SLP Full Disclosure Ep. 119 Recap: Unlock Opportunities as an SLP with NISHLA & Internships
For aspiring and practicing speech-language pathologists (SLPs), the path to career success is paved with opportunities in education, networking, and professional growth. Episode 119 of the SLP Full Disclosure Podcast dives deep into this topic and takes listeners on an insightful journey to explore how students and professionals can seize every chance to grow in this rewarding field.
This episode, hosted by Michelle of AMN Healthcare, features a special guest, Julie Matura, a seasoned CCC-SLP, brain injury specialist, associate instructor, internship coordinator, and NISHLA faculty advisor at the University of Central Florida (UCF). Together, they discuss everything from building connections to mastering internships and starting NISHLA chapters.
Meet Our Special Guest: Julie Matura
Julie has been shaping the future of SLPs for over a decade as a faculty member at UCF. Apart from her academic roles, she brings a wealth of experience in clinical practice, combining expertise in both pediatric and adult rehabilitation. Her unique insights into the breadth of the SLP field make her an incredible resource, especially for students preparing for internships or seeking ways to grow professionally.
What stands out most about Julie is her passion for empowering students—not just by teaching but by helping them launch their careers through practical experience and community involvement. This passion comes to life through her work with UCF’s award-winning NISHLA chapter and her dedication to internship coordination.
The Power of Joining NISHLA
NISHLA, short for the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association, is the student arm of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Its mission is to provide students in speech-language pathology and audiology with a platform to network, engage in professional development, and foster a sense of belonging.
Why Join?
Whether you're studying undergraduate or graduate speech pathology, joining NISHLA offers incredible benefits, including:
- Networking Opportunities: Build connections with peers, professors, and industry professionals before graduating.
- Professional Exposure: Gain a deeper understanding of various SLP specialties, from school-based to medical settings.
- Community Engagement: Volunteer and participate in initiatives that support local communities while honing your skills.
- Exclusive Perks:
- Access to ASHA journals
- Certification fee discounts
- Early exposure to ASHA’s national conventions
UCF’s NISHLA Success Story
Under Julie’s guidance, UCF’s NISHLA chapter has thrived, boasting more than 250 members and consistent gold chapter honors. Most notably, the chapter recently earned the 2024–2025 NISHLA Chapter of the Year Award. Julie attributes much of this success to highly motivated students whose involvement in community service and continuous learning drives the program forward.
Launching a NISHLA Chapter at Your University
If your university doesn’t have a NISHLA chapter, don’t worry. Starting one might be easier than you think!
Here’s how to get started:
- Check Out the Toolkit
NISHLA offers an easy-to-follow online toolkit to guide aspiring chapter founders through the process.
- Engage Faculty Advisors
Secure a speech-language pathologist (SLP) faculty advisor who’s ASHA-certified to ensure the chapter complies with professional requirements.
- Meet Organizational Requirements
This includes registering your chapter as a university-recognized organization, establishing bylaws, and setting up administrative basics like a bank account.
Remember, chapter size isn’t what makes an impact. It’s about fostering connections, creating opportunities, and committing to professional development.
Internships Shaping Future SLPs
For many students, internships are one of the most crucial experiences in their SLP education. They offer a chance to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, explore different clinical areas, and build confidence.
Internship Structure
- Timing: Internships typically take place during the final year of the graduate program.
- Duration: Students spend 14 weeks at each internship placement, rotating through at least two sites.
- Experience Variety: Accreditation requirements ensure exposure to patients across the lifespan and the “Big Nine” disorder areas (e.g., language, dysphagia, articulation, etc.).
Preparation Advice for Interns
Julie shares key tips to help students prepare for a successful internship experience:
- “Bring your A-game.” Whether it’s a mock clinic or real-world setting, commitment and effort matter.
- “Stay flexible and open-minded.” You may not always get your desired placement, but every experience offers a chance to grow.
- “Mistakes are part of learning.” Use every challenge as a steppingstone to becoming a stronger clinician.
Words of Wisdom for SLP Students
Julie ends the episode with an inspiring reminder for students and clinicians alike:
“The SLP field is so broad that there’s a place for everyone. Each setting provides unique opportunities to learn and make a difference, whether it becomes your specialty or simply expands your toolkit along the way.”
Her advice speaks to those moments of self-doubt many students face. Even when things feel overwhelming, she emphasizes that nothing in your career is wasted if you approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Unlock Your Potential Today
This episode of SLP Full Disclosure is packed with actionable tips that every aspiring SLP can use to elevate their career. From engaging in organizations like NISHLA to gaining diverse clinical experience through internships, the opportunities to grow are endless.
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