Alyssa Pasta

 

Intern, Audiology Department, UMD Hearing and Speech Clinic

Major: HESP & FMSC 

Class Year: 2023

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What was a typical week like in your position?

I would assist the Clinic Assistant, Clinic Coordinator, and Audiologists in office related tasks, such as organizing patient documents. In addition, I observed audiology appointments.

 

 

What do you enjoy most about your current position?

I loved seeing what my future career could be. Through this internship I gained a better perspective on the daily tasks of an Audiologist. For example, I learned that this profession extends beyond hearing tests. It also includes counseling and educating patients on the best ways to aid their hearing loss.

 

 

How did your coursework help you in your position?

Being in the HESP major allowed me to have a general understanding of the field of audiology. However, this internship expanded my knowledge by allowing me to apply concepts I learned in class to real-world scenarios.

 

 

How did you locate your position?

Dr. Sohns introduced me to UMD’s Hearing and Speech clinic when I took her Introduction to Audiology class last Spring. She gave me the opportunity to observe some of her appointments. I really enjoyed the clinic’s atmosphere, so I contacted her about helping out over the summer. 

 

 

Advice for students:

My biggest piece of advice would be to make connections with your professors. They are the best resource when it comes to looking for extra opportunities, especially those located on campus. LinkedIn is also a helpful tool in expanding your social network.

 

 

Anything else you want to share with students about your experience?

I would encourage students who are in the HESP major and/or who are interested in the field(s) of audiology or speech pathology to reach out to the professionals at our on-campus clinic. They are great mentors!