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First, some facts. Of the Social Work graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 2671 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 81%, Social Work graduates have a much higher likelihood (+14%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 58% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Social Work graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 97% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from Southern Adventist University with a Bachelor of Social Work in Social Work. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONEarly Care Instructor YMCA of the Brandywine Valley Sep 2012 - Jun 2013 Clinical Practicum Student  Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems Oct 2012 - Jun 2013 Program Coordinator The Garage Community and Youth Center Jul 2011 - Feb 2015 Visit Coach JusticeWorks YouthCare Mar 2015 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Social Work (MSW)Southern Adventist University 2010 - 2013 ABOUTMy name is [NAME REMOVED]topher Bolton and I have recently graduated with my Masters degree in Social Work and am in the process of obtaining my LMSW. I have worked in the nonprofit sector for nearly 5 years with experience working for youth-focused organizations such as The Garage Community and Youth Center and Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems. Currently I am employed by JusticeWorks YouthCare, working with families in the foster care system. As a Visit Coach, I work alongside of Children, Youth, and Families to provide services throughout Chester County, Pennsylvania. Through these experiences, I have gained ample insight in both direct client services, managerial, and program development roles. I have experience providing clinical services to a diverse age group and planning and facilitating program activities. While working at The Garage, I developed and implemented programming for our attendees, specifically program development for middle and high school guys and court-mandated community service. It was my responsibility to nourish development of our participants through tutoring, mentoring, counseling, and social skill building. In addition to my responsibilities at The Garage, I have developed my clinical skills through an eight-month practicum at Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems. It was here that I co-lead an intensive outpatient drug and alcohol rehabilitation group. I also observed a number of therapists in one-on-one therapy, and developed my own case load that included both children and adults. During my time at Holcomb, I developed and implemented Play Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Client-Centered modalities into my practice.*Extensive experience working with youth, ages 8-18.*Proficient in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Therapy (SFT).*Skilled in case management/outpatient therapy. *Experience in assessment of clients using the DSM*Strong interpersonal skills*Effective leader and team player |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After reviewing the diverse employment backgrounds of individuals who graduated with a degree in Social Work, it's clear that these graduates have carved out various career paths. A significant number of these professionals have secured roles that are highly relevant to the principles of social work. Typical job titles include social worker, case manager, and therapist. Positions such as Child Protective Services workers and mental health professionals are particularly common, as they align closely with the core competencies taught in social work programs.
On the flip side, it's also apparent that some graduates are in positions that seem less connected to the field. Several individuals took up roles in sectors like sales, administration, or education that, although they may utilize some interpersonal skills obtained through their studies, do not directly apply the knowledge and skills central to social work practice. For example, while teaching roles can certainly involve elements of social work, such as understanding emotional and social needs of students, they might not fully leverage the specialized training received during a social work curriculum. Additionally, positions like data entry or customer service appear to stray even further from core social work functions.
In conclusion, it's evident that many social work graduates find themselves in relevant roles that observe and address the needs of individuals and communities, ensuring alignment with their educational background. However, the presence of several professionals in unrelated fields signifies that the job market can sometimes lead graduates away from typical social work positions, emphasizing the important distinction between roles that are directly relevant to their training and those that leverage softer skills from their education.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Social Work graduates:
When we look at the career trajectories of Social Work graduates, a pretty clear pattern emerges. Many of these graduates tend to land their first jobs in practical, entry-level positions related to social work, such as internships or assistance roles in social service organizations. For example, various graduates began their careers as social work interns at various organizations, taking up roles that allowed them to gain hands-on experience while still in school. This approach helps them develop essential skills and professional networks, setting the stage for future employment in the field.
Fast forward five to ten years down the line, and we start to see a more diverse picture. Some individuals remain in relevant social work roles, such as clinical social workers or case managers within health and human services. Others, however, have veered off the traditional path, taking roles that, while still beneficial, are tangentially related to social work, like counseling or teaching positions. For instance, graduates who took teaching positions or moved into administrative roles in mental health organizations can signify a shift in their career trajectories. This suggests that while many graduates find their way into meaningful social work roles, others may find themselves diversifying their careers or even transitioning into education or related fields, indicating that a degree in social work can be used in varying contexts beyond direct practice.
In summary, while many Social Work graduates appear to be doing well and securing jobs in their field, the variance in job paths suggests that not all graduates have seamlessly transitioned to traditional social work roles. Factors such as personal interests, economic environments, or even geographical considerations likely influence these career choices. Some will thrive in their designated paths, while others might find themselves adapting their degrees in creative ways outside of traditional social work. It’s a mixed bag, but with the right drive and adaptability, many can carve out a fulfilling career in helping others, regardless of the specific job titles they hold five to ten years down the line.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work can be a bit challenging but isn’t inherently harder or easier than many other degrees. You'll dive into subjects like psychology, sociology, and ethics, which can be pretty intense, especially when you start applying theory to real-world situations, like during field placements. There’s a fair amount of reading and understanding theories, plus you’ll probably have to write a bunch of papers too. However, if you're passionate about helping people and are good at staying organized, you might find it pretty manageable. It’s all about how you approach it and your interest in the subject matter!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Social Work.
So, looking at the career paths of these social work graduates, it's clear that their earnings might not be as high as some other fields. Many started with entry-level positions or internships, which usually don’t pay much, but some have managed to climb the ladder and secure better roles over time. For instance, those working as social workers in hospitals or health systems may earn decent salaries, especially when they reach positions like clinical social worker or program director, compared to those in educational settings or non-profits where the pay might be lower.
Overall, while some graduates have landed in roles that can lead to better financial stability, like managerial or clinical positions, most are likely earning modest incomes typical for social work. The journey often requires patience and dedication, and better salaries typically come after years of experience and possibly further education. It’s a career driven more by passion for helping others than by financial gain. So, if money is a major concern for you, you might want to think about how much you care about the work itself versus how much you want to earn.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Social Work. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Social Work (ordered by the average relevance score of their Social Work graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
