How has being a social worker impacted you? What has been the most rewarding experience that you have had as a social worker?
Hi! I am a freshman in college and majoring in musical theatre and social science. When I graduate, I want to go to graduate school to get a master's in social work. Because I am planning to pursue a career in social work, specifically adoption social work or child welfare, I was wondering how being in this career has affected you? Has it been a rewarding career choice and how have you been impacted? I am also wondering if you could choose a career over again, if you would choose social work? Why or why not? Thank you! #social-work
2 answers
Angela Chan
Angela’s Answer
I earned both my Bachelor's and Master's in Social Work and have worked in the field for over 20 years. I've always worked with youth and families, focused on at-risk youth and low-income families. The best part of my work is the positive impact I have in my community. I see the youth and families I support in my community, the youth I work with makes me smile most of the time (and sometimes, they make me want to pull out my hair), the parents are so appreciative for the support and services.
I've enjoyed how flexible social work has been in terms of allowing me to work in different organizations and gain different experience.
I chose this work from my life experience so I feel like the field chose me. No, I wouldn't choose a different major if I had a choice to do it over again.
Yandira’s Answer
Hi there
These are great questions because they are the ones I tell students to ask.
Let me begin I find my work to be rewarding personally and enjoy the positives that come along with it. There are many times that I have resigned to know if my work has made an impact on someone, I always hope for the best.
I cannot single out just one since there have been many. However I do thank the prof I had who pushed me to apply to grad school for social work. I was not thinking along those lines at the time but she was.
Now for the not so positive-I should of thought of financial reward or better yet planned better. I jumped around and took jobs without a pension. There were no 401Ks back then. So friends that went into schools or hospitals are now doing well for themselves.
So my advice--become good at money management / get a financial planner and go for the ideal job you want.
Hope this is helpful and good luck!!!