First, some facts. Of the Social Work graduates from Ferris 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 12 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Great! Overall, with an average relevance score of 89%, Social Work graduates from Ferris State University have a substantially higher likelihood (+22%) 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, 75% 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:
Relevance score: 100%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from Ferris State University with a Bachelor of Social Work in Social Work. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONCase Management InternCommunity Mental Health for Central Michigan Jun 2011 - Dec 2011 School Social Work Intern Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Early Childhood Center 2012 - 2013 School Social Work Intern Godfrey-Lee Public Schools Sep 2012 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Social Work (MSW)Grand Valley State University 2012 - 2013 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the career paths of graduates from Ferris State University who studied Social Work, it’s clear that a lot of them have landed roles that are directly related to their degree. Many have taken on internships and jobs in community mental health, schools, child protective services, and various therapeutic settings. Positions like Case Manager, School Social Work Intern, and Clinical Therapist pop up frequently, showcasing a strong trend towards jobs that require applying social work principles and skills. These roles often involve working directly with individuals and families, which is a core focus of social work education.
However, not every job these graduates have taken on is entirely relevant to social work. Some have ventured into roles like Human Resource Analyst and various consulting positions, where the connection to social work knowledge isn't as strong. In general, though, the majority of the jobs people from this program have pursued seem to be closely aligned with the values and skills taught in their social work courses. So, if you're considering a degree in Social Work at Ferris State, it looks like you'll have plenty of opportunities to dive right into meaningful work that makes a difference in people's lives!
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 Ferris State University):
Looking at the career trajectories of graduates from Ferris State University with a degree in Social Work, it seems like they generally find their footing in related fields right after graduating. Many of them kick-start their careers with internships or entry-level positions in areas such as case management, social work, or counseling. For example, graduates have held internships in Children's Protective Services and Mental Health centers, which are solid stepping stones into full-fledged careers in social work. Over the first few years post-graduation—let's say about five—they tend to secure roles that are more stable and often supervisory or specialized in nature, like clinical therapists, social workers in schools, or program managers. This shows a clear progression in responsibilities and roles that align with their educational background and interests.
Fast forward about ten years, and many of these professionals appear to have carved out significant roles in the field. Positions escalate to levels like clinical supervisors, program specialists, and even owning their own consulting businesses. While there's a range of jobs, the majority stick closely to the core tenets of social work, focusing on therapy, mental health, and community support systems. That said, there are a few who take on roles in more administrative or organizational capacities, indicating a shift toward leadership and policy-making within the broader spectrum of social work. Overall, these graduates seem to do pretty well in careers that are relevant to what they studied, indicating a strong connection between their education and career paths.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work can be pretty challenging, but it really depends on your interests and strengths. At Ferris State University, like most places, you’ll dive into subjects that require both critical thinking and a lot of hands-on work, like community service and understanding human behavior. It’s not just textbooks and lectures; you’ll also be doing practical fieldwork, which can be a bit demanding. If you're someone who enjoys helping others and can handle the emotional side of things, you might find it to be easier than average, but if you struggle with time management or the intensity of the workload, it could feel pretty tough. Overall, it’s a balanced mix of hard work and rewarding experiences!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 3 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Social Work.
Looking at these Social Work graduates from Ferris State University, it seems like their salary potential really varies depending on the positions they've taken. A few of them have moved into higher-paying roles, like the Solutions Manager and the Clinical Program Specialist, which suggests that they could be making decent money, especially those with more experience and advanced roles like psychotherapists or program managers. However, a lot of the earlier roles, like interns and case managers, typically don’t pay all that well, so it might take some time for many of them to really start raking in the cash. Overall, while some are likely doing okay and gradually moving up in their careers, others might still be in those lower-paying positions, so it's a mixed bag.
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 Ferris 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: