Tracy Said:

Will a DWI charge ruin my Social Work Career?

We Answered:

I don't think so.
But, you MUST be upfront in job applications and job interviews.
Everyone makes mistakes when they are young.
Employers know this.
Just don't get another one.
I would not even touch alcohol at all if I know I would be behind the wheel ever again.

One note about social work.
There are many graduates in this field currently and not enough jobs.
Re-think your future and see if you can double major in something that is in demand.
Google Yahoo finance 20-worst paying college degrees
http://finance.yahoo.com/college-educati…
Social work falls 3rd.
Look through that course catalog and double major in something like accounting...

Deanna Said:

Can I become a psychologist with BA in Social Work and a MS in Psychology?

We Answered:

I can't see why not. Why not ask your counselor/advisor at the community college? She or he should be able to answer your questions and maybe give you an idea of what classes you'll need. :o)

Susan Said:

social work career advice?

We Answered:

I think you need to do a reframe and you might want some coaching on interviewing.

1) If you have an MSW and have been working with children in special education - you have been doing social work. Look at the skills, tasks, and responsibilities. Think back to your schooling and you will see the the social work.

2) School social workers spend a great deal of their time working with special education. USE THIS to get the school social work position. You will better be able to understand and serve these children because of your experience, make your experience an asset not a liability.

3) Since you are already in the school system work the politics of it. Get to know the principles of the schools, the other school social workers, work the inside angle.

Social work is about flexibility and understanding that your degree prepared you for a profession...not a title or a job. I've never held a job with the title of "social worker" but I've been a social worker for 20+ years.

DA

April Said:

I will be doing a career change to social work but I am concerned that it might not be a lucrative career.?

We Answered:

You don't indicate what your current career is and how much you are making.

In general a BSW makes 20-40K and MSW makes 40-60K
5 years out BSW's makes 30-50K and MSW makes 50-80K

A degree in social work in general pays better than any other comparable degree at that level (e.g. an MSW pays better than an MA in psych).

DA

Laurie Said:

physical therapist asst. major..social work major change? HELP!?

We Answered:

Physical Therapy assisted sounds like an associate degree level program. Social work requires a minimum of a BSW, though you can get into the human services with an AA degree (some areas with a H.S. degree - but you will have not upward mobility.

The BSW is a very versitile degree that allows you to work with many different populations in many different settings. You actually may be able to transfer to a BSW program with an AA in physical theapy (just be sure to hit the required prerequisits - as most BSW programs do not have many courses at the freshman and sophmore level).

DA

Brenda Said:

I am interested in a career change from CPA to a social work. Anyone with advice?

We Answered:

Assuming you have your BA - you should be able to apply to any social work MA program (provided you have the prereqs - each school is different so you'll need to check with the school).

The other thing you might do, if you are not doing it already is volunteer in a human service organization (you might do this two ways - 1) donate your CPA skills - in this way you will see what really goes on in a human service org. 2) become a volunteer in an org to work with clients - Child welfare advocate, domestic violence advocate, big bro/sis.)

DA