How I did it: After an undergrad in business that I quickly learned was not for me I took a year to decide what I wanted to do with my life.  After shadowing an SLP and doing more research I decided that I could see myself in this profession.  The problem was that my undergrad didn't provide all of the prerequisite courses for the masters program needed to practice in Canada.  I signed up for an extra year at a university and fulfilled the requirements.  When I applied for the program in December the year before beginning I had only completed one of my prerequisite courses - the rest were in progress or would be the next semester.  I applied to four schools - was accepted at two and wait-listed at another.  It was an easy decision as to which school to choose since one offered a two year program and the other was 3 years.  After 2 years of studies and 4 internships I graduated.  Today was my first day in my first job!

Lessons & tips: References and grades matter!  Keep your GPA up - even if that means taking easy (but interesting!) electives ;)  Get a volunteer position with an SLP - the more experience the better and he/she can act as a great reference if you're eager and dedicated.  Get to know your professors, especially ones that teach relevant courses like linguistics or child development.  Pick one or two classes that you work extra hard in (always have readings and assignments done) and speak up in class.  

Sep 19, 2011, 05:04PM PDT | 1 comment | 5 cheers