Social work is one of the so-called “helping” professions — it attracts people who are interested in giving back to their communities and helping the most vulnerable community members access the resources they need to thrive. Social workers often work directly with those in need, in settings such as public schools, hospitals, police departments, and public agencies. They also work as counselors in private practice.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for trained social workers is expected to increase by 19 percent over the next 10 years. If you want to break into social work, you’ll first need the appropriate educational background — a Master of Social Work is the preferred degree. You’ll need to start looking for social work jobs in the last semester of your graduate degree program. Work on networking, polishing your professional presentation, and talking about your strengths and weaknesses.
Get the Right Education
While some entry-level social work positions require only a bachelor’s degree, you will probably need to earn an advanced degree in the field in order to get the most out of your social work career. In most states, an MSW will be a prerequisite for applying for Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) status, and that’s a licensure you’ll need in order to get any advanced-level social work jobs.
Other prerequisites for licensure include some amount of clinical experience and the completion of a standardized exam. Licensure requirements vary from one state to the next. Find out what they are in your state before you begin planning your entry into social work.
Start the Licensure Process and Job Hunt Before Graduation
Your MSW program should include elements of theoretical education as well as the clinical experience you’ll need to obtain licensure. As you enter the final semester of your MSW program, contact your state’s social work board to get the licensure process under way.
You will also want to begin looking for jobs around this time — with any luck, you’ll have one lined up before you graduate. If you plan to work in a school setting, you should look for new jobs to appear around March or April, when current school employees have to decide whether to remain in their positions for another academic year or seek employment elsewhere. Remember that you may also find job openings at police departments, hospitals, clinics, public agencies, and private practices.
Polish Your Professional Presentation
Your professional presentation consists of several elements, including your resume and cover letter, portfolio, business cards, and Web presence. Start by preparing your resume, and get feedback on it from friends and professional contacts. Proofread it carefully, but remember that you’ll need to tailor it to each position you apply for by eliminating any information that isn’t relevant to the position.
Look at samples of cover letters written by others in your field and then build a word processing template pre-filled with your contact information as well as an opening and closing paragraph. This will help you apply to multiple jobs without having to create a brand-new document for each one. Have business cards printed, open up a professional email account for your job-hunting correspondence, and have work-related calls directed to a dedicated voicemail box. Have a professional head shot taken and use it for your professional social media accounts, including Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and LinkedIn. Purchase a domain name and establish a website with your contact information, portfolio, and resume.
Network
It’s never too early to start networking, as you’re more likely to find a job through your professional connections than through a listing. Attend as many industry events and workshops as you can, and try to maintain your relationships with professors and classmates, even after you graduate. When you make a new contact, don’t be afraid to ask for an informational interview. Cultivate positive relationships with others in your profession and try to make sure that they get something out of their relationship with you, and you’ll find that they’re more willing to help you out.
The high demand for social workers means that you’ll be sure to find a place for yourself within this profession, if that’s what you want. With the right education and a little effort, you’ll soon be on your way to realizing your dreams of helping society’s most disadvantaged find ways to survive and thrive.