How to Become a Social Worker

To Become a Social Worker What occupation suits you? I’m interested in working with children and families. The one thing I have always wanted to do with my life is to help people; making a difference in people lives is the most important aspect of a future career to me. The occupational outlook handbook website explains the responsibilities of social workers: Social workers “help people solve and cope with problems in their everyday lives. One group of social workers, clinical social workers, also diagnose and treat mental, behavioral, and emotional issues” (“Social Worker”). Therefore a social worker is the perfect career for me because of the education level, outlook, and income.
According to KuderJourney, a bachelor’s degree is required for all entry level jobs. Getting my bachelor’s degree will give me the confidence I need to better organize my future. A master’s degree in social work (MSW) is typically required for positions in health settings. College and university teaching positions and most research appointments usually require a doctorate in social work. Education gives you the foundation to be able to understand more complex concepts that you will need as you move up the career ladder. It also gives you something to be proud of, because education is the one thing that can never be taken away from you. Education gives you the ability to change your life by opening doors of opportunity. Without education, you do not have the ability to help yourself, let alone others. That is why education is of great value to me and I intent to go as far as I possibly can with it.
Fortunately, the national outlook for social workers will “increase by 20% by 2020”. Employment of child, family, and school of social workers is projected to grow by 15% from 2012 to 2022, faster than the average for all occupations (occupational outlook handbook). In schools, more social workers will be needed due to rising enrollments. According to student scholars, my job outlook will continue to be above average. The employment growth rate will likely be above average because of ongoing trends of increased government funding for health/social services, and an aging population requiring more services. The retirement rate will likely be above average and the number of retiring workers should contribute to job openings. The number of job seekers will likely exceed the number of job openings. This will not be significant enough to have an impact on the work prospects. Which means my future in social work will be a great choice.
The median annual income for social workers in May 2012 was $54,590 (occupational outlook handbook). Furthermore, the top 10% earn more than $72,980. Therefore through this form of employment my starting salary could be the median annual income of May 2012. Stability in income is very important to me and my future. Being able to afford all my dream items will be very satisfying. Also being able to buy my son anything he will need. For instance, buying a house for my family, and paying for his future college funds. My overall main goal is to gain independence, not rely on anyone but myself.
With this in mind, a career as a social worker is ideal for me because of the education level, outlook, and income. My passion and desire in this field of social work originates from a genuine wish to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Education is important to me without education you can’t help yourself, let alone others. Having a clear path to my future will bring happiness and determination.
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KuderJourney. International Centre for Career Development and Public Policy , 9 March 2014 http://kuderjourney.com.