4 answers
Rea
Student
Tirana, Tirana County, Albania
1
Question
Asked
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Is it possible to work in the Social Work field with a Bachlor degrree in Political Science?
I am entering my third year of my Bachelor studies in Political Science.I am feeling very very lost .Unfortunately, along the way I have realized that this degree isn't what I want to do in the future. I have been exploring my options, and I find Social Work like such a compatible job for me. I have this huge drive and desire to help others and at the same time I have an interest in advocacy and being part of social movements/organizations.I think I have a lot of traits that could really contribute to the social work field,for example: empathy.
I am searching for internships in social work organizations,but haven't had any luck.
Could I venture into this field with my degree? If yes, how could I do this?
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Rea !
I think you have the exact makings for a future career as a Social Worker. I would like to share some advice and knowledge about the academic path and career so that you can make some decisions, but you will learn many things about it for the country you live in and I will share some considerations about the American way things are done and perhaps through exploring you can compare and contrast similarities and differences.
The best route to becoming a social worker is to major in Psychology or Social Work for a Bachelors Degree and then obtain a Masters Degree in Social Work. You would then obtain Certification and your License as a social worker. A study in political science is not lost because social workers do need to have an underlying understanding of many governmental and local laws for their practice as well as when they assist clients. Although social workers can "help" clients with referrals or things, most of the social workers in America are doing clinical therapy and other professionals are doing "helping" duties such as advocacy, benefits, housing, etc. Social Workers can do it, but they are mental health professionals that usually refer the "help" needs to a community based social service. As for Advocacy, a social worker does most of that with the client's medical staff. With Social Movements, in America, no one is hired as a social worker to create social movements. That is something any person can do on their own and one does not need to be a social worker to do it. So it boils down to primarily doing Clinical Therapy. Compare this to the trend in your country and see if this may be similar.
The Social Worker assists clients that have mild to severe chronic mental illnesses. In college through a social work program, they learn various theories and techniques and analytical skills to assist their clients. It's more like guiding the client to function better. Social Workers see a great deal of people who are not "helped" and you'll have to expect that some clients are difficult to serve and never show improvement. All countries are different, however, so I am not sure if this would be the same in Albania. You will have to learn the in depth techniques for applying clinical therapy and you can do that with your Masters Degree. Many people have an unrelated undergraduate major and then get a Masters in Social Work. I don't recommend that path, but people do it sometimes.
Now that you have a perspective about the way social work is implemented in America, you can begin to learn the role of social work in Albania. There doesn't seem to be much information on the topic on the internet, but if you contact the Albania Association of Social Workers, you can probably obtain information. You can also visit your college campus Library, Career Center or the Social Work Department at any college for lots of pertinent information.
Even if this information doesn't apply to the Albanian trend of social work, I want to encourage you to go for the career you really want. Best wishes to you moving forward with this !
ALBANIA ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS https://www.ifsw.org/member-organisation/albania/
I think you have the exact makings for a future career as a Social Worker. I would like to share some advice and knowledge about the academic path and career so that you can make some decisions, but you will learn many things about it for the country you live in and I will share some considerations about the American way things are done and perhaps through exploring you can compare and contrast similarities and differences.
The best route to becoming a social worker is to major in Psychology or Social Work for a Bachelors Degree and then obtain a Masters Degree in Social Work. You would then obtain Certification and your License as a social worker. A study in political science is not lost because social workers do need to have an underlying understanding of many governmental and local laws for their practice as well as when they assist clients. Although social workers can "help" clients with referrals or things, most of the social workers in America are doing clinical therapy and other professionals are doing "helping" duties such as advocacy, benefits, housing, etc. Social Workers can do it, but they are mental health professionals that usually refer the "help" needs to a community based social service. As for Advocacy, a social worker does most of that with the client's medical staff. With Social Movements, in America, no one is hired as a social worker to create social movements. That is something any person can do on their own and one does not need to be a social worker to do it. So it boils down to primarily doing Clinical Therapy. Compare this to the trend in your country and see if this may be similar.
The Social Worker assists clients that have mild to severe chronic mental illnesses. In college through a social work program, they learn various theories and techniques and analytical skills to assist their clients. It's more like guiding the client to function better. Social Workers see a great deal of people who are not "helped" and you'll have to expect that some clients are difficult to serve and never show improvement. All countries are different, however, so I am not sure if this would be the same in Albania. You will have to learn the in depth techniques for applying clinical therapy and you can do that with your Masters Degree. Many people have an unrelated undergraduate major and then get a Masters in Social Work. I don't recommend that path, but people do it sometimes.
Now that you have a perspective about the way social work is implemented in America, you can begin to learn the role of social work in Albania. There doesn't seem to be much information on the topic on the internet, but if you contact the Albania Association of Social Workers, you can probably obtain information. You can also visit your college campus Library, Career Center or the Social Work Department at any college for lots of pertinent information.
Even if this information doesn't apply to the Albanian trend of social work, I want to encourage you to go for the career you really want. Best wishes to you moving forward with this !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much for this useful information! I really appreciate it!! :)
Rea
You are very welcome, Rea !
Michelle M.
Anne O'Hara, LCSW
Outpatient Therapist
13
Answers
Radford, Virginia
Updated
Anne’s Answer
Depending on location, the title of social worker is protected (but not everywhere). This could mean getting another bachelors in social work or applying to a master's degree in social work. I think your background in polysci might be helpful for macro level social work. The field is always looking for more policy writers and advocates.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6175
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Rea!
## Transitioning from Political Science to Social Work
**Great news!** Your interest in advocacy, social justice, and helping others aligns strongly with the social work field. While a Bachelor's in Political Science isn't a direct pathway to becoming a social worker, it's definitely not a dead end.
### Understanding the Path Forward
To work as a social worker, most countries require a **Master's in Social Work (MSW)**. This is where you'll gain the specialized knowledge and practical skills necessary for the profession.
### Leveraging Your Political Science Degree
Your Political Science degree is not wasted. It provides a strong foundation in:
* **Understanding social systems:** Political Science explores how societies function, which is crucial for social work.
* **Policy analysis:** This skill can be invaluable in advocating for social change.
* **Research methods:** Social work involves data collection and analysis, skills honed in Political Science.
* **Critical thinking:** This is a core competency in both fields.
### Building Experience and Networking
While pursuing your MSW, you can:
* **Volunteer:** Gain practical experience in social work organizations.
* **Intern:** Build your resume and network with professionals.
* **Highlight transferable skills:** Emphasize your skills in research, analysis, and communication in job applications.
### Potential Challenges and Solutions
* **Lack of direct experience:** Volunteer or intern to gain practical skills.
* **Competitive MSW programs:** Research programs carefully and prepare strong application materials.
* **Career transition:** Network with social workers and explore potential career paths.
### Additional Tips
* **Explore different social work specializations:** Child welfare, mental health, gerontology, or policy might align with your interests.
* **Consider a dual degree or certificate:** Some universities offer combined programs in social work and political science.
* **Build a strong personal statement:** When applying to MSW programs, clearly articulate your passion for social work and how your Political Science background will contribute.
**Don't be discouraged.** Many people change careers, and your passion for helping others is a strong foundation for a fulfilling career in social work.
**Would you like to explore specific social work roles or discuss potential MSW programs in your area?**
God Bless You,
James.
## Transitioning from Political Science to Social Work
**Great news!** Your interest in advocacy, social justice, and helping others aligns strongly with the social work field. While a Bachelor's in Political Science isn't a direct pathway to becoming a social worker, it's definitely not a dead end.
### Understanding the Path Forward
To work as a social worker, most countries require a **Master's in Social Work (MSW)**. This is where you'll gain the specialized knowledge and practical skills necessary for the profession.
### Leveraging Your Political Science Degree
Your Political Science degree is not wasted. It provides a strong foundation in:
* **Understanding social systems:** Political Science explores how societies function, which is crucial for social work.
* **Policy analysis:** This skill can be invaluable in advocating for social change.
* **Research methods:** Social work involves data collection and analysis, skills honed in Political Science.
* **Critical thinking:** This is a core competency in both fields.
### Building Experience and Networking
While pursuing your MSW, you can:
* **Volunteer:** Gain practical experience in social work organizations.
* **Intern:** Build your resume and network with professionals.
* **Highlight transferable skills:** Emphasize your skills in research, analysis, and communication in job applications.
### Potential Challenges and Solutions
* **Lack of direct experience:** Volunteer or intern to gain practical skills.
* **Competitive MSW programs:** Research programs carefully and prepare strong application materials.
* **Career transition:** Network with social workers and explore potential career paths.
### Additional Tips
* **Explore different social work specializations:** Child welfare, mental health, gerontology, or policy might align with your interests.
* **Consider a dual degree or certificate:** Some universities offer combined programs in social work and political science.
* **Build a strong personal statement:** When applying to MSW programs, clearly articulate your passion for social work and how your Political Science background will contribute.
**Don't be discouraged.** Many people change careers, and your passion for helping others is a strong foundation for a fulfilling career in social work.
**Would you like to explore specific social work roles or discuss potential MSW programs in your area?**
God Bless You,
James.
Thank you so so much!! This was very helpful! I would appreciate it, if we could discuss potential MSW programs in my area. I have tried doing some research on that, but it wasn't successful. :)
Rea
Hello, Rea - There is very little information available online for Social Work in Albania, however University of Tirana has a Doctorial Program for Social Work so you can contact them by phone and inquire if they have a Masters Program. It may be advantageous to go in person to inquire at nearby colleges because not enough information is online about this for Albania.
Michelle M.
https://www.mastersportal.com/countries/42/albania.html
Have a look at this and similar searches ...
James Constantine Frangos
https://studyonline.canberra.edu.au/ppc/master-of-social-work?
James Constantine Frangos
https://unitir.edu.al/cikli-i-ii-master-i-shkencave/
James Constantine Frangos
Kimberly Gallahar
Volunteer
3
Answers
Aldine, TX
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Try a government agency it can be advantages with that political science background you might have to go back Msw degree I'm already looking for what I have to do I'm studying to be a social worker and I'm taking a class for mental health to help me in the field but see were I'm at I have to go back and get a license here in Texas
Don't give up have you try a government agency it can be advantages
Kimberly recommends the following next steps: