2 answers
Sydnie
Student
Lapeer, Michigan
2
Questions
Asked
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How are college courses to become a social worker?
I've been thinking a long time about majoring in social work and minoring in Spanish but I'm a little worried about the class load with my job also. I'm also a little scared if they will judge me for having depression and if that is a hindrance in this field... #social #sociology #guidance-counselor #social-worker
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2 answers
Jasmeen Gill
7
Answers
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Updated
Jasmeen’s Answer
Hey! I totally understand the fear but many programs allow you to do part time classes. This takes a little longer to get your degree, but it’s a great option if you are working as well. I am also looking into going into social work and I’ve learned that most people going into social work have dealt with mental health issues in the past and that’s why they go into the field to help others.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
Natasha Riley-White
LMSW Candidate Actively Seeking Employment, Licensure w/in 6 mos - 1 yr of Hire
1
Answer
Updated
Natasha’s Answer
Hello Sydnie,
I came across your question as I was looking through job postings on LinkedIn Jobs. How clever of CareerVillage! First, let me give you a little of my background so that you have a good visual of some of the obstacles and challenges I endured on my journey. I was a high school dropout (1st semester of the 11th grade), teen mom (3 children by the time I was 21), suffering from severe anxiety and depression (no therapy and/or meds). After having realized I had three children who were depending on me to take care of them, I had to make some serious decisions. Fortunately, with my eldest son I had the good sense to acquire my GED and took up a trade in office assisting. I developed a short-term plan and a long-term plan about what I wanted to do with my life. My ultimate goal was to attend Texas Southern University and get a degree. It wasn't easy because even though I'd met the minimum requirements to pass the GED and had a trade, I was still lacking a lot of basics in preparation for college level courses. Not to mention, I had three small children. I had to look at what resources I had available via support system, public assistance and what I could do to help myself. I read everything about the helping profession and the various types of degrees in the field (social work, licensed professional counselor, drug and alcohol counselor, etc...). When I was able to acquire childcare, I would get jobs working in social service agencies to get a feel for what they did every day. Also, I worked in my church outreach ministry and with the administrative staff to learn how they were able to provide and manage the various services. Having some experience in the field gave me the courage to pursuit my dream. When my youngest son entered school, I applied in faith and was accepted. Initially, I took two or three courses to get my feet wet and immediately sought out all resources to improve my chances of success (tutors, scholarships, resource centers, one-on-one from the instructors, therapy [self and children], etc…). Long story short, I was able to garner enough help through all of my systems of support and not only received an AAS in Human Services… but a BA and MA in Social Work. So if I can do it through all of that… you’ve got this in the bag! All three of my institutions had great student services who were eager to help me through the process. Essential keys: self-care (learning about you, regular health maintenance, healthy ways to relieve stress); discipline (prioritizing your time and develop study habits); never be ashamed or afraid to ask for help; seek out your spiritual advisor to help you put/keep things in perspective and stay focused!
I came across your question as I was looking through job postings on LinkedIn Jobs. How clever of CareerVillage! First, let me give you a little of my background so that you have a good visual of some of the obstacles and challenges I endured on my journey. I was a high school dropout (1st semester of the 11th grade), teen mom (3 children by the time I was 21), suffering from severe anxiety and depression (no therapy and/or meds). After having realized I had three children who were depending on me to take care of them, I had to make some serious decisions. Fortunately, with my eldest son I had the good sense to acquire my GED and took up a trade in office assisting. I developed a short-term plan and a long-term plan about what I wanted to do with my life. My ultimate goal was to attend Texas Southern University and get a degree. It wasn't easy because even though I'd met the minimum requirements to pass the GED and had a trade, I was still lacking a lot of basics in preparation for college level courses. Not to mention, I had three small children. I had to look at what resources I had available via support system, public assistance and what I could do to help myself. I read everything about the helping profession and the various types of degrees in the field (social work, licensed professional counselor, drug and alcohol counselor, etc...). When I was able to acquire childcare, I would get jobs working in social service agencies to get a feel for what they did every day. Also, I worked in my church outreach ministry and with the administrative staff to learn how they were able to provide and manage the various services. Having some experience in the field gave me the courage to pursuit my dream. When my youngest son entered school, I applied in faith and was accepted. Initially, I took two or three courses to get my feet wet and immediately sought out all resources to improve my chances of success (tutors, scholarships, resource centers, one-on-one from the instructors, therapy [self and children], etc…). Long story short, I was able to garner enough help through all of my systems of support and not only received an AAS in Human Services… but a BA and MA in Social Work. So if I can do it through all of that… you’ve got this in the bag! All three of my institutions had great student services who were eager to help me through the process. Essential keys: self-care (learning about you, regular health maintenance, healthy ways to relieve stress); discipline (prioritizing your time and develop study habits); never be ashamed or afraid to ask for help; seek out your spiritual advisor to help you put/keep things in perspective and stay focused!