Meeting with a potential supervisor is a crucial step in establishing a productive and successful working relationship. This initial meeting provides an opportunity to discuss important aspects of your professional journey as well as gather information about the supervisor’s approach and expectations. In this blog post, we will explore what to discuss with your potential supervisor during the initial meeting and provide a list of relevant questions to ask. Additionally, we will include highly searched keywords and links to help you gather more information.
Discussing Your Professional Goals and Expectations
During the initial meeting, it is essential to discuss your professional goals and expectations with your potential supervisor. Consider the following points:
a. Certification Process: Understand the supervisor’s approach to guiding you through the certification process as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Discuss the timeline, required coursework, supervised experience, and supervision hours.
b. Professional Development: Inquire about opportunities for professional development, such as attending conferences, workshops, or participating in research projects. Discuss the supervisor’s approach to supporting your growth and expanding your knowledge in the field.
c. Areas of Interest: Share your specific areas of interest within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Discuss how the supervisor can help you develop expertise in those areas and provide opportunities to work with relevant populations.
d. Supervision Style: Understand the supervisor’s preferred supervision style, whether it includes individual or group supervision, frequency of meetings, and their availability for ongoing support and guidance.
Important Questions to Ask Your Potential Supervisor
To gather essential information and ensure a good fit, consider asking the following questions during the initial meeting:
a. Experience and Expertise: Ask about the supervisor’s experience in the field of ABA, specific areas of expertise, and the populations they have worked with. Inquire about any research or publications they have been involved in.
b. Support and Guidance: Discuss how the supervisor will provide support and guidance throughout the certification process. Inquire about their availability for clarifying doubts, providing feedback, and addressing any challenges that may arise.
c. Ethical Considerations: Seek clarity on the supervisor’s approach to ethical considerations and adherence to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) guidelines. Discuss their views on client confidentiality, data collection, and decision-making processes.
d. Supervision Structure: Inquire about the structure of supervision sessions, including the format (in-person, virtual), duration, and expectations for note-taking and documentation.
e. Professional References: Ask for references from previous supervisees who have worked with the supervisor. Contact these references to gain insights into their experiences and the supervisor’s mentoring style.
The initial meeting with a potential supervisor is an important step in establishing a successful professional relationship. Use this opportunity to discuss your professional goals, expectations, and areas of interest. Ask relevant questions about the supervisor’s experience, support and guidance, ethical considerations, supervision structure, and seek references from previous supervisees. Remember, effective communication and alignment of goals are crucial for a productive supervisory experience. Good luck in your meeting!
To explore additional information and resources related to BCBA supervision and initial meetings, please refer to the following links:
– Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Guidelines for Supervision: [www.bacb.com/supervision](www.bacb.com/supervision)
– Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI): [www.abainternational.org](www.abainternational.org)
– BACB Registry of Certified BCBAs: [www.bacb.com/registry](www.bacb.com/registry)
– ABAI Find a Supervisor Directory: [www.abainternational.org/supervision-directory](www.abainternational.org/supervision-directory)
