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 article, we’ll explore what to discuss during your first supervision meeting and provide a list of relevant questions to ask.
For additional guidance, see How to Find a Qualified BCBA Supervisor and BCBA Monthly Supervision Plans.
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.
Learn more in our guide on understanding the BCBA exam and how to schedule your BCBA exam.
b. Professional Development
Inquire about opportunities for professional development such as attending conferences, workshops, or participating in research projects.
Discuss how the supervisor supports your growth and expands your professional skills.
For guidance, visit Essential BCBA Exam Resources.
c. Areas of Interest
Share your specific areas of interest within Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
Discuss how the supervisor can help you build expertise in those topics 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 availability for ongoing support. For more context, read about BACB 6th Edition supervision updates.
Important Questions to Ask Your Potential Supervisor
To gather essential information and ensure a good fit, consider asking the following questions during your initial supervision meeting:
a. Experience and Expertise
Ask about the supervisor’s experience in ABA, specific areas of expertise, and populations they’ve worked with.
You can also inquire about any research or publications they have contributed to.
Check out real-world ABA case studies to understand how expertise is applied in practice.
b. Support and Guidance
Discuss how the supervisor will provide support and feedback throughout the certification process.
Ask about their availability for clarifying doubts, reviewing data, and addressing challenges that may arise.
Learn how supervision is structured in our article on remote BCBA supervision.
c. Ethical Considerations
Seek clarity on the supervisor’s approach to ethical issues and adherence to the
BACB Ethics Code. Discuss confidentiality, data collection, and decision-making processes.
d. Supervision Structure
Inquire about the structure of supervision sessions, including the format (in-person or virtual), duration, and expectations for documentation.
If you’re considering online options, explore our
monthly supervision plans.
e. Professional References
Ask for references from previous supervisees to gain insights into their experience with the supervisor’s mentoring and communication style.
Key Takeaways
The initial meeting with a potential supervisor is an important step toward establishing a successful professional relationship.
Use this opportunity to discuss your goals, expectations, and interests.
Ask relevant questions about the supervisor’s experience, support, ethics, and supervision structure.
Effective communication and goal alignment are essential for a productive supervision experience.
