Saira Hussain is the HEA Teaching Fellow at Aston University and has shared her top tips on networking for Audiology graduates and newly qualified Audiologists with Prospect Health to aid you in your Audiology job hunt after graduation
Networking – putting an idea into reality
For those who are newly qualified in the world of audiology, or about to graduate, you will hear the phrase ‘Audiology is a small world’ more than once. It’s not necessarily a reminder to be cautious, but the opposite; embrace the fact that ‘everyone knows everyone!’
So what can networking do to help you find an Audiologist job on graduation?
Through networking you may receive opportunities to help out at events, have an understanding of how different departments/companies work, and even hear about job opportunities which after building close personal relationships may come to fruition quickly
Networking with Audiology graduates and amongst your peers at university
Networking for Audiology graduates can be as simple and easy as speaking to students within your own year group, but also across the years; students above you have been in your shoes and can perhaps provide tips and hints for the future. You may even stay in touch as alumni!
It’s also useful to speak to your own lecturers and staff about their experiences as everyone will have a different journey to where they are now.
You will find over the course of your career you may find mentors in different forms, whether this is a fellow peer, an academic member of staff or other, that can help support you over the years.
Online learning and webinars
There are a host of online learning courses that you can take part in. Have a look at professional body sites, but also manufacturer and industry too! There are usually one off events or a series of talks that you can sign up to (including many free ones!) It’s a great way to learn more about different topics in audiology but also put names to faces. It will then help if and when you meet these individuals in different spaces.
Professional Body Conferences the perfect opportunity to network for Audiology graduates!
These are perhaps the largest gatherings of audiology professionals in the UK and is a fantastic opportunity to learn about emerging technologies, procedures, and new research. You will also get to meet a wide range of exhibitors from all sectors.
It’s a great place to meet members of the audiology field at talks, at stands and informally over the conference days. Audiology students receive a discounted price and are encouraged to attend! There are also other professional body conferences too that may be of interest.
Placements
As part of the course, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake placements. This varies from each institution delivering audiology but you will have the chance to meet colleagues in the audiology professions; ask how they got into audiology, what do they enjoy, what is difficult etc. They will hopefully enjoy speaking to an aspiring audiologist and can perhaps provide valuable insights into the type of role you’d like for the future.
Linked In
Online platforms can be a great way to connect.
It is important to note the professionalism around social media (and worth checking the guidelines for this with the various regulatory and professional bodies in audiology).
LinkedIn is a great tool for building your identity in the field and employers may even be approached through there! You’ll be adding to your ‘online CV’ with new experiences and courses that you’ll have the opportunity to undertake over your career, which can start as early as year one of the course!
If you would like to talk to our Audiology team here at Prospect Health please call 01423 813 459 or email us at [email protected]– they are always ready to talk to you about your career and possible opportunities.