First, some facts. Of the Social Work graduates from Saginaw Valley 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? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 86%, Social Work graduates from Saginaw Valley State University have a much higher likelihood (+19%) 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, 41% 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: 97%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2010 from Saginaw Valley State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONResidential Therapist & Permanency Planning SpecialistWhaley Children's Center May 2011 - Jul 2012 Children's Support Service Specialist Covenant Hospice Sep 2012 - Jan 2013 Residential Therapist Methodist Children's Home Society Feb 2012 - Aug 2015 Clinical Specialist Neurocore Aug 2015 - Apr 2016 Psychiatric Social Worker Pontiac General Hospital Mental Health Apr 2016 - Feb 2019 Social Worker AdventHealth Apr 2019 - Apr 2021 Therapist Harbor Oaks Hospital May 2021 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After looking at the jobs that people with a Social Work degree from Saginaw Valley State University have done, it seems like many alumni have landed roles that are directly related to social work. The most common jobs include positions like therapists, social workers, and case managers, all of which make heavy use of the skills and knowledge acquired during their studies. For instance, roles such as Residential Therapist, Psychiatric Social Worker, and Clinical Supervisor not only apply social work principles but are also vital in providing support and care to various populations, from children to the elderly. These positions showcase a clear alignment with social work principles, emphasizing empathy, advocacy, and community support.
However, there are some outliers. A few graduates ventured into jobs like real estate where the skills from a Social Work degree aren't directly relevant. While some positions like Credit Counselor may touch on human relationships or community interactions, they often don't require the specific theoretical knowledge gained in social work programs. Overall, while there is a good number of alumni working in positions that are closely tied to social work, a few have pursued careers that shift away from the core principles of 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 Saginaw Valley State University):
Looking at the career paths of Saginaw Valley State University graduates with a degree in Social Work, it seems like they often kick off their careers in some pretty relevant roles right after graduation. Many of them start off as therapists, social workers, or support specialists in various organizations where they get to work directly with individuals in need. For instance, graduates from 2010 to 2018 frequently held positions such as Residential Therapists, Clinical Specialists, or Mental Health Professionals. This shows a strong initial alignment with their field of study, suggesting that they are finding jobs that utilize their social work training right from the start.
Fast forward five or ten years, and we can see some interesting trends. Many of the graduates have moved up the ladder into higher positions such as Clinical Managers or Regional Directors, indicating that they are making progress in their careers. However, there are also some who have ventured into unrelated fields, like real estate, which might suggest they found the social work path not fitting for them after a while. Overall, while there are some varied outcomes, many of these graduates appear to be successfully building careers that align with their social work backgrounds, leading to growth in their respective roles within the mental health and social services sector.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Saginaw Valley State University, or really anywhere, can be a mix of challenging and rewarding. It’s not necessarily the hardest degree out there, but it’s definitely not a walk in the park either. You’ll dive into subjects like human behavior, social policy, and research methods, and that can require a good amount of reading and writing. Plus, there are practical components like internships that can be pretty intense but also super valuable. Overall, it’s manageable if you stay organized and engaged, but it does demand some serious commitment and passion for the field!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 5 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Social Work.
Looking at the job histories of these Saginaw Valley State University Social Work grads, it's a mixed bag when it comes to how much they might be making. Many of them started off in entry-level positions typical for social work, like therapists or support specialists, which generally don't pay super high salaries, especially at the beginning of their careers. As time went on, some have moved into roles with more responsibility, like clinical supervisors and directors, suggesting they're definitely on the upward path and likely making better money now. However, others have stayed in their positions for a long time without a clear jump in pay, like the behavior coordinator or the job placement specialist, which might mean they're not raking it in as much as you’d hope. So, overall, while some are likely earning decent salaries now, others might still be on the lower end of the pay scale, which is pretty common in the social work field.
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 Saginaw Valley 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: