Graduate School Update & Tips

Wow...It has been about a year since my first blog entry, and I wonder why. Two words: "Grad School" Dum, dum, duuuuum! Yes, I have been super busy this past year!

Update!

May, last year, I graduated from undergrad with my B.S. in Social Work. I applied to graduate school to purse my MSW at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill (UNC-Chapel Hill), and the Joint Master's Social Work (JMSW) Program at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro (UNCG) and North Carolina Agricultural &Technical State University (NC A&T). I got accepted into both! First, let me say that both schools and programs are great; however, I felt like the JMSW program was a better fit for me. UNC-Chapel Hill has a great program; however, they are big on research (personal opinion). Don't get me wrong, research is invaluable to social work, but I did not want that to be a main focus in my education. UNCG and NC A&T 's program attracted me because of the diversity of both schools, and the uniqueness of the JMSW program. The professors are awesome and supportive! I do not regret my decision.

Grad School Search Tips! 

When searching for graduate schools to attend, it is important for you to physically visit different schools (if possible), attend graduate school fairs, and/or make contact with faculty before or as you are applying. Just like anything else, you pick your school based off of you interests and what they provide and...well...accreditation! Ha ha! But seriously, this is an important decision. Base your decision off of what you want out of your education, and career. If a school seems like it would help you jump start your career, and professional opportunities, don't turn it down! What you want to do in the field of social work should be something you are thinking about in undergrad. If you are open to everything in the field, or you are not sure, that's fine too! Just make sure you start thinking about this early throughout undergrad because once you get to graduate school, it is all about focusing your skills and gaining knowledge on the area you ultimately want to work in.

My advice: Start looking at schools the end of your sophomore year of college, IF you are thinking about attending graduate school upon graduation. Yes this may sound too early, but it is not. Your junior and senior year could be used to count as your first year of graduate school, and make you eligible to apply for Advanced Standing Programs. Advanced Standing programs are usually ten to twelve month programs to get your masters, instead of completing 2 years. You must obtain an above average GPA, around 3.5, in your social work courses in undergrad (for most programs). This can help cut down on the cost of graduate school by at least 50% ! If this is something you are interested in, look for advanced standing opportunities in the schools you are interested in. 

To help assist you in your search, make sure you visit the Council of Social Work Education (CSWE) to make sure the programs you look for are accredited. If you want to check your program of interest accreditation status, or learn more about UNC-Chapel Hill, or the JMSW Program please visit the websites below:


Council of Social Work Education (CSWE)
Directory of Accredited Programs
http://www.cswe.org/Accreditation/Accredited-Programs.aspx



JMSW Program
http://hhs.uncg.edu/wordpress/jmsw/


UNC-Chapel Hill
http://ssw.unc.edu/ 

Life After Undergradate Studies : Graduate School or Not?

                                     http://www.augustareg.dhr.state.ga.us/social_work.htm

Just last month on May 18, 2014 I graduated from Winston-Salem State University with a bachelor's of science in social work (BSW). Years before May 18, 2014, I made a promise to myself that I would do everything in my power not just to receive a degree, but to strive for excellence. It took an abundance of commitment and hard work in order for me to see that day. Fortunately, I had great professors and friends who motivated me through my matriculation in the program. 

One of the most important things I have learned from pursing the field of social work, was that although a bachelor's is very good to have, never say never to getting your masters. There are many jobs that require a BSW; however, there are a plethora of jobs that require a masters in social work (MSW). I thought that professors and other professionals were kidding when they told students that a masters degree would open doors to better opportunities than just better salaries. After hearing this for two years :-), I did a little job hunting. From 2010 to the present day, most social work related jobs (although some may not have social work in the description), have said they require MSW. Some go as far to say minimum: BSW, but preferably a MSW candidate. Thankfully, I have been accepted into the Joint Masters Social Work Program (JMSW) Advanced Standing Program at the University of North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University (NCAT) and the University of North Carolina in Greensboro (UNCG).

For those who are not going to graduate school, do not feel bad! Life happens, and everyone will not be able to pursue a masters degree after their undergraduate studies. Although the hunt for a job may be challenging with an BSW, it is not impossible to find a decent job. A word of advice would be to network like crazy! You must do this even if you are going to graduate school, but especially if you will wait a while before going. Network with professionals in your field placements, not just in the agency, but with other professionals you may come in contact with at agency events. A good tool is the professional social networking website LinkedIn -> http://www.linkedin.com . Use this website to market yourselves to future employers. Showcase your skills and knowledge. Get people talking about you within your agency (in a positive light), and leave them with something they can show other professionals when they talk about you. Meanwhile keep positive, work smart, and surround yourself with those who motivate you to do your best.