How to Start a Social Work Career

by Allison Boelcke

Overview

When you sit and imagine what career you could see yourself in, social work may come to mind. But how do you make that happen? There is so much information out there, as well as different areas of social work to specialize in, that it can seem overwhelming to even begin to research how to start. By breaking down all the requirements to become a social worker, what once seemed confusing is now more easily accomplished.

Step 1

Volunteer or intern at a social work organization. This will give you real-life experience and help you decide if social work is the career for you.
Step 2

Enroll in college and earn an undergraduate degree in social work. Earning a minor in psychology or sociology may also prove helpful in preparing you for a career in social work.
Step 3

Meet with your college's career adviser. She can assist you in finding an entry-level social work job after graduation.
Step 4

Obtain a master's degree. Generally, an advanced social work degree takes about two years, as well as 900 hours of hands-on fieldwork.
Step 5

Become certified by your state of residence. Each state has different certification and licensing requirements, so ask your college professor to be sure, but typically two years of clinical work is needed.

4
There are many different areas of social work, so your best bet is to look into a few different ones to determine which one is right for you. Social scientists have the highest salaries out of the social work careers, while public social workers are on the lowest end.
There are many different areas of social work, so your best bet is to look into a few different ones to determine which one is right for you.
Social scientists have the highest salaries out of the social work careers, while public social workers are on the lowest end.
Social work can be very personally rewarding but also psychologically draining, so take a long time to decide if social work is the right career for you.
Social work can be very personally rewarding but also psychologically draining, so take a long time to decide if social work is the right career for you.