MSW now what?

This question comes up quite often when you finish that expensive social work program...followed by well you know Social Workers don't get paid that much money! If any of you are like me- my facial expression says it all.

However, I am here to tell you that social workers do get paid and it's all about how you set yourself up for the future.

After graduation, some of us land our dream jobs and others well we jump around until we find something that seems like our dream job for the moment and then we find another job and another....and another. Until we're too old to figure it out and we either settle or we create our own path (business).

So, since I am 20 years in now- I wanted to drop some gems (or some things I would have told my younger SW self).

I should have done a lot more networking- in a field like Social Work, who you know is sometimes more powerful than what you know (especially in leadership roles). Yes the degree will get you in places that seem adventurous but if your plan is to climb the SW ladder, start networking early. You have nothing to lose say Hello, chat a little bit more- thank me later.

Create a Linkedin page and find professionals in the field- send a friend request and start a conversation or at least find out what professional affiliation, educational institutions, social clubs these leaders belong to for your own professional development and journey.

Next, apply to jobs during and after graduate school (regardless if you do not meet every qualification). Yes, I said this. Why? Well, the reality is that some of your skill sets could catch the eye of the employer for other vacancies they could be trying to fill. As a hiring manager, I review resumes constantly and realize no one is ever going to be a 100% match. There are people who are more qualified, less qualified, expert clinician and/or have so many great skills but are not a match for every agency or team so take a chance- you have nothing to lose.

Job hunting is a 24 hour job- yes it is. Your job search does not end at Indeed.com or some other job search engine. Your job search requires you to promote yourself at all times in all spaces (this includes with family, friends, neighbors, professors)- it goes back to my initial point of networking. You never know who knows who and social work is a large field (we all know someone in the helping profession).

When you land the job interview- be humble but never water down your skills. You are the superstar in your movie and you want to impress the audience (hiring manager, supervisor, CEO, HR). You have come this far, now make them remember you (in a good way of course). Come prepared with examples of your work (internship experience counts).

And when you get to the part where they ask you if you have any questions- respond, " Yes, Actually I do"!

Here are some sample questions:

What is the agency's onboarding process?

What does a typical day consist of at the agency or in this position?

What are the overall expectations of me, if I decide to take this position?

Does the agency offer professional development and growth opportunities?

(If you are an MSW), does the agency pay for licensing exam and registration or can I be reimbursed?

Does the office space allow for social distancing or will I have my own office?

(If you are an LMSW), does the agency offer LCSW hours and supervision?

In every position, collect information about what the pros/cons are- why you may ask? These gaps or service needs could become your next venture or small business idea.

Social workers we always have a side business (hustle)- so start your data collection/research early...

If you would like additional assistance, please contact OnBoarding at onboardingstaff@gmail.com