Post-Grad Plan: Finding Your Career Path in Social Work
Job search. Two words that immediately make me cringe (cue the nervous laughter)!
It’s never too early to start thinking about your post-grad plan. But never fear, I am here to help ease your nerves and let you know that when you graduate, you will not be alone in this!
First, here’s some information about myself: My name is Kendall B. and I am a full-time Advanced Standing Macro major with a specialization in trauma and violence. I will finish my MSW in August, so I am currently taking my last classes and finishing up my advanced field placement this summer. All the while, I am seeking employment!
I have a wide variety of professional interests, so I have cast a wide net when looking for jobs. So far, I have applied to a few program coordinator jobs in smaller healthcare organizations. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way:
Preparing for the Job Search
As you work your way through the program and prepare to graduate, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Start looking early: Explore the range of job opportunities available in social work and review the job descriptions. Just reading through job postings can give you a better sense for the types of positions you might be interested in applying for later. Check out these job databases.
- Utilize the BU Center for Career Development: The staff are here to help you with all things job search! Attend their workshops throughout the year for help with your resumé, cover letters, and preparation for interviews. BUSSW also has resources for social work licensure, loan forgiveness, and more!
- Consider if you want to be licensed: Weigh the pros and cons for yourself and start making arrangements if you do decide to get your license.
- Discuss, discuss, discuss: Talk to your peers about what they experience on their job search journey, and connect with alumni on BU Connects and LinkedIn. They are a valuable resource!
- Cast a wide net: Your degree is so versatile; use it to your advantage! You have a variety of skills that can be applicable to so many settings. There’s no need to limit yourself to jobs that say “social worker.”
Keep an Open Mind
I used to think I wanted to work in residential services. Then I wanted to work in administration, and then I wanted to work at the United Nations. Currently, I am a community organizer intern with a faith-based organization in central Massachusetts. At the moment, I plan to pursue my social work licensure after receiving my degree, and I hope to ultimately earn a PhD in social work after putting in some mileage in the field. But who knows? I could change my mind about what I want to do in a year, and that is totally okay!
MSW = Many Possible Career Paths.
There are so many options open to you after completing an MSW program, regardless of your major. You can pick and choose the setting you work in, and the population you work with. You can choose to pursue licensure, or you can choose not to. You might end up working at your field placement in a new role, or you may find a position elsewhere. You could decide to take some time off after graduation to recharge and figure out where you want to go next. Or you could decide to start working immediately.
Networking is Essential
There are so many ways to network within the social work field:
- You never know when a guest speaker in your class might work for an organization or agency that will ultimately be hiring for your dream job. Connect with them and stay in touch.
- Job fairs are also great opportunities for networking – make sure you follow up with everyone you meet.
- Joining NASW allows you to meet other social work professionals in your area and make connections.
- Even if your field placement doesn’t offer you a position, your supervisor might be able to connect you with their own professional network, which could lead to a job opportunity that is perfect for you. My field supervisor offered to connect me with some of her contacts across the country.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the pressure and uncertainty of starting your MSW. Make sure you take care of yourself and prioritize self-care in order to keep yourself balanced. I keep reassuring myself that things will work out in the end, even if it might not feel that way in the moment. Remember that you are not alone during this journey – there are so many of us in the same boat. We are a connected community of changemakers!