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First, some facts. Of the Social Work graduates from Appalachian State University 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 10 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 64%, Social Work graduates from Appalachian State University have a slightly lower likelihood (-3%) 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, 60% 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: 31% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from Appalachian State University with a Bachelors Degree in Social Work. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONChild Protective Services Social Worker Iredell County Social Services Mar 2016 - Nov 2016 Child Protective Services Social Worker Catawba County Social Services Dec 2016 - Nov 2017 Sales Associate  Belk Jan 2018 - Present Registered Behavior Technician  Autism Learning Partners Mar 2019 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Social Work - MSWAppalachian State University 2018 - 2020 ABOUTI am confident and hard-working. I have Master's in Social Work (MSW) as well as my LCSWA. I am a therapist that works within the Functional Family Therapy (FFT) model with AMIKids.The population I am most interested in is children and adolescence. I am also interested in working in the field of substance use. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Based on the profiles analyzed, it seems like a good number of graduates from Appalachian State University with a degree in Social Work settled into jobs that are pretty relevant to the field. Many of them worked directly as social workers, particularly in roles within social services, community outreach, and healthcare settings, like medical social workers and child protective services. These positions usually require the application of social work principles and practices, confirming a strong connection to their academic backgrounds. Additionally, jobs like rehab clinicians, case managers, and community job coaches also highlight that social work graduates are impacting individual lives and communities, which is at the heart of social work.
However, not all career paths taken seem to stick closely to social work. Some graduates have ended up in roles like administrative assistants or as owners of various businesses, which, while they might draw on some interpersonal skills or management knowledge, do not really tap into the core competencies learned during their studies in social work. It’s a mixed bag: on one hand, many have found fulfilling work that allows them to put their social work training into practice, while on the other, a notable number have drifted into roles that are less relevant, focusing more on general skills rather than the specific expertise that comes with a social work degree. Overall, it looks like there’s a solid network of social work opportunities out there, but some grads might still be searching for their place in the field.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Social Work graduates (this is across all Social Work graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Appalachian State University):
Graduates from the Social Work program at Appalachian State University have generally carved out diverse career paths. Right after graduation, many alumni land roles that are quite closely tied to social work, such as case managers, social workers in various settings, or even working in educational environments as school social workers. For instance, those who graduated around 2010 and 2013 often found positions in social services departments or healthcare, indicating a strong start in fields relevant to their degree. Even five to ten years later, many continue in social work-related roles or move into higher positions, such as program coordinators or directors of social services, showing a level of career growth within the field.
However, it's worth noting that not everyone sticks strictly to traditional social work roles. Some graduates have ended up in positions like sales associate or unrelated administrative jobs, which may suggest a few challenges in breaking into the field or finding suitable positions. Still, many seem to leverage their social work education into relevant careers in social services, community outreach, and counseling, underscoring a generally positive trajectory in their professional journeys. Overall, while there are some varied choices among graduates, a solid number have remained committed to and successful within the social work sector over time.
A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work can be a pretty challenging but rewarding experience, and that goes for Appalachian State University too. You’ll dive into subjects like psychology, sociology, and ethics, which can get pretty intense, especially when you have to read a lot and engage in discussions about tough social issues. Plus, there's a field placement component where you’ll get hands-on experience, and that can be a lot to juggle alongside your classes. While it might not be the hardest degree out there, it definitely requires dedication, empathy, and a willingness to learn, so if you're super passionate about making a difference, you'll likely find it fulfilling, even if it gets tough sometimes!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Social Work.
Looking at these Social Work graduates from Appalachian State University, it seems like their earnings might not be particularly high, especially compared to other fields. Many of them are working in typical social work roles that, while rewarding, often come with lower salaries, especially in the early stages of their careers. For instance, positions like social worker interns, case managers, and roles in non-profits don’t usually pay top dollar, and there are a lot of part-time or entry-level jobs listed. Even the graduates who’ve moved into managerial or director positions, like the one at Meals on Wheels, may not be raking in the big bucks compared to fields like business or tech. It definitely seems like a case of following their passion, but they might need to keep living frugally at least for a while!
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 is across all Social Work graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Appalachian State University). 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:
