[For Students] Advice from Child Life Specialists

March 20, 2023

[For Students] Advice from Child Life Specialists

I started this service because I wish there would have been someone around to help me when I was a student. I went to my dad for all of my application and interview questions and he is one of the main reasons I was successful. But, what about those people who don’t have that support […]

I started this service because I wish there would have been someone around to help me when I was a student. I went to my dad for all of my application and interview questions and he is one of the main reasons I was successful. But, what about those people who don’t have that support person? I want to be that for you, and there are many other professionals working to provide more resources and support to aspiring child life professionals.

Get ready for an injection of inspiration as we reach the halfway mark in Child Life month! Hear it from those who have been there – I recently checked-in with my Instagram followers (@yourchildlifecoach) and got some invaluable advice for the journey to certification.

  • “Find your child life tribe”
  • “Look into unique trainings and certification opportunities! (NCTSN, Life is Good, Child Life Disaster Relief, Child Disaster Services, etc.)”
  • “Try not to compare yourself to other students/their experiences!! Everyone’s path is different and it’s easy to get discouraged when you compare. Focus on your own journey and be confident that you are exactly where you’re meant to be!”
  • “You may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some people drink coffee. “
  • “Start saving now! You’re gonna need backup money!”
  • “Seek therapy early on! The process to becoming a CCLS is a VERY up and down journey and if I could’ve protected my mental health more from the start, I would’ve!”

I love the variety of responses that came in and I’ve found each one of these to be great advice for others. Many of these responses came from newly certified specialists who get it.

So to close out this month, check out my instagram page for an upcoming giveaway! I’ll be doing a giveaway of one hour with me! We can spend this hour mapping out your game plan, working on applications, practicing for interviews, or just chatting about the profession. The hour is yours.

To enter:

  1. Be sure you are following me on instagram
  2. Follow @childlifeoncall on instagram
  3. Comment with how you would like to spend the hour

I will add all names to a wheel and spin the wheel on Thursday 3/23 to determine the winner!

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