Download the show notes and full transcript of the conversation.
In this episode, hear how Sam Walker has shifted and adapted her career since graduating, and some of the challenges and rewards along the way. She speaks about how she came to make the choice to become an SLP, and how the impacts of the pandemic unleashed her creative endeavors! Learn how she approaches the flexibility of SLP work and incorporates the ability to be flexible into her work, including helping new graduates take their first steps.
Discussion & Reflection Questions
- If you’re set on a career in a particular SLP niche, have you thought about getting some exposure to other areas to compare the work in each?
- Have you faced “imposter syndrome” yet? Find ways that you can change that internal dialogue as you move into, and gain experience in your new career.
- Do you find that you compare yourself to others in the SLP world? Think about how you can focus on your strengths, and what you bring.
- Do you know your worth and how to negotiate? Think about how you can prepare for all important salary negotiations during job offers.
- How do you see grad school – as a place to be perfect, or a place where it’s okay to make mistakes and learn from them before you put theory into practice?
“I think one of the most important things to do in graduate school is schedule time for yourself. There will always be a paper to work on, a treatment plan to write. There will always be something to do. But if you time manage correctly, and actually schedule time for yourself into your calendar, you can make it happen. Because if you don’t give yourself a day to rest, an hour to rest, your body will choose that day for you, and you will probably become sick, or ridden with anxiety and stress, and all of that. So, find time for yourself.”
– Samantha Walker
About Samantha Walker and Speaking of Samantics
Speaking of Samantics focuses on unique merchandise for the amazing speech-language pathology community. NYC-based speech pathologist and entrepreneur Samantha Walker is the creator of the brand. She designs and makes everything with love, offering a broad range of products. From stickers, water bottles, and mugs, anything goes! In addition, Speaking of Samantics also has a range of witty t-shirts and office supplies. People love the waterproof stickers, which can add a creative touch to pretty much any item. We’ve seen them on laptops, folders, or even office furniture! Apparel, mugs, canvas bags, phone cases, and badge reels are also flying off the shelves. Speaking of Samantics products make for a perfect gift. Moreover, they bring the speech pathologist community closer together. Samantha is passionate about her job as a speech pathologist. Her goal is to inspire others around the world to do the same. With her brand, she helps spread the word about the important work of speech-language pathologists everywhere.
Instagram: @speakingofsamantics @slpgradguide @slptestprep Websites: www.speakingofsamantics.com www.patreon.com/Speakingofsamantics_ www.slpgradguide.com
Mattie Murrey Tegel, MA, CCC-SLP, L, CPC, CLSC
Medical Speech-Language Pathologist and Founder of Fresh SLP
Mattie Murrey-Tegels is the founder and SLP behind Fresh SLP and The Missing Link for SLPs Podcast. She’s been “in-the-trenches” as a medical SLP around the world for over 25 years and now an Assistant Professor for 3 years. She is thrilled to be adding this dream of a podcast because paying her experiences forward is something she is very passionate about. If you ask her patients and students, one thing they will remember is how much she loves her job! She may not look like it but she is a huge introvert and when she is not actively working as an SLP, she is almost always reading, writing (writing over 1,000,000 words a year), or listening to amazing Chicago Blues bands. She also loves being outdoors and definitely enjoys soaking up the sun at her home in Minnesota, where warm and sunny days can be limited. She’s ridden motorcycles for many years, raced sled dogs, hiked huge mountains yet she cherishes the quiet moments of climbing into a hammock to nap or timeless conversations with friends and family.
The Missing Link for SLPs podcast and Fresh SLP is her legacy, giving back to a career that has so richly rewarded her.
Thank you for listening to The Missing Link for SLPs podcast! If you enjoyed the show, I’d love you to subscribe, rate it and leave a short review. Also, please share an episode with a friend. Together we can raise awareness and help more SLPs find and connect those missing links to help them feel confident in their patient care every step of the way.
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Not a substitute for a formal SLP education or medical advice for patients/caregivers.
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