RCSLT Student Study Day

Firstly, apologies for the weeks that have passed since I last posted. It was deadline time at uni with placement portfolio tasks and ASD coursework due in, alongside Audiology, Phonetics and Neuroscience exams. However, they are all out of the way now so I have no excuse! 

I thought a good place to regroup while I get back into the swing of things is to write an entry about the RCSLT Student Study Day which I attended last week. Held at De Montfort University in Leicester, SLTs and RCSLT staff spoke on a range of issues – from their own career experiences, to e-learning, social media, GivingVoice and getting a job. The day was brilliantly organised – I have never been to a day of lectures that stuck so exactly to time, and the planning that went in must have been immense. Was also great to meet @GemSLT of Speech and Language Thera-peers in the flesh ;)  The speakers were all excellent and I left the day feeling so inspired to get out into the SLT world. Included in the delegate packs was a reflection/action plan form and this is what I have posted below. Now it’s public I shall have to make sure I do everything I say I will!

1. Why did I attend this study day?

My reasons were mainly to find out about jobs – the application process, tips for CVs/interviews, where to find out about vacancies… But also to meet other #SLT2Bs and hear about others’ experiences.

2.    How did the study day compare to my learning expectations of what I thought the day would be like to how it actually was?
It met all my expectations regarding jobs – hearing from Janet Harrison (SLT Service Manager) was particularly useful. It was great to hear what she looks for when interviewing an NQP, breaking down the interview criteria into distinct areas to focus on (Attitude; Clinical Skills; Big Picture etc). A lot of the interview tips were what I had thought already, but hearing it come from Janet was reassuring!
Although I think it’s common knowledge (to SLTs anyway!) that every SLT has a very unique background before entering the industry, and that there are a huge range of possibilities once you are qualified, hearing about a few of these completely different experiences is always fascinating. I loved hearing about combining practice with research from Emma Pagnamenta (RCSLT Research Manager); how to develop into independent practice VERY successfully (And take over the world...) from Chris Wade of London Speech Therapy, and Kim Turner’s description of working in the Justice sector really made me want to consider that pathway for myself!  What it also illustrated to me was the similarities between these diverse personalities. They had all made different choices about their careers, before, throughout and after studying SLT, but all of them were so passionate, ambitious, caring and determined and this was so evident when they spoke. If I have only 10% of their drive I will be happy!

What I honestly wasn’t expecting of the day was to be so invigorated and inspired by the information about Giving Voice from Ele Buckley, Emma Barnes and Derek Munn. Although I read about Giving Voice in the Bulletin, and hear about events going on at uni, I have to admit I haven’t been directly involved. Derek’s talk made me reflect on why – it was because I haven’t understood HOW I can help. Of course I know that SLT is important, and that cuts are bad – but I didn’t understand what I would be asking my MP, or what the aim of the cake sale was. Derek helped illustrate that raising awareness and knowledge to the public is what is needed – and helping MPs understand what’s in it for them.

3. What have I gained in knowledge from this study day?

- How to structure an application form/personal statement
- How to use social media to network with other SLTs
- How I can be involved in Giving Voice and what to aim for
- That the RCSLT provides a lot more resources than I realised!
- How useful SIGs and journal clubs can be
- What to consider when looking at practising independently
- The importance of clinical supervision

4. Has this study day enabled me to enhance my service delivery? If yes, how? If no, why?

Having attended the study day will enhance my clinical skills in the long run as I have learnt lots of tips about using social media to network with other SLTs and SLT students which I hope will allow for knowledge sharing and support which will improve my service delivery.

Specifically to me (I am counting this as my own service delivery!)  I feel like my ability to sell myself in applications and interviews has definitely been enhanced as I have reflected on the skills I have acquired over my life – not necessarily directly from university or placement, but from the range of experience I have had, and I understand how to apply these to make me a better candidate in the short term, and clinician in the long term.

5. What can I put into practice immediately to benefit service users or my role as an advisor?

Maybe not immediately relevant to service users, although I am sure it will knock on in the long term, I will immediately be making more of the RCSLT resources such as e-learning and the wealth of knowledge the staff there can provide. I also want to develop my use of social media such as Twitter and Linked In to help widen my network as I have already learnt so much from the people I have met through those resources.

6. What would I like to put into practice in the medium/long term to benefit service users?

Join a SIG; join  or start a Journal Club. I loved the impression of the support network that had arisen from the Leicester NQP journal club and think it would be something that could be really successful in London with the huge number of SLT students around. Getting different perspectives is so useful to developing clinical and inter-personal skills, and as well as that it will help keep up to date on the evidence base beyond university. Like this blog, I like to have perspective beyond actual university exams, and both of those activities help remind me WHY I am studying , particularly over the next couple of months when I am not on placement. That will help get me through those long stints in the library.

7. What further reading, research or study do I need to do?

I want to find out more about Basecamp; I need to research into local SIGs and decide which I am able to attend ASAP! Also researching job vacancies and arranging visits with services to find out more about specific values and priorities will help my application process. Finally, keeping on top of UK (and international!) policy that affects SLT specifically and Healthcare/Education in general is vital to help me keep in mind of that bigger picture, and help develop my understanding of the impact SLT can have on others – and how SLT can be affected by others.

8. How will I share this work / the outcome of this course with colleagues and other professionals?

This blog seems a good place to start! I will definitely be updating with my progress. In addition, I met with an SLT2B peer who due to attend the Study Day but unfortunately was ill, and gave her the lowdown. Talking through everything again really clarified things in my head and gave me new focus. I wanted to become an SLT as I love to talk and wanted to help others to be able to enjoy talking too, so making opportunities for discussion of these issues with as many people as possible is definitely a place for me to start to share and develop my ideas!

I had a really thought-provoking day and am so glad I attended (City SLT students had to sit an exam a week early in order to be there, but it was definitely worth it!). I hope in a few years to be standing up front speaking about my own glittering career!