MSW

[Anonymous]

Anyone know of career paths other than traditional social work that an MSW could afford someone?

[Anonymous]

You can do a lot, especially if you get licensed. You can work for gov programs, work at private nonprofits, work in private practice. A lot of the people in my class went on to do clinical sw; individual, couples, group therapy. Some work in hospitals and schools.

I’d say the people who seem happiest with their income & work/life balance are the people doing clinical work or in private practice. In general, though, it’s not a field you go into for the money.

[Anonymous]

Lots of therapists in Maryland are MSW

[Anonymous]

We had a lovely woman with an MSW as our primary contact for my father’s hospice team through a private org recommended by the hospital. I’m sure it’s a tough line of work but for folks who have a calling for it, we were very appreciative.

[Anonymous]

I am a JD/MSW. I’d say a MSW is incredibly versatile for a person called to a helping profession. You find MSWs as therapists, in schools, in hospitals, at non-profits, in business, in activism, in politics. I believe the work social workers do often is unseen and overlooked compared with teachers and nurses. But they have just as much an opportunity to make an impact. I do think LCSW is one of the most attractive routes to private practice in therapy. I will also say that it does take a certain person who can “sit with” a person or family during vulnerable times that is not measured in test scores. That said, you will also find MSWs working in macro realms running non profits and doing program evaluation. A common thread is making the world better in some way. And, yes, getting the actual training of the graduate degree was worthwhile and difficult — at times harder than my JD. I would take a look at the accrediting agency for MSW programs (Council for Social Work Education) to get a sense of the breath of training and skills developed in a MSW program. I hope this helps!

[Anonymous]

Also, what do you mean by “traditional social work”? Are you thinking CPS? Very, very few of my MSW peers took this route. If you look at career placement and outcomes I think you will see a variety of opportunities and opportunities.

[Anonymous]

A relative worked at a hospital in the organ donation area. Another is in private practice.

[Anonymous]

MSW/LICSW. Agree with above. Clinical practice including private practice is a big one but also program management or administration in all types of nonprofit programs (homeless services, housing, mental health treatment, substance use disorder treatment, youth services etc) and healthcare institutions. Consulting and technical assistance or program evaluation are also options. BUT MSWs even with licensure are imho very underpaid for the work they do and especially in the first several years post MSW.

[Anonymous]

Will also add a lot of the skill learned comes post grad, in the first few years of work experience. I think it is relatively easy to switch between different types of social work practice but it is really important to have the first couple jobs be in professional, well run programs focused on evidence based practices with good leaders and knowledgeable supervisors. (Ask me how I know...there are many dysfunctional unprofessional programs out there so just be aware)

[Anonymous]

NPoes it matter where you get your MSW as long as the program is accredited ? I’m looking at several programs (in person and online) in the DMV area and am wondering if I should just pick the program that turns out to be the least expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:NPoes it matter where you get your MSW as long as the program is accredited ? I’m looking at several programs (in person and online) in the DMV area and am wondering if I should just pick the program that turns out to be the least expensive.

Somehow my : turned into an emoji. Sigh.

[Anonymous]

So my two cents....you don't need a name-brand school like Columbia, Boston University, or Boston College. However, I would personally steer away from online schools particularly for profit ones. In my experience, the academics and field placements don't compare favorably. I think state colleges/universities offering MSW are good choices...less expensive but often very well regarded. Mostly social work is local...areas hire from the local schools and so maybe ask around and find out what schools are well regarded. Definitely check out how they operate the placements. Do they match you or do you need to find your own? What do they require of placement supervisors (eg 2 years post grade (don't do it) or licensure, etc). Placements are critical to your education so you want someplace that puts effort into that for their students.

[Anonymous]

Wanted to chime in, if you are a recent grad, you may want to consider working in the field first, particularly if you are pursuing a clinical vs macro path. Having a little bit of experience can be really helpful. Also it can be tough, draining, uncomfortable work so better to find out it's not for you before spending the money. (But again, you can pivot out of direct clinical work relatively easily if you do get an MSW...lots of people do that.

REALLY consider though how you will feel earning small bucks as you get older and are looking to settle down with a family (if that is your goal)...it seems all good when you're 25 and lots of peers aren't making bank BUT it's harder when peers start moving into a lifestyle you just can't afford as a social worker. Not talking luxury cars and vacations, talking any vacation or owning your own condo etc.