Key data
Job description: Speech Therapist
Company: Graz city administration, FH JOANNEUM and self-employed
I work in: Graz, Austria
I’ve worked here since: 2009: Graz city administration (integrative supplementary care), 2011: self-employed and 2014: FH JOANNEUM
What I do:
- Speech therapy diagnostics, advice and treatment
- Supplementary consultation and advice for parents and relatives
- Interdisciplinary exchange with colleagues
- Supporting students during the integrative process with voice patients in the sixth semester
Why I love my job:
- I can support people in their development
- Multi-professionalism
- Systematic and intercultural working
What I don’t like so much about my job
- You are always on duty
- The business and administrative side of things
Important skills in my job:
- Independence and responsibility
- Flexibility
- An interest in people
My biggest accomplishment so far:
I like the fun side of therapy when you can laugh together and take pleasure in the progress made. Training opens up new possibilities and serves as a source of inspiration.
How I found my current job:
I found my employments by submitting official applications to job adverts. I became self-employed through a colleague who was in contact with a paediatrician and supported me in becoming self-employed.
What I learned for this job during my studies:
After learning the basics, it proved particularly useful in the various fields to learn about the treatment processes involved, from the initial contact and diagnosis to the treatment and evaluation. This is why I find the integrative process so useful. Issues constantly arise which raise questions. So it is particularly important to know how you can access information – whether through books, interdisciplinary exchange, further training, articles or talks.
Job prospects in my field:
Speech therapists are in particular demand in rural areas, for integrative supplementary care and in freelance work. It is important to network with colleagues and doctors on-site to see whether the demand is there and what exactly is required.
I am:
- passionate and committed
- sensitive and friendly
- target-driven
About my job:
My work requires a great deal of flexibility and a willingness to learn new things. In future, I would like to tackle these challenges and develop my knowledge further.
