Editor's Eye

Hello --

 

 

Until next time,

Linda Grobman, ACSW, LSW

Publisher/Editor

THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER®

 

 

 

• Men’s Health Month
• National Safety Month
• LGBT Pride Month
• National Cancer Survivors Day (June 5)
• Father’s Day (June 19)
• National HIV Testing Day (June 27)

 

 

 

     As faculty members in an undergraduate social work department, my colleagues and I frequently discuss with students the possible advantages of continuing one’s education beyond the undergraduate level—especially those who express an interest in fields or positions that generally require a master of social work degree (MSW). With deadlines for MSW programs quickly approaching, students frequently ask my opinion regarding whether they should pursue their MSW immediately following graduation, or whether they should wait until some time has passed, typically after they get some experience as a professional social worker.  

 

    Some grumble and roll their eyes at me (affectionately, or so I like to think) as I tell them, “Well, that’s up to you!” We social workers, whether educators or practitioners, strongly believe in self-determination and empowerment, and we understand that students are more likely to commit to a plan they choose for themselves.

 

    “Now or later?” There is no universally right answer to this question. This decision should be based on life goals, both professional and personal. It is imperative to devise a plan most consistent with those goals. There are potential advantages and disadvantages to consider for each choice, and there are many options and programs from which to choose.  

 

    After receiving that bachelor of social work (BSW) degree, continuing on to graduate school in the fall, as a full-time MSW student, has its advantages. Many students express that they are currently “in the groove” of college life and would prefer to continue on their current path until completion. Their BSW studies are fresh in their minds, which will certainly strengthen their foundation for education at the next level. Students have developed effective study skills, habits, and a routine that works for them. Why quit now?

 

    Traditional students who entered and graduated from college immediately after high school also may not have some of the obligations that may occur during a “settling down” period. Children, a serious partner, bills, a steady job, and/or a mortgage are priorities that take a significant amount of resources. Balancing priorities such as these, although possible, is a challenge that could be delayed until after one’s education is completed.

 

    Although social workers often don’t choose this career because it is financially lucrative, many students want to improve their education because it improves their job prospects. Upon graduation with an MSW, a student may be qualified for a wider range of positions with better hours, pay, and opportunities for advancement. However, depending on the intended area of practice and the geographic location, sometimes students may be disappointed to find out that they must start out in an entry level position anyway, in order to gain experience. This is not always the case, and many positions require an MSW to get a foot in the door.

 

    Sometimes, BSW students are ready to get out there and practice.  They may feel burned out on college life and can’t picture spending another minute in a classroom. Students may feel satisfied that a BSW level position will be perfect for them at this point, or forever. Most students seem to expect that we, their instructors or other mentors, will be disappointed with this decision. They assume that because we spend time discussing graduate school, it’s an expectation. Some students may think we are concerned about them not following through on the intention to “go back later.” Not true!

 

 

What does a life in social work look like? You might look at it as a series of “sideways” stories! “If life were black and white, we’d have no need for social work.” Read Ogden Rogers’ collection, Beginnings, Middles, & Ends: Sideways Stories on the Art & Soul of Social Work. Available on Amazon.com (print and Kindle), Google Play (e-book), directly from the publisher, and other bookstores. Do you know a social worker or social work student who loves to read? This book is a welcome retreat from academic textbooks.

 

Job Corner

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Find jobs for new grads and experienced social work practitioners at http://www.socialworkjobbank.com, THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER’s online job board and career center.

 

News & Resources

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) will livestream portions of its 2016 national conference on June 22-25, allowing subscribers to remotely access some of the keynote speakers and plenary and breakout sessions that focus on social work leadership, social justice and equity, excellence in ethics, clinical social work practice, and innovations in social work practice.

 

“NASW is excited to offer livestreaming so more social workers can experience the national conference,” NASW Director of Professional and Workforce Development Raffaele Vitelli said. “Registrants will not only get real-time access to conference events but will also get to visit a virtual conference exhibit hall and get on-demand access to sessions for up to 90 days after the event.”

 

Conference keynote speakers include Congresswoman and social worker Kyrsten Sinema; U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs Robert A. McDonald; author and social entrepreneur Wes Moore; and Nancy Lublin, CEO and founder of Crisis Text Line and Dress for Success. Their appearances will be livestreamed.

 

All four plenary sessions will also be available through livestream. They are Transforming Lives Through Trauma Informed Care; Advocating for the Dignity and Worth of the Person; Decision 2016: An Election Forecast; and The Power of Youth Voice to Achieve Social Justice.

The 2016 conference offers more than 100 breakout sessions, 15 of which will be livestreamed. Five of the virtual livestreamed sessions will focus on ethics, five on clinical social work, and the remaining five on other social work topics.

 

The full price for the 2016 national conference livestreaming is $200 for NASW members and $300 for non-members, and participants can earn up to 15.5 continuing education credits. À la carte pricing options are available. For more and to register for the virtual conference, go to https://virtualconference.socialworkers.org.

 

For information on the conference in Washington, DC, June 22-25, go to http://www.naswconference.org/

In Print

White Hat Communications, publisher of THE NEW SOCIAL WORKER magazine and the Social Work E-News, has published several books about social work. These books make great gifts (for graduation, holidays, or other occasions) for yourself, or for your friends, students, and colleagues in social work!

 

We also publish books on nonprofit management. Want to start your own agency? We have a book for that.

 

 

All of our books are available through our secure online store at:

 

Most are also available at Amazon.com.

 

You can also view and download our catalog in PDF format.

 

Reminders

VISIT OUR SITES

www.socialworker.com