My tips for a successful placement

How should students be preparing for their upcoming placements? NQP Patrina Nasiri shares tips and insights from her own experiences

As a recent graduate in speech and language therapy, I know first-hand just how rewarding a student placement can be.

The two placements I completed over the course of my degree were instrumental in shaping my professional skills and understanding of the field. Working with paediatric clients in a community setting and with adults in a hospital environment presented me with different sets of challenges.

Drawing from my own experiences of working in these different environments, I want to share some practical tips and insights with students about to start their placements. I hope it helps them navigate this critical part of their training with confidence and success.

1.Contact your educators in advance

One of the best decisions I made was contacting my placement educators before the placement began. This simple step eased a lot of my anxiety. It gave me the chance to get to know the educators, understand the types of clients I would be working with, and discuss any extra readings or preparation they recommended before starting. Knowing details like when I would start and finish each day and where I would be working made my first day far less stressful. Reaching out early showed my educators that I was proactive and eager to learn, which set a positive tone for the entire placement.

2. Be open-minded

Rather than focusing on specific preferences, I found value in embracing the full range of client groups and experiences available during my placement. Each group offered unique learning opportunities that helped me develop a well-rounded skillset. By staying open to new experiences, I discovered strengths and interests I hadn’t anticipated, which made the placement far more rewarding than I expected. Being open-minded was crucial for my professional growth and for making the placement experience more enjoyable.

3. Communicate with your team

Effective communication with the placement team was key to a successful and enjoyable experience for me. From the start, I introduced myself to colleagues and made an effort to engage in regular conversations. This approach helped me build strong relationships with the team, and I found that they were often willing to share valuable insights and support my learning. Being proactive in seeking feedback and discussing my development helped me feel more integrated and confident in my role.

4. Ask questions

Throughout my placements, I learned that no question is a silly question. Whether I needed clarification on a task, wanted something repeated, or didn’t understand specific terminology, I made a point to ask questions to find out more. This showed my educators that I was genuinely interested in learning and willing to engage with the material fully. It also helped me understand my tasks better and demonstrated my commitment to making the most of my placement experience.

5. Get out of your comfort zone

One of the most important lessons I learned was the value of stepping out of my comfort zone. This sometimes meant tackling tasks that felt intimidating but were valuable learning experiences. By taking the initiative and offering to help with tasks or doing additional reading, I showed my enthusiasm and willingness to learn, which was appreciated by my educators.

6. Take feedback from educators well

Receiving feedback from educators was one of the most vital parts of my learning experience. It highlighted what I was doing well and identified areas where I needed improvement. I made sure to take feedback seriously and used it to make necessary adjustments. Sometimes, feedback wasn’t given spontaneously, so I took the initiative to ask for it. This showed my educators that I was committed to my development and eager to improve, which ultimately made me a better practitioner.

7. Prioritize your mental health

Placements can be demanding, both mentally and physically. Balancing the demands of placement with my personal life was essential for maintaining my well-being. I made sure to take breaks, spend time with friends, and engage in hobbies, which helped me manage stress and stay motivated. On particularly tough days, I didn’t hesitate to talk to my educators or seek support from my peers. I realized that taking care of my mental health was just as important as excelling in my placement tasks.

8. Connect with others on your course

One of the most reassuring aspects of my placement experience was knowing that I wasn’t alone. Talking to others in my course was incredibly helpful, especially when I realized that everyone was in the same boat. Sharing my thoughts, challenges, and successes with my peers provided comfort and encouragement. Whether we discussed difficult cases, swapped tips, or simply vented about a tough day, connecting with my fellow students made the placement experience more manageable and less isolating. Leaning on each other during this time was invaluable, and it reminded me that we’re all in this together.

9. Practise explaining concepts to non-professionals

Being able to explain complex information in simple terms is a crucial skill in our field, and practising this made me more confident and competent during placements.

I found it very helpful to practise explaining clinical concepts to people outside the profession, such as family or friends. Whether I was explaining a swallowing assessment, a speech evaluation, or discussing specific conditions and symptoms, putting these into terms that others could easily understand was beneficial. This practice not only helped me solidify my own understanding, but also prepared me for communicating effectively with clients and their families, who may not have a medical background.

Placements are a critical part of the journey to becoming an SLT. Your placement is not just a requirement to be completed, it’s a unique chance to develop the skills and insights that will shape your future career. By embracing the opportunities fully, you’ll find that the rewards are well worth the effort.