Last summer I changed my degree from Psychology to Social Work because in my heart I believed that the latter was the best way to help people. Fast forward to today and I am starting to feel very hopeless. I understand the importance of professionalism and procedure, but it feels like there’s this over-emphasis on covering your own butt in all the classes I’m taking. I’m not going to do something incredibly illegal to help a client, but my God the system already in place is so broken and backwards that rule-breaking seems far more ethical than to listen. I live in a state where abortion is illegal and you’re telling me I can’t even help them find out of state care? I‘m not even in practicum yet and I already feel like there’s no point. It feels so bureaucratic and like I’ll just be a pencil-pusher. This may sound like a major jump of the gun or “no duh”, but the reason I’m reacting this way is because of the other Social Work majors. Today we did scenario work surrounding addiction recovery and practically everyone in the class was lacking in compassion with their responses. At most 3 people spoke up and said they would have advocated for the person in the scenario for relapsing, while everyone else was quick to give them the boot. The people who were compassionate were also met with mutters and murmurs about how they were wrong for thinking that way. I was so pissed and I wanted to say something so badly, but I knew I’d fly off the handle. It‘s like this in my other classes too. Something I’ve noticed since my first semester of being in this major and my first elective of the major that is still true to my new 5 classes of the semester is that Social Work majors are so clique-y. Why?? These groups just seems to think they’re the peak of righteousness, but then you hear them speak and you’re so confused. Then they‘re constantly talking over others or in the background, over our peers over the Professor, making commentary and tiny comments while others are talking. It’s ridiculous. Are we not all adults? Why aren’t we acting like it? I am no better than these people and I will not act like I am, but I had a very different vision going into this field of what work I’d be doing and the people I’d be doing it with.

I’m only in week 2 of my MSW program and I already feel so overwhelmed. I’m doing the program online, taking 5 classes, and came straight from undergrad, so I feel like I didn’t really get a break before starting grad school.

The readings are probably one of the hardest parts for me right now. I’ll read something and feel like I understand it, but then a few hours later I can barely remember what I read. There’s so much information, different theories, concepts, and terminology that I’m having a hard time knowing what I actually need to remember. I’ve even reread some things and still feel like it isn’t sticking.

I’m also struggling with feedback on assignments because I think my imposter syndrome makes me feel like I’m doing everything wrong. I’m trying to figure out how to balance school and having a life, but it feels like there’s always another reading or assignment I could be doing.

I’m a first-generation college student too, so I don’t really have anyone in my family who has gone through grad school that I can ask about what’s normal. I keep feeling like everyone else knows what they’re doing and I’m the only one struggling.

Did anyone else feel like this during their first semester? Does it get easier once you get used to everything? I’d really appreciate any advice on managing 5 classes, keeping up with readings, and actually remembering what you read without feeling like you’re constantly behind.

I don't know where to start I was doing a social work placement and it just suddenly got terminated

I was into it for about 8 weeks now which is about half way through and I had a recent conflict with the supervisor about me not seemingly interested in doing anything for the placement.

I was actually astounded by what she said Because all this time I was thinking I had this placement I was getting along well, I was getting to know the supervisor she had been supportive, approachable, knowledgeable, then one day I was taking a resident in aged care back to their room and had a little chat before coming back to the office she suddenly burst her frustration towards me that I am never here when she is looking for me that I don't come back straight away after finishing a task that she gives me. It was the way she was phrasing that was disturbing me a lot was that I don't follow any of her instructions, follow organization's policy, I just sit at the table as if i am not doing anything? And she compares how the other two students that started with me were punctual and completely opposite to me. And I am at the moment just struck because like all that time I was doing all the things that she had been asking me to do maybe there were some mistakes or miscommunications but I believe I have been genuinely doing all the things not just sitting at the table.

Some how things got settled and it was on the next day i came in for a shift. The supervisor and I sort of smiled and we sort of started having a chat and I became more proactive and taking more intiative and we just finished as normal. and on next day I received an email from uni that my placement has been ceased and I'm like WTF

So right now the university's wants to have an interview with me about the placement

so i am assuming she had sent email to the univeristy about me and my conduct that she had been describing to me which i highly argue for manipulation and just being exaggerated for menial mistakes

I just have no idea how to go about handling this situation? what i am supposed to say and what will happen to my placement and how I can go about this

my gosh im just lost in words

I might be starting at CSUEB next year, if not in spring then in fall 2027 (haven’t heard back from other schools yet but I think some aren’t releasing decisions until later on this month.) I am starting to think more seriously about whether or not I want to actually eventually go through with getting a masters degree later on, in part because masters degree programs are very expensive (particularly for the social work major, which, from what I’ve been reading, has very expensive masters degree programs even if you try to go for an online one. I could always get a bachelors degree and work full time in the field for 2-3 years, it sounds like that’s not uncommon for people, but I’m not “sure” whether or not I actually want to go into social work. It has been advised that I try out volunteer opportunities to help me figure it out and potentially shadow a social worker.) I’m going to be honest, I have a family member who has experienced drug addiction dependency/issues and when I visited the rehab center, I had really wanted to help them advocate for them - and tried to help advocate for them - because I really sensed that this particular center was not doing enough to help him address his trauma and seemed to be siding more with his parents who I know were at the root of his trauma and contributed to his drug dependency issues. However, I also remember feeling vigilant while in there, I would probably not feel “comfortable” or “safe” if I visited a drug addiction rehab center again, but it was also in a dangerous area. Alcohol addiction may be different. I don’t think I’d be so afraid there. And I have wanted to volunteer and help out with homelessness outreach. I remember my experience when my family members were experiencing the prospect of homelessness due to my mother’s persistent screaming (she got us kicked out of the apartment complex I grew up in) and feeling very dejected and frustrated about the housing authority’s late communication with us and the fact that they did not update their business hours online. Families who are facing homelessness are already really in need and it’s infuriating to feel like you’re dealing with people in the chair who don’t really care.

I am taking Bio 20A this semester, and am not very interested in it even though the professor seems nice. My associates degree will be in child development but I know that I don’t want to become a preschool or elementary school teacher (with teaching elementary school, I am actually better with 5-7 year olds than I am with preschoolers and I know this, but teaching elementary school would be a lot of schooling and it can be a lot of responsibility - I may feel differently after this semester but I just know that I don’t think it’s truly my goal. If I were going to work with kids I’d want to become a reading intervention specialist. I really want to help kids learn to enjoy reading, especially since literacy rates in America are low. I admit at the same time that I have not been reading as often myself these days.)

I actually have found some of the content from my child development classes rather interesting and have babysitting experience but am starting to think more about money. I am from a low income family, and looking at how expensive social work masters degree programs apparently are has been a concern to me. My goal, really, is to not end up in debt in general unless I were really sure that I’d make the money I spent back. Taking out student loans for me has always just been such a terrifying thought.

In terms of money, I just want to move out of being poor. I have sleeping troubles that I’m really working on addressing with my doctor. I think my community college GPA is now a 3.87 with 81 units (took 4 summer classes which was a mistake I’ll never make again) and a diagnosis of a sleep breathing disturbance. I don’t want to be poor anymore. I want to eventually be able to look into getting a house as someone who grew up in an apartment complex, but I know that it is getting more and more expensive to live. I grew up worrying about money and I have always wanted to do better than my parents.

I have experience as a behavior technician and I’ve worked in a preschool before. I have been a behavior technician with differing age ranges, so I know that I can handle a role that others might consider to be difficult or feel is “a lot” (I have been doing this for 1.5 years. I actually found out that most behavior technicians stay in the field for a year before moving on. I do intend on moving on from it, but I don’t know what I want to look into later.)

The class that I enjoyed the least throughout my time in community college was statistics. I actually was intentional about choosing to take the support course even though I was in advanced math in high school, because I’d heard stats was hard. I already know that I have a lot of learning gaps when it comes to math, which is partly why I’d never actually major in it. I have always been better naturally at English, but I admit that I am not really an avid reader these days even though I was really enjoying reading for a bit in my last year of high school because I had a really great English teacher who actually scored us on our ability to discuss books we’d read with her.

In terms of money, I don’t have a good idea of what I want to make in terms of a specific amount. I have an anxiety disorder in addition to depression and PTSD, so I am starting to think it’d be healthier for me to try a job that has flexibility and provides me with time to relax.

The role I received the most positive feedback on was actually in working with developmentally disabled adults who were on the autism spectrum. I was told that this worked well for me. I have also received positive feedback on a case with an elementary schooler who was on the spectrum (i think that was more of a team effort case however. It really helped that the family was great and that the BCBA - my supervisor - knew the child well and had a good relationship with the family.) I have also had cases that didn’t work well for me, which is normal.

I’m in my senior year of my BSW. My internship has left a lot to be desired. I feel as though there is no real direction or supervision. It seems like the directors at my site have no idea what they are doing. There is a worker there that has a PhD I believe. He has sort of taken over my internship. However, he pushes me a lot without really giving any support. For example, he has pushed me to talk with families and then left the room multiple times. He has also made comments that are more criticism then constructive criticism. I’m only in my third week of the internship, however, I’ve had so many panic attacks just thinking about going to my internship.

I’ve realized that I really value a clear sense of direction and belonging and I don’t feel either of those at this internship. I’ve gone to my supervisor, who doesn’t work out of my site, however, he said I should learn a lot through this experience. I then followed up with my field seminar professor, who told me she would look into this. Many of my cohort said that reaching out to my professor was the right move. However, my father said that I need to act like an adult and that working with difficult people is part of the job. Basically, I’m asking for advice for how to get through this year long internship without completely losing myself.

I work in child welfare and I will be transitioning out of my case management role soon (!!!) I figure now that I will have more time I should take advantage of my agency’s tuition reimbursement program. I’m also realizing that I can’t advance my career further without my MSW or becoming a LCSW. However, I’m just not sure if I’m passionate enough about social work to dedicate the energy and money to a masters program. I have a lot of complicated feelings about this field. As a single mom to a child on the autism spectrum, I don’t know if I can handle an internship and school on top my full time job.

Anyone in similar circumstances? I would really appreciate any insight you have.

Hey guys was just wondering if anyone has Gasker, J. (2022). Generalist Social Work Practice (2 nd ed.).??

Hello, my advisor spoke to us today in the MSW program stating that next semester we have to find field placements. They help with those in the area of the school, but since we're online it's on us to find one and provide the school with information on it so that we can get started. Does anyone know of any clinics or hospitals that accept students for their field placement ? I was looking to start making a list now and start applying either later this year or early next year (whichever you might think is best). Any kind advice is more than welcome here. TYIA

Hi! I’m a UCLA MSW student in the Ballmer Scholars program, and I was wondering if anyone else in the program could share their timeline.

Have you received and signed your Ballmer stipend contract? And when could we actually receive the stipend?

I’m just trying to get a sense of the timeline since I haven’t received mine yet. Thanks!

I'm 38. I graduated in 2010 and have a BS in psychology and minor in sociology. I legitimately enjoy learning and I always liked psychology. However, I've never done well in school. I had untreated ADHD and severe anxiety and was brought up to basically ignore it. Low self esteem and the whole nine.

I did graduate but it's under a 3.0. my grades were all over the place. I couldn't afford to take classes over. I got a job working in an addiction treatment facility out of college. I did get promoted there and was there for 4 years. But I never wanted to work in criminal justice/addiction forever. I got a job at a hospital working in the ER and doing front desk as well as insurance and billing. I attempted to get into the psych department a few times but eventually they changed the qualifications and you need a licence. Working in a hospital is pretty good and secure so I just stayed and tried out a few different things, but I've mostly worked in the ER. Nursing is not in the cards for me because I'm very bad at chemistry and math.

Ultimately I would like to work one on one and do outpatient therapy. I just don't know if it's possible or if anyone here has done this. Between being so many years and my grades not being the best, I'm not sure if this is possible. I don't know if studying for the GRE would help at all. My employment standing has always been very good with positive feedback. But that's about it.

I wanna hear some of the most random unheard of placements yall have had! Everyone’s talks about social work niches but it seems like no one ever gets placed in one

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Hi I am unsure if counseling master's is for me.I would like to work with people in a psychiatric hospital or inmates/offenders.I am not really interested in court,or become a forensic nurse.

I did consider clinical and forensic psychology but clinical is to competitive and forensics is very limited and we don't have forensic psychology here (sa).I don't just want to diagnose people I want to work with them help them understand.

I have heard of clinical and forensic social work,does that sound like something I would like?

I don't want my own practice,would like to work with people in a hospital.But my main interest is the forensic side and I am scared counseling is limiting my options. My plan is to move somewhere else maybe Australia or New Zealand for personal reasons if it helps.

This is in the future but I don't want to mess up if I study the wrong thing.I am still deciding my bachelor's.

Any women who have done their internship at a jail? I’d love a new skill set within the criminal justice side, but I’m terrified to be around majority male offenders as a woman.

I’m at a state school for my MSW, but have to find my own internship. I’m looking for my advanced practicum now, and am having a hard time finding an in person internship, which I would prefer. However, I have been offered internships with both Sol Health and Charlie Health, which are both remote. Anyone have experience with either company? Would appreciate any intel, as I have a month to get my advanced practicum sorted for Spring and these are my only options right now. I’m hoping to have a solid and varied learning experience and was hoping for something more integrative, but that has been a challenge. Thank you!

Anyone have experience with their internship site closing? It took so much effort to find this remote spot to work around my full time job. Now they are closing halfway through my 1st year placement.

Blurgh.

my program started less than two weeks ago, and I already feel extremely dispirited. I hope it’s a loud minority, but a lot of my classmates are very open about using AI to summarize readings and even write some discussion board posts. it makes me feel a bit icky? I think at this stage we have enough data to know conclusively AI use contributes to economic and environmental injustice.

guess I’m venting more so than looking for advice. I don’t want to be so judgmental towards my peers, but this has really dampened how I feel about getting my MSW

Has anyone had a non-American Bachelor's in Social Work degree evaluated by CSWE?

What was the process like? What documentation did you need to provide?

Thanks!

I’ve been in the field since 2022, and I work in a ruby red Republican state in the South. I’ve seen some rhetoric, primarily in this subreddit among other forums, regarding conservative Christians becoming social workers and their stances on the LGBTQ+ community. I don’t want to generalize every Christian, because I have met some amazing people who genuinely engage in affirming practice, but it’s extremely concerning that some conservative Christians perpetuate homophobic perspectives that can absolutely harm clients…

I understand that people have their own convictions and opinions on the topic, and that they are free to express those convictions how they choose. BUT… when it comes to ethical social work practice, I’m having a hard time seeing how those worldviews align and converge in an affirming, cohesive, and productive way. I find it concerning that there are social workers refusing to work with individuals who are actively transitioning, who engage in alternative “lifestyles”, and who generally don’t fit the mold of what a “normal” person is.

I say all this to say: if you are homophobic or have homophobic “convictions” rooted in conservative, alt-right Christian rhetoric… maybe reassess and evaluate if this field is the best fit for you.

Hi y'all! :) I'm currently researching (synchronous, online) clinical-track MSW programs (goal is becoming a trauma-informed LCSW) and could use some advice.

My story:

I'm a trans man, so finding an inclusive and affirming program is my top priority. I live in a red state and will probably need to make the tough decision to move sooner than I'd like, hence wanting an online program. Yes, I know this is an extra thing to consider with licensing.

Beyond this, I have an upper level undergraduate GPA of 3.8 (cumulative 3.5).

I also have previous graduate level coursework in an adjacent field. While I didn't complete my degree (but did 2 full years of course work; not completed for personal reasons), my GPA was 3.5. And I have related internship experience in the field from said previous program.

I have a gap in my resume where I stepped away from the workforce and academia for personal reasons, but nothing my personal statement can't effectively explain.

Where I'd Like Advice:

With this context, I'm wondering if anyone has any insight into programs that might be a good fit??

I'm excited about University of Denver right now, but can't get over the 98k price tag. I doubt I'd enroll without some sort of generous scholarship!

UNC Chapel Hill is also on my current list! I'm attending a virtual info session soon to learn more.

What are y'all's experience with University of Denver's online program? What about UNC Chapel Hill or other top schools? Any others I should be looking into?

Thanks a ton and best of luck, y'all!

How should I be taking notes when my sociology teacher uses the Socratic method she only lets us have a pencil and paper out no electronics. And said in her own words she likes to use that method. Also she clicks really fast through slides so what’s anyone’s advice and how to know what stuff is actually okay to write down and what not to bother about.

I’m considering going the route of MSW advance standing program, however, I am worried about my financials.
How did everyone do it? Can you apply for unemployment?

Okay, maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe this is how all online MSW programs are. Or maybe it's just this class. I don't know and I want to find out.

I'm not being taught. Every week is a workshop. Each workshop has about three assignments and a (religious) discussion board. For each assignment, I'm told to read a group of articles, read a few chapters in the DSM or this VERY specific Addictions Counseling textbook, and watch a video. Then I'm shuffled off to write a paper (or three) about it all.

There's no recorded lectures. There's no interactive activities. It's all... I don't know. Self-taught, almost?? I could easily read books and articles and write papers on my own. I don't feel like the professor has to do anything other than grade the papers.

We don't even have social work discussion boards to talk to our peers about what we're learning, the boards are entirely about theology. It's just so isolated.

Meanwhile, the teacher expects us to research concepts that we haven't been given any background for. We don't have a general social work textbook or anything to read up and learn from. If there's something we don't get, we have to just... go figure it out? Find outside sources and cite those, basically, is what I've been told.

Does anyone have experience with IWU? Is it all like this? Does it get better in other classes? Or are all online programs like this? I guess I just expected more from an MSW even if it was online and I'm feeling horribly discouraged. IWU is really affordable and I'm already in my first couple weeks of classes. I don't think transferring is really an option for me. But damn, if I didn't hope for more than this.

i’m trying to get a retail job but don’t know how to explain my schedule due to practicum. i’m scared if they see i’m getting my master’s i don’t get hired.

i’m also thinking of removing my bachelor’s degree from my resume. is that wise?

any advice would be appreciated!

I’m a current MSW student who can’t help but feel the exploitation in this field. More so I no longer want to do clinical work or be a LCSW like I thought. (Never really did I have a BS in psych and tbh this was the quickest way to licensure) moral of the story if I’m going to work I want to actually make a living. I’m thinking of getting an MBA or JD. Anyone else ever done this. I’m about to be 29 and wondering if it’s too late. ALSO I CANT with the UNPAID INTERNSHIPS. We aren’t doctors going to make 200k I just can’t justify it to make $70k. Please drop thoughts or encouragement