Are you a college student looking for a profession that is in demand and gives you a sense of fulfillment? Look no further than a social work career.
Unquestionably, the field of social work is rewarding yet challenging. The professionals in this field always work tirelessly to improve the lives of individuals coming from diverse backgrounds. Social workers become the voice of vulnerable people, solve their problems, and help them deal with their emotional, environmental, and social challenges.
With that said, it is relevant to note that no matter what profession a student chooses to pursue, earning an advanced degree offers significant benefits. The same is the case with this field. Earning an advanced degree can help you secure a more prominent position with an increased salary that ensures you enjoy a secure future.
Still, have ambiguities about whether or not to pursue an advanced degree? Here are some of the compelling reasons why you should:
- Growth opportunities
Answer this. Do you have a growth mindset and wish to grow professionally in this field? In that case, you are in luck. The field of social work offers its professionals a wide range of growth opportunities.
Today, many educational institutes offer online CSWE accredited MSW programs to students who wish to broaden their knowledge and skill and thus advance in their careers. In addition, online degree programs are the best fit for students struggling to find a work-life balance.
The MSW degree conglomerates theoretical knowledge with practical training; this way, you can learn how to perform your job before you even graduate from your school. Moreover, the MSW degree prepares you for supervisory and administrative roles, creating advancement opportunities for graduates who wish to lead programs and create policies, etc.
- Diverse career options
Social work offers myriad career options to its professionals, from government-run organizations and agencies to private organizations.
Notably, the incredibly versatile field allows you to secure advanced-level job positions by earning advanced educational credentials and experience.
Put this way, with a bachelor’s degree, your career options might be limited. However, an advanced education allows you to get specialization in your desired field. That way, you can be a more competitive job candidate.
Some common career options you can explore with an advanced degree include school social worker, mental health social work, community social work, military social work, family and marriage social work, and many more.
With so many career options to choose from, you might get overwhelmed. A better tip is to opt for a specialization in the field that best aligns with your personality and piques your interest.
- An opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s life
You might have come across various professions that offer excellent pay to professionals. But unfortunately, not all of these professions allow you to interact directly with people and bring positive change in their lives. Due to this, most people don’t enjoy working as much simply because they aren’t making a meaningful difference.
Luckily, with a career in social work, you don’t have to worry about this. Daily, you will meet new people. For example, some might be a victim of substance abuse; others might be refugees. But, one way or another, the people you will work for will require your help.
Thus, as a social worker, you will be responsible for addressing their issues and bringing light to their otherwise dark life.
- In-demand field
Of course, there will always be some vulnerable people or communities worldwide. Therefore, it is no secret that the demand for social workers will never cease.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are roughly more than 715,000 social workers in the United States presently. Moreover, the job outlook would grow by 12% from 2020 to 2030. Therefore, it is exciting news for social work professionals as the demand will continue to grow.
Besides that, social workers, in general, can earn up to $50,390 per year. However, the pay varies depending on your education level. A professional with a master’s degree will undoubtedly enjoy higher earning potential than an individual with a bachelor’s degree.
- Allows you to gain transferrable skills
Another vital benefit of pursuing an advanced social work degree is that you can polish your skills.
An undergraduate degree in social work can help you gain insight into human behavior and help you develop some necessary and valuable skills, such as empathy, critical thinking, communication, etc.
However, earning an advanced degree will help you strengthen your already-developed skills. In addition, since you will be spending many hours in clinical rotations to complete license requirements, you will learn skills beyond the scope of an undergraduate degree.
The best part about developing or polishing these skills is that many employers across various sectors value these core skills. So if you decide to switch your career for personal or professional reasons, these skills you developed can come in handy at any point.
Summing up
No wonder the social work field is demanding yet gratifying. So, opt for this career if you have a strong desire to help those in need.
Moreover, while it is true that no individual can predict their future; yet, the decision to pursue an advanced degree is a considerable investment.
While a bachelor’s degree can help you secure an entry-level job position. However, if you wish to progress in your career, it’s time you start considering applying for an advanced degree program.