Day in the Life: Summer as an Incoming Audiology Graduate Student

By Gage Putnam
Men in CSD Student Representative

Published July 2026

Summer is often viewed as a break from the classroom, but for many Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) students, it is a season of continued learning, professional growth, and preparation for the future. In this edition of Day in the Life, Gage Putnam shares what a typical summer day looks like as he prepares to begin his Doctor of Audiology program.

What Summer Really Looks Like

As academic programs end for the summer, many people imagine that “summer break” means students taking months off and relaxing after the school year. While summer is a chance to recharge, many Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) students continue learning, working, and preparing for the next semester. As an incoming audiology graduate student, my summer is a balance of professional growth, personal wellness, and intentional recovery from a busy academic year.

Compared to the fast pace of the semester, summer brings a much more predictable routine. While my days are still filled with opportunities to learn through clinical work and observation, I also have more time to focus on the habits that help me recharge, including exercise, time with friends, and activities I enjoy outside of audiology.

Starting the Day

My mornings typically start with one thing I often struggled to maintain during the semester: a consistent routine. With varied schedules and responsibilities, it became difficult to maintain a consistent sleep and morning routine. Over my favorite breakfast (typically a granola bar), I review the clinic schedule for the day. I also use this time to reflect on the day and create a signature part of my day, two separate to-do lists for clinic responsibilities and personal goals. I rarely am without a pen and paper, allowing me to jot down thoughts and motivations for the day. While I still enjoy staying productive, summer mornings have become an opportunity to slow down, recharge, and recover after months of coursework and clinical commitments.

Learning in the Clinic

Much of my afternoon is spent working as a Hearing Aid Technician at my local audiology practice. In this role, I directly observe and support an audiologist with note-taking, appointment preparation, hearing aid cleanings, and troubleshooting minor device concerns. I enjoy the unique opportunities and learning moments each client brings to the clinic each day. Most recently, I got to learn more about assistive technology from Phonak and practice my skills in connecting hearing aids to a HiPro box. This summer, I have had the opportunity to apply academic concepts and coursework to real-world situations. Working alongside experienced professionals has strengthened my confidence, expanded my understanding of audiologic care, and reinforced my excitement for beginning graduate school this fall.

Making Time to Recharge

Evenings are my dedicated time to relax, unplug, and step away from the world of audiology. Incorporating physical activity into my nightly routine is crucial to me. I enjoy taking walks in the summer, playing tennis with friends, or going to the gym to run. However, some days call for a sweet treat (for me, typically a gas-station soda) or time spent binge-watching movies. Whether it’s semester or summer, prioritizing time for yourself and your passions is crucial to balancing success and happiness.

Looking Ahead

In closing, summer is not a pause button for many CSD students; it’s a different season of growth. For me, that growth includes learning in the clinic, preparing for the future, and making time to recharge so I can show up as my best self when the semester begins again.

About the Author

Gage Putnam is a Men in CSD Student Representative and an incoming Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.) student. This summer, he is gaining hands-on clinical experience as a Hearing Aid Technician while preparing to begin graduate school. Gage is passionate about audiology, lifelong learning, and supporting the next generation of Communication Sciences and Disorders professionals.