SLP Career Transitions: How to Pivot with Confidence 

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get discussed nearly enough: the power of career transitions. Our field isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s part of what makes it so powerful. 

If you’re feeling the pull to pivot, listen to it. You’re allowed to change, grow, and to dream bigger, smaller and calmer, or differently than you did five or ten years ago. The path forward may surprise you—in the best way. 

After 10 years practicing as a clinical SLP in medical settings and as a director of rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility, I knew I wanted something different. I wasn’t sure what it was, but I knew I wanted to continue using my skills as an SLP, empowering patients and families, and growing professionally. I felt guilty because I loved working with my patients, but I wanted change. I reached out to my mentors for support and guidance, and they helped me navigate next steps. I’ve had many conversations lately with colleagues who are asking the same quiet question—Is it okay to want something different? The answer is a loud, unapologetic yes. The other question I am asked often is—How did you make your transition? The answer: mentorship and preparation.

Preparing to pivot 

In our profession, whether you’re an audiologist, speech-language pathologist, or assistant, we wear many hats. We are educators, advocates, clinicians, leaders, and problem-solvers. This also allows us the flexibility to grow, shift, and evolve throughout our careers. And yet, too many of us feel stuck. Perhaps we aren’t sure what we could do next, or we don’t have the support and resources needed to make a move.

Maybe you’ve been in the schools for years and you’re curious about health care. Maybe you’re craving more autonomy and considering private practice. Maybe you love the profession, but you want to contribute in a different way—through supervision, leadership, or program development. Or maybe you’ve already made the transition, but you desire some mentorship to feel more confident in your new role. Career growth doesn’t always mean climbing a ladder. Sometimes it looks like stepping sideways into a different setting, population, or role that better aligns with who you are now.

Regardless of your motivation for change, preparation and support as you transition will help boost your confidence and success.

Career transitions mentoring 

ASHA offers several mentorship programs (see sidebar), including the Career Transitions Mentorship Program (CTMP), a six-month peer-to-peer mentoring experience developed to assist ASHA SLPs members making career transitions.

Mentors are SLPs with at least two years of post-certification experience. They are proficient in their setting and seek to support their peers, grow their network, and build their leadership skills. The CTMP is mentee led. Mentees choose a mentor based on their career-transition setting and work with their mentor to define goals. Mentors offer insight, encouragement, resources, and real talk about what it takes to navigate a career shift with confidence.

The structure is flexible, with enough built-in check points to ensure that the connection is beneficial. The best part is it is free to ASHA members.

Enrollment for the CTMP generally opens in the spring. Learn more by visiting Career Transitions Mentorship Program.

Charting your path

Mentorship is one of the five tips for career transitions listed in this article on ASHA’s Career Portal. If you are considering a pivot, once you have prepared and found the support you need, the next step is taking the leap. You’re not starting over. You’re building on your foundation, and you have a community to support you. You may have to do it scared, but you don’t have to do it alone.

Looking for more resources for career transitions? Check out the ASHA Career Portal or reach out to [email protected]. 

Jamila Harley, MEd, CCC-SLP (she/her/hers), is director of ASHA career management services. [email protected]