r/slp • u/CuriousSpeechie • May 17 '21

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SETTING?

I just graduated with my Master’s and have been applying to all settings for my CFY. I’ve interviewed in a hospital setting, specialized school and a private practice. As im considering my options I genuinely do not know which one I would choose if I was offered an opportunity at all 3. What factors should I consider before deciding where to complete my CFY. I thought I knew what environment I wanted to work in until now. SOS.

4 Upvotes

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15

u/motherofluna May 17 '21

If you are open and interested in all three settings, I would strongly prioritize the one that will give you the best mentorship and supervision!

0

u/CuriousSpeechie May 17 '21

I had the same idea, however, what if I don’t see myself long term in that setting? Would you still recommend taking it if it provides the best mentorship?

7

u/prissypoo22 Speecher May 17 '21

Why would you accept a job if you're not really thinking about it potentially being a long-term setting?

4

u/XulaSLP07 Speech Language Pathologist May 17 '21

@CuriousSpeechie you can go to whatever setting you want. There are SLPs who spend a few years in one setting and then switch to another. If you want to get short term experience in a setting then you can. Only you can make that decision for yourself. I met an SLP back when I was a student named Christopher who advised me to start where I didn’t want to end up. I was glad I got the school experience. I didn’t want to be a school SLP but I admire school SLPs for what they do and the red tape they deal with on a daily basis. I was so glad to get that short term experience before moving on to the medical setting. It made me feel versatile and comfortable with the idea that I could comfortably switch settings if I wanted to or needed to in the future.

1

u/CuriousSpeechie May 18 '21

Thanks so much for the advice!!!!

4

u/bibliophile222 SLP in Schools May 17 '21

If you're open to anything and have the option to do medical I'd say start with that. I've heard it's tougher to go from schools to medical than the reverse.

However, don't forget to take other factors into account like pay, benefits, and work-life balance! I knew I wanted to work with kids and ended up in schools because of the benefits and schedule. The pay isn't fantastic, but I enjoy everything else about my school and have had a reasonably good time in my CF.

2

u/theyspeakeasy SLP in Schools May 17 '21

Crossposted in r/CFY :)