{"id":53839,"date":"2021-07-12T12:03:22","date_gmt":"2021-07-12T16:03:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/?p=53839"},"modified":"2026-04-07T14:42:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-07T18:42:09","slug":"advice-from-first-year-msw-student-beyond-pandemic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/ssw\/advice-from-first-year-msw-student-beyond-pandemic\/","title":{"rendered":"Advice from a First-Year MSW Student: Beyond the Pandemic"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hello! My name is Sam and I am a part-time <\/span>Macro major<\/span><\/a><\/span>. I just finished my first of three years in the <\/span>part-time program at BUSSW<\/span><\/a><\/span>, which means I began my Master of Social Work (MSW) program in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I will start by saying that my academic experience at BUSSW has exceeded my high expectations. Obviously, COVID-19 necessitated the switch to virtual learning. On the plus side, virtual learning created an environment where, in a sense, I was closer to my professors than I would have been in an in-person environment. The downside was that I missed the social aspect, which is something I was so excited about when I initially applied to the program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Come this fall, fortunately the incoming students and returning students will get to know each other in person. Although incoming students starting this fall will not experience the same virtual social environment that my cohort did, I do have some evergreen advice for you as you begin your BUSSW journey.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip #1: Get Involved<\/span><\/h3>\n

I recommend that incoming students get involved in extracurricular activities on campus. The opportunities available enrich your MSW experience and help you become a contributing member of the BUSSW community.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here are a few options:<\/p>\n

Join Student Union<\/span><\/h4>\n

Do you want to improve the BUSSW experience? The Student Union is an umbrella organization that provides students the opportunity to get involved with the BUSSW community outside of the classroom. Their mission is to provide a space where students can come together to communicate their needs and desires for the overall improvement of BUSSW.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Student Union has both student-led committees such as the BIPOC Affinity Group and the Community Organizing Group, as well as faculty-led committees such as Equity & Inclusion and Alumni Relations. If you are interested in joining Student Union, keep an eye out for their invitation to meetings this coming fall!<\/span><\/p>\n

Become a Student Ambassador<\/span><\/h4>\n

Do you want to help incoming students find their way at BUSSW? You can be a <\/span>student ambassado<\/span>r<\/span>. There are a range of activities you can take on to help guide prospective students.\u00a0 Student ambassadors assist with admissions events, email with prospective students, and write blogs like this one. Stay tuned for an announcement coming soon on how you can become a student ambassador!<\/span><\/p>\n

Conduct Research with Faculty<\/span><\/h4>\n

Some MSW students are interested in pursuing research and further developing their skills in this area. If you are interested in research, I encourage you to<\/span> check out BUSSW\u2019s areas<\/span><\/a> of expertise. <\/span>Our faculty<\/span><\/a> are recognized globally for their rigorous research on topics such as gerontology, public health, mental health, and racial justice.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tip #2: Start Thinking About Your Program Plan Now<\/span><\/h3>\n

See the Big Picture<\/span><\/h4>\n

Start planning for your coursework within the program early. You can do this by going to the<\/span> Curriculum and Program Plans page<\/span><\/a> on the BUSSW website to see:<\/span><\/p>\n