorders, elder care facilities, community centers, or even literacy programs. Volunteering can provide opportunities to understand the needs of diverse populations, gain knowledge of various communication disorders, and enhance your active listening, empathy, and cultural responsiveness.
Working as an Audiology Assistant, you'll provide support to audiologists in diagnosing and treating patients. This job can help enhance your understanding of the auditory system and how it relates to speech and language. Additionally, it provides opportunities to build upon your communication, critical thinking, and professionalism skills.
In this role, your active listening, empathy, and compassion skills are continuously tested and enhanced. You also gain firsthand experience dealing with diverse behavioral and communication styles, contributing to your growth mindset and fostering flexibility.
While not directly related to speech-language pathology, this role would give you a good grounding in research methodology, data analysis, and critical thinking. It can also provide insight into cognitive processes related to speech and language, or the neurological basis of communication disorders.
Whether directly related or tangentially related, a variety of job experiences can offer the potential to build skills and experiences valued by grad schools. You'll want to leverage these opportunities to not only bolster your resume, but also prepare you for the rewarding journey of becoming a speech pathologist.
Remember, the ability to self-reflect on these experiences is equally important. Understand your goals, communicate these with your supervisor, and continually evaluate and reflect on your performance.