Taking on a speech-language pathology student intern is a rewarding step — and it can feel like a big one if you've never done it before. This post walks through the essentials of getting started, from setting expectations to building a supportive mentorship environment.

Prepare Before They Arrive

A little groundwork goes a long way. Think through your caseload, your schedule, and the kinds of experiences you want the intern to gain. Identify a few clients or groups where observation and hands-on practice will be most valuable. Touch base with your school or clinic administration so everyone is on the same page about the intern's role and schedule.

Set Clear Expectations Early

During the first week, sit down together and outline:

• Schedule and hours — when they'll arrive, observe, and gradually take on sessions.
• Communication norms — how you'll give feedback, and when you're available for questions.
• Learning goals — what the intern hopes to gain, and what their university program requires.

Build a Mentorship Rhythm

Regular check-ins — even just ten minutes at the end of the day — help interns process what they're seeing and doing. Encourage them to ask questions, reflect on sessions, and gradually take ownership of planning. The goal is to guide, not to hover.

Share Your Why

One of the most valuable things you can offer is your clinical reasoning. When you choose a particular approach, explain it. When a session doesn't go as planned, talk through what you'd adjust. Modeling that reflective practice is what turns observation into real learning.

Supervision is a two-way street — you'll likely find that teaching someone else sharpens your own skills, too. If you're considering supervising an intern, take the leap. The profession grows stronger every time an experienced SLP says yes to mentoring the next generation.