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First, some facts. Of the Social Work graduates from Illinois 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 87%, Social Work graduates from Illinois State University have a much higher likelihood (+20%) 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, 72% 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: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from Illinois State University with a Bachelor's of Arts in Social Work. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONResidential Intern at Rice Child and Family Center Children's Home + Aid Society of Illinois Oct 2011 - Jun 2012 Policy Fellow Congressman Danny k. Davis (IL-7thD)--U.S. House of Representatives Jun 2012 - Aug 2012 Program and Policy Intern Illinois Coalition on Youth Oct 2012 - Jun 2013 Case Manager- Part-time, As Needed The Salvation Army Jan 2012 - Jan 2014 Executive Assistant to the Deputy Governor; Health & Human Services Dunn Fellow Office of the Governor- State of Illinois Oct 2013 - Dec 2014 Recruitment and Support Specialist Hephzibah Children's Association Jan 2015 - Jan 2017 Training Consultant Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Sep 2013 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGUnknown degreeUniversity of Chicago School of Social Service Administration 2011 - 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 job outcomes for graduates with a Social Work degree from Illinois State University, it’s pretty clear that many of them land in roles that are strongly related to social work. A significant number have taken on positions like Case Managers, Residential Interns, and School Social Workers, which all directly utilize the principles and skills learned during their studies. These roles typically involve working with vulnerable populations—think children, families, or individuals facing mental health challenges—making them very relevant and applying social work theories in real-life situations. Even roles like Policy Fellows or program administrators still tap into social work competencies, particularly in advocacy and policy development that impacts communities.
However, not every job fit the bill perfectly. Some positions, like Admissions Counselors or roles focused more on project administration, while they might use some interpersonal skills from social work training, don’t fully embrace the core competencies of the field. So, while it’s clear there’s a solid alignment between many positions and social work education, there are also instances where graduates find themselves in roles that could be considered only partially relevant to their degree. Overall, it seems like the majority are doing work that truly resonates with their social work background, which is a pretty great outcome for those who chose this path!
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 Illinois State University):
The graduates from Illinois State University who studied Social Work generally have a strong trajectory of pursuing careers relevant to the field, especially in the early years after graduation. Many of them start with internships or part-time roles that allow them to gain valuable hands-on experience in social services, such as case management, policy development, and support roles. For instance, graduates often take positions as interns at various organizations, working with children and families or in policy advocacy. Over time, this foundational experience tends to lead to full-time roles in social work, educational settings, and healthcare services, where they continue to build on their skills and make meaningful contributions. It’s clear that many graduates land positions that are connected to their studies and help them grow in their professional journey.
Looking a bit further down the line, around five to ten years post-graduation, the career paths become even more specialized and advanced. Many graduates transition into more senior roles, such as advocacy team leads, school social workers, and clinical coordinators, indicating a strong level of success and stability in their careers. This indicates that those who start in entry-level roles often progress to positions with greater responsibility, which is a great sign for future students considering this major. Overall, the data shows that Illinois State University's Social Work graduates typically navigate a successful career trajectory, remaining engaged in valuable work that aligns well with their education and original career intentions.
Alright, so when it comes to a Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Illinois State University or really anywhere, it's a mix of challenging and rewarding, but it might feel a bit tougher than your average degree. You’ll dive into subjects like human behavior, social policy, and ethics, which can get pretty deep and require a lot of reading and critical thinking. Plus, you'll often have fieldwork and projects where you’ll need to apply what you’ve learned, which can be time-consuming. If you’re passionate about helping others and are willing to put in the effort, it can be manageable, but don’t underestimate the emotional weight that comes with the stories and issues you’ll be dealing with. Overall, it’s not a walk in the park, but if you’re dedicated, it’s totally doable!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Social Work.
From what I've seen in the job histories of these Illinois State University Social Work grads, it looks like they might not be raking in the big bucks, but they're definitely making a decent living. Many of their roles are in case management, which is super important but typically doesn’t pay as well as some other fields. A few of them have climbed the ladder into more specialized roles or leadership positions, which could signal better pay as they gain experience. Plus, it seems like they’re sticking it out in their fields, suggesting they find fulfillment in their work that often pays less than other professions. So while they might not be swimming in cash, they're likely making enough to get by and feel good about what they do.
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 Illinois 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:
