What can I do as a high school senior to prepare for majoring in social work?

Hi there!

What I found to be extremely helpful especially when applying to graduate school for my master's was doing an array of volunteer work. Usually volunteering at different agencies depending on your interests makes you stand out particularly because many college students have difficulty balancing work, school, volunteer work and personal life. It's also important to incorporate yourself with your community and begin networking. Those you network with are likely to provide reference letters.

Best of luck!

Maritza

Hi Deana,

I think that best thing you can do is volunteer at a organization of your interest. For example, if you want to be a child welfare social worker or geriatric social worker, volunteer at an organization that provides those services. This will help you to see if you really do like the field or if you are interested in another aspect of it.

Hello! I completely agree with Maritza. An array of volunteer work, in related areas, will be a huge asset to you. Not only because you can list it on your resume (and talk about it during interviews), and because of the great networking components ---- but because it will also help you figure out which part of the social work field you might like to go into. Remember that all volunteer experience teaches you SOMETHING! Some of the most valuable 'internships' (aka volunteer positions) that I had helped me figure out what I DID NOT want to do. Since I already knew, from field experience, what I liked and didn't like, I was able to focus my classroom studies better on what I knew I'd be interested in. Good luck!

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program
An aspiring social worker typically starts preparing for his or her career by earning a bachelor's degree. Many students obtain a degree in social work, but programs in sociology and psychology can also provide the necessary education. Bachelor's degree programs in social work commonly include foundational courses that introduce students to different types of social work, including work involving individuals, families and communities. Also standard are courses in social policy, welfare, research methods, diversity and human behavior. A fieldwork component is also required.

Success Tip:

Gain a greater understanding of the field through experience. As part of the practicum, students might work with immigrants, foster children, homeless people or the elderly; they may also study abroad. These hands-on experiences can help students select the area of social work that interests them. Social workers may work in schools, government agencies, healthcare facilities or residential facilities, depending on the area in which they choose to specialize. Many social workers focus on working with specific segments of the population, such as children or families, people with physical or mental disabilities, populations that are vulnerable to medical problems or individuals with substance abuse problems. Other social workers work in administration or public policy to develop programs and lobby for changes to address societal issues.
Step 2: Complete a Master's Degree Program
Master's degrees are mandatory for all clinical positions as well as many healthcare and school settings. These programs typically admit students with undergraduate degrees in any major, but students who didn't major in social work may have to take additional prerequisites. Graduate-level social work programs often begin with foundational courses and then focus on more specialized areas, such as clinical practices, policy creation, research or management. Like bachelor's degree programs, master's degree programs in social work also require field education, though there is a heavier emphasis on practical experience in graduate programs.

Success Tip:

Join a professional association. Graduate students may wish to join a professional organization, such as the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Membership in these groups may offer many benefits, including professional development and networking opportunities as well as job search assistance and career resources.
Step 3: Obtain State Licensure
All states require social workers to obtain licensure to work in certain settings. Specific requirements vary by state and specialty; however, most states mandate that individuals wishing to perform clinical work complete at least 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised clinical practice prior to qualifying for licensure. Licensed social workers must complete continuing education requirements to maintain their credentials. Positions available to unlicensed social workers depend on the state in which they work. Aspiring social workers should research their state licensing requirements before selecting a specialty.

Step 4: Become Certified
Though certification is not required, social workers may consider voluntary certification in their field of work. The NASW offers a variety of certification options, including credentials for clinical social workers, healthcare social workers and child, youth and family social workers. The qualifications for these credentials vary, but generally require a combination of education and experience in addition to a license. Certification may be beneficial when seeking a position in social work; credentials demonstrate expertise and dedication to potential employers.

Step 5: Advance in the Occupation
Social workers can use continuing education opportunities to enhance their knowledge in the field and develop their leadership skills. This will allow them to possibly move into the management side of social work. Training in areas such as communication, management, evaluation and ethics may be beneficial.

Success Tip

Consult with mentors. Social workers moving into the management side of social work may have a difficult transition. It's important to lean on mentors or others in similar roles to help navigate this position. Those who have been in leadership roles for longer periods of time may be able to give inexperienced administrators new ideas or perspectives to problems or difficulties that you are facing.