Social Work is engaging in any activity that directly or indirectly benefits the people around you and hence the community. Greater awareness about vulnerable communities and the need to develop robust support systems means that many have turned to opt for it as a full-time career. If not, then at least pondered gaining a professional degree to acquire specialized skills and knowledge.
By emphasizing nurturing human relationships, it is no surprise that social work has garnered a prestigious reputation. If you find volunteering rewarding and enjoy helping the socially, emotionally, or economically challenged members of the society, here are the top 5 reasons why you should consider studying for a Social Work degree:
- You Seek an Affordable Option
Getting a degree is an exhausting and, more often than not, very costly endeavor. Lump-sum tuition fees cause a lot of people to end up burdened by hefty student loans. These loans persist even after the student has advanced into their professional life. Alarmingly, with increasing inflation and academic competition, this is devolving into a full-blown crisis. In America, student loan alone amounts to $1.61 trillion of Federal debt. If you wish to save yourself from this tragedy, then a social work degree might be the most economical decision for you and your family.
There are plenty of programs to browse through, as a quick Google search will tell you. You can avail them conveniently, in your own time and place, via online masters of social work programs that are also at your disposal.
With hundreds of specializations available, social work offers a diverse and lucrative career palette. A three to four years Bachelor’s degree can complement a Master’s Degree, but it is not mandatory. Even with a completely unrelated undergraduate degree, a Master’s Degree in social work can be pursued.
- You Resonate with the 6 Core Values of Social Work
Trying to create a “better world” might be the dream of many, but easier said than done. A social work degree can equip you wonderfully for this.
But before starting, a person needs to have certain traits to devote themselves to the social work profession fully. These are the six core values that The National Association of Social Work (NASW) lists for aspiring candidates:
- Service: They wish to serve others to the best of their ability. It entails offering support, guidance, or protection to marginalized communities or those susceptible to physical or emotional harm.
- Social Justice: They see themselves as upholders of social justice and wish to establish an egalitarian society.
- Dignity and Worth of the Person: Social workers understand that every person has the fundamental right to live a dignified life. Cultural, social and ethical disparities should not be a barrier to social harmony.
- Integrity: They hold themselves accountable to set standards and work responsibly. It means staving off malpractice by acting in one’s self-interest.
- Competence: They cultivate self-discipline and align their values to the organization they represent and the people they intend to serve.
- Importance of Human Relationships: They value relationships and desire to teach healthier ones in society.
- You Want to Bag a Wide-Ranging Skillset
Social work deals with a wide variety of settings and people hailing from all walks of life. It exposes you to a plethora of skills that benefit your career path and tackle the challenges of everyday life. For instance, critical thinking and good organization skills can be applied in the office when handling an assigned project or at home making the monthly budget.
Different environments challenge you to hone your interpersonal and communication skills. As a result, mold you into a versatile person. Counselors, for example, have higher emotional intelligence and impeccable conflict management skills. They need to pay greater attention to detail when consulting their clients. Similarly, clinical work prepares you to use diagnostic reasoning to draw intelligent conclusions, instilling strong problem-solving skills.
Whether one pursues a social work degree further or not, these skills are a stellar addition to resumes. They are highly valued by employers in various industries, allowing you to set yourself up for a competitive salary.
- You’re Still Figuring Out Your Dream Career Path
A job can get boring and tiresome, especially when you aren’t sure if it’s the right one for you. Switching career paths mid-way is anxiety-fueling, especially when limited options are left.
Fortunately, a social work degree prepares you for a broad spectrum of careers. They are classified into three main categories;
- Micro-Level Social Work: Working closely with small groups of people, such as in therapy or counseling.
- Mezzo Social Work: Dealing with the social challenges of a specific group, for example, a school, old home, or prison.
- Macro Social Work: If you’d rather not be directly contributing to social issues and want a larger, more behind-the-scenes presence, then this field is for you. It deals with advocating for human rights through a non-profit organization or conducting research for programs that alleviate social injustices and poor living conditions.
You can also work in education, administration, criminal justice, military, and medical fields.
- You are an Empath, or Wish to Be One
Humans are social animals, and a strong foundation of society relies on how well integrated its people are. Social work is all about deepening this human connection to derive positive outcomes. Only then can a community prosper, both emotionally and economically. Finding the good in others, controlling criminal behavior and self-destructive practices form part of a social worker’s daily routine. The research and work allow them to connect with people and develop compassion, empathy, and an understanding of the human mind. If that sounds like something you’d wish to delve into further, social work degree would be right up your alley.
Conclusion
With an increasing need for social empowerment, a degree in social work is a gateway to an exciting world of opportunities. An array of social work specializations allows you to pick the one that best suits your passion and work ethic. The skills you’ll gain from the degree will stay with you for a lifetime and boost your confidence in any venture.