Conor Boland BSC Audiology, 2011, 2011

Audiologist for the NHS

Hi, I'm Conor Boland and I studied BSC Audiology, 2011 within Engineering and the Environment at the University of Southampton.

Southampton is generally regarded as the best for audiology. Aspects of my degree have been essential in everything I do, from looking at the anatomy of patients to treatments.

What was your degree when you studied at Southampton and when did you graduate?

BSC Audiology, 2011

Why did you choose to study at Southampton?

My Audiology degree was a perfect marriage of my two interests, sound production and acoustics and healthcare. It involved theory and technical aspects while also including hands-on work with patients. I chose Southampton as it is generally regarded as the best place in the UK for audiology, with a wealth of experience amongst the lecturers.

Where do you work and what is your job role? What aspects of your degree do you use in your day-to-day job?

I work as an Audiologist for the NHS.

Different aspects of my degree have been essential in everything I do from looking at the anatomy of patients to deciding how to treat them. On a day-to-day basis, patients are booked for me, I assess them, identify the problem and either treat them, often by fitting a hearing aid, or refer them to another specialist or GP.

University certainly gave me an appreciation of critical thinking and how to approach problems. Without University experience I wouldn’t think as logically as I do today. It builds your ability to solve problems efficiently and effectively.

Did you enjoy your time at Southampton - what memories stand out from your time here?

I have fond memories of the general laid back atmosphere of the University and enjoyed being a member of the chess team with their socials and regular trips to the student bar.

How did the University help you prepare for employment?

The Institute of Sound and Vibration Research did the best job possible in helping me to prepare for employment. Integrated into the degree was a wealth of work experience including a paid year out on placement.

There is always competition for jobs, but I signed up to the NHS jobs website and was employed within 3 months. There are also several locum agencies that you can sign up to for private work.

What advice would you give to current students in order to help them get one step ahead of the competition?

Although there are jobs out there, it is still important to get work experience. Often employers are looking for something in addition to your audiology degree - you will benefit from gaining different experiences for example as a care assistant, in first aid or working with older people in different settings.