10.21.2011 | By: Morgan

Tips while being a Student in SW

1. Panayiota Bertzikis Start your own non-profit/organization while still a student! Guarantee employment when you graduate. Don't look for a job create them.

2.Toriawn Dominicque Hinton Take in everything they teaching you... It comes up alot when you in the field most important right after BSW go right back to get MSW more worth I'm BSW wishn I already had MSW I been out two years it's hard

3.Shelli Hall Get a job NOW that is somehow related to social work. It will help a lot when you graduate and start the job search.

4. Rachel Meriwether Get a dual degree, i.e. MSW/MA in Economics. Having a special skill set is all that can save you in this job market.

5, Missy Vacchiano its an amazing profession!!!! so much more than i thought it would be!

6.Patricia Miclon-Crean You can't save the world. Enjoy small successes. They matter.

7.Brie Kelly
‎1. Good self-care! Get that mani/pedi, coffee, dinner with friends even when (especially when) you think you've got no time. It is so important to take time for yourself to unwind, reflect, relax, disconnect.
2. Put a lot of thought into internship opportunities. These will shape your job opportunites (both BSW and MSW) when you're done.
3. Keep everything in perspective and make the choices that are right for YOU. You know you best so follow your gut.
4. HAVE FUN! Some of my favorite people are people from SW school. Good luck!!!

8.
Elle Knight One thing I would have done different is actually pay attention when the class did one of those agency review things where you investigate an agencies services, mission, purpose, ect. If u are going to school in an area u plan on staying in be sure to listen to these. You'll regret it later because employers will expect excellent case mgt skills regardless of level.

9.Mercedes Solorzano-Montoya Make sure Social Work is what YOU really want to do. Be prepared to work a lot and learn to be a multitasker. If you can take the long hours of work and be ok with being paid about 30 a year to start you off then do it.

10. Amanda Hunt Make sure that you have as many electives and prequisits out of the way before you start practicum...that way, you can put as much time as possible into your hands on learning experience! :)

11. Michele Bayno You will never be able to change the world, but you may change one life, one person at a time.
12.Jessica Hazel Donette Get involved and stay involve in your community or school, create a network, I am a BSW student at FAU now and i know that the more you practice giving and being a leader, the better you will be as a Social worker:). Good Luck everyone!!
13.Jose Navarro Welcome to the best career. Make yourself your number one client and enjoy!
14.Cher Cropper If you're a BSW student, look at MSW programs while you're still a freshman or junior. Figure out an academic plan that will ensure your entry into an advanced standing 1-yr program. You will save thousands of dollars. Also, save all your course syllabus
15.Monica Veney Always keep the big picture/larger vision in mind
16.Mick Karolac GREAT QUESTION! For one thing, in this field, you really want an MSW. If it is at all possible, go all the way for the extra two years--> BIG DIFFERENCE.
17.Whitney Washington i get paid way more than 30 and I dont even have my MSW yet, not all jobs are low-paying. Don't listen to people when they say that, government jobs pay pretty well. Im a social worker in a prison and it is an easy job. I love working with this population. GOOD LUCK!! :)
18. Jamie Hetherington Get involved in social works jobs/take volunteer opportunities , choose professors wisely, and challenge yourself to learn (passion isn't enough to truly help others).

And don't start a non profit unless you are meeting a previously unmet need in the community. Re-creating something already being done just wastes resources...
19.Laurel Rose
I have to say that I am pretty disappointed by the people saying that social work isn't worth getting into because of the pay. If you are in social work for the money, you're in it for the wrong reason.

Advice: Manage your time. Make sure you use a planner because you will have several group meetings to manage. I also highly recommend becoming bilingual if you aren't already. Work for your MSW. There are way more jobs available and, incidentally, MSW level jobs do pay better.
20.
Erin McGrath Sign up to become a NASW member while you're a student. The rate is cheap & you learn the benefit of being a part of a professional org!