By: Matthew Randal, BS, Graduate Student Representative 

I had the pleasure of interviewing a 2020 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin’s Doctor of Audiology program, Dr. Bridget Black, and gathered her perspective on clinical fellowships and job searches. 

What advice do you have for students concerning externship searches and offers?
Before casting your net, have an advisor edit your resumé and your cover letter. Practice interviews with a mentor in your profession. When asking for recommendation letters, make sure they’re from audiologists who will write strongly about you. If you have a particular specialty that is your interest, make sure your externship can provide that opportunity. You may want to share details of your potential externship with your classmates. For example, what does PTO look like? Will I be offered health insurance? Is there a job offer at the end of my externship? This way you can all see levels of compensation, opportunities, and expectations—and that should benefit all of you. 

Now that I’ve secured an externship, what should I do?
Congratulations! Now you can start preparing for your move. You’ll need to find housing. Start contacting apartments as soon as you have your offer letter and have determined what you can afford. Decide what you want your commute to be. It may be good to ask your upcoming employer what externs have done in the past or if they can put you in contact with previous students. Next, fill out the rest of your budget with living expenses. You’re no longer just a student. Set a weekly or monthly budget, and make sure to include the cost of living for your new temporary “home.” Next, decide when you will take your licensing exam. Does your employer want you to arrive with your completed license? Do you plan to take it in the middle of your externship? Do keep in mind that you will need to check your state-specific requirements and start getting your documentation in order no matter when you take your exam. 

I’ve just completed my externship and am a fully-fledged Doctor of Audiology! Now what?
Congratulations again! You did it! Your hard work has paid off. Maybe you want to take time to rest or travel before committing to a job. Your time as a student is over. You’re about to be a working professional. It may be good to reevaluate what you want to do with your degree, where you want to live, and so on. Keep in mind that your first job doesn’t need to provide you with everything you want (and it probably won’t), but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t set your goals early and aim for them. Brush up on your interview skills before beginning your search. You may be filling out many applications, making numerous calls, and sending dozens of emails, so make sure you nail that interview when you get it.

What final advice do you have for students?
Keep your textbooks, notes, and study guides as you go throughout your program. They will make your PRAXIS preparation much easier, and it will be helpful to keep reading and reviewing at your externship.