Congratulations! You’ve earned another degree, passed the Praxis, and will be starting a new career- that’s reason to celebrate. As a Speech- Language Pathologist, you’ve selected a career path that will change you and the way you view the world. Whether you’ve decided to work in a rehab facility, hospital, private practice, or school setting, you’ll have the unique privilege of helping others in amazing ways. You will be challenged in new ways, you will learn so much, and the reward of helping others will keep you going. Going into my fourth year of this amazing career field, I’ve come up with 10 tips I hope will carry you through your first year as an SLP. Best of luck, you’ll do great things!
10 Helpful Tips To Carry You Through Your CF
- Always keep track of important documents!
- No one expects you to know everything, so don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Find your support early in the year; you don’t want to have to search for help when things get chaotic (if you work in a school setting, things will get chaotic).
- You’re the professional, you know way more than you think.
- Always advocate for the best interest of the students, patients, or clients you serve.
- Schedule times throughout your day to check in with your mental health.
- It’s okay to say no! Never feel like you always have to say yes.
- Set boundaries on the work you take home. It is very important to have a life outside of work!
- The multidisciplinary team is very useful. Get to know other professionals and collaborate with them when possible.
- When things get tough, remember why it was you got into this field to begin with.
Author: Shantia Richardson M.S., CCC-SLP