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First, some facts. Of the Social Work graduates from James Madison 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 83%, Social Work graduates from James Madison University have a much higher likelihood (+16%) 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: 70% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Social Work in Social Work. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONStudent Intern Church World Service Jan 2021 - Jun 2021 Job Coach Community Options, Inc. Feb 2023 - Feb 2024 Assistant High School Color Guard Instructor  TUSCARORA HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC BOOSTERS INC Aug 2022 - Present ABOUTMy name is [NAME REMOVED]. The field of social work has truly opened my eyes to realize that the systems that are put in place to provide support are failing people in the community, especially populations that are oppressed. As a recent B.S.W. graduate, I am passionate about working with groups and families within the Latinx-e community as well as advocating for their rights as humans. Nothing feels more empowering than seeing clients achieve their goals and feel confident with the progress they are making. While I am fairly new to working in the field, I am passionate about providing empowerment and guiding clients toward self-sufficiency. My goal in my work is to remove the English & Spanish communication barrier in the Latinx-e community when working with clients.PROFESSIONAL CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Facilitated group sessions for clients with goals, and monitored their progress over a period of time. Maintained confidence and build a rapport with clients and their families while conducting outreach in Spanish to inform them of important reminders. Incorporate important character-building skills such as goal-setting, self-care, confidence, leadership, time management, teamwork, etc. Maintained good professional relationships with clients by building trust with clients, and verbally communicating with the clients to keep them informed on a weekly basis.EXPERTISE:Group Facilitation, Spanish Translation, Interpretation, Client Advocacy, Client Intake, Cultural Competence, Client Outreach Engagement, Immigrant Populations, Community Engagement, Interpersonal Communication, Professional Development, Note Documentation, Case Management, and Mental Health.I am currently seeking a role where I know my skills and experience thus far will help improve an individuals life and or their families.Lets connect! [EMAIL REMOVED] |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After checking out the LinkedIn profiles of James Madison University graduates with a degree in Social Work, it's clear that a number of common job types pop up. A lot of these folks found their way into positions that are strongly tied to social work, like social workers, counselors, and specialists in various capacities. Many worked for organizations that focus on social services, mental health, or community support, which says a lot about how well their degrees prepared them for real-world applications. You’ll see roles like Foster Care Social Worker, Mental Health Counselor, and Family Services Specialist, all of which directly use the skills and knowledge they gained during their studies. Overall, it seems that most graduates are making solid use of their education in their careers.
However, there are a few graduates whose jobs drift into more administrative roles or areas that don't fully align with social work, such as admissions coordinator or project director in settings where the focus isn’t purely on engaging with clients or communities in a social work context. While they may use some skills from their degree, the direct applicability of social work principles diminishes. The majority of the profiles showcase individuals who are actively involved in social care or support roles, proving that a degree in social work from JMU is a solid foundation for making a difference in various communities. But it's worth noting that not everyone is working in jobs that are 100% relevant to their social work training, which is a reality for many degrees out there!
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 James Madison University):
Graduates from James Madison University (JMU) who earned a degree in Social Work have tended to follow a fairly established career trajectory that showcases their commitment to helping others while also adapting to various roles within the social services field. Right after graduation, many of these individuals land positions that are directly related to social work—like internships at family service agencies, mental health facilities, or schools. The first jobs often include roles such as social worker, family services specialist, or counselor, which provide essential hands-on experience. For example, those who graduated in 2011 and 2012 started as interns and family services specialists and quickly advanced in organizations related to social work, highlighting the value of direct experience in this profession.
Looking at their paths 5 to 10 years later, many graduates have climbed the career ladder into more senior positions, such as directors of social services or licensed administrators, particularly in healthcare and community service organizations. Some alumni have also branched out into educational roles—like teaching or coaching—demonstrating a diverse application of their social work background. While there are certainly some paths that have diverged into less traditional roles, such as educational coordinators or non-social work jobs, the majority of JMU social work graduates seem to maintain relevance to their field, whether that’s in clinical, educational, or administrative functions. Overall, it seems that a good number of JMU's social work alumni are finding fulfilling careers that resonate with their academic training and passion for social services, making their degree a solid investment for those aiming to make a positive impact in their communities.
Getting a Bachelor's degree in Social Work can definitely be a challenge, but it's not necessarily harder or easier than other degrees—it really depends on your interests and strengths. At James Madison University, like many schools, you’ll dive into a mix of theory, practical skills, and a lot of hands-on experiences, especially with field work in your later years. This mix can be tough if you don’t enjoy writing papers or dealing with complex social issues, because there’s definitely a fair amount of both. If you're passionate about helping people and engaging with communities, you might find it rewarding and manageable. But if you’re more into the theoretical and less about the practical application, it could feel a bit overwhelming at times. Overall, it's a solid program that challenges you, but many students find ways to manage the workload and come out on top!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Social Work.
From looking at the career paths of these Social Work graduates from James Madison University, it seems like their earnings might be somewhat mixed. Many started with internships or entry-level positions, which typically don't pay much. However, as they advanced in their careers, especially into roles like "Licensed Nursing Home Administrator" or "Director of Social Services," they likely saw some significant pay increases, as those positions generally offer better salaries in the healthcare and social services fields. Still, overall, social work isn't usually known for high earnings, especially compared to other professions, so while they may be doing okay, it's not like they're rolling in cash. It’s a field driven more by passion than by paycheck!
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 James Madison 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:
