Let’s admit it; many students find themselves in a state of confusion when choosing their career paths. A degree plays a crucial role in finding the perfect job. After all, no one wishes to spend a fortune earning a degree that holds no value in the job market. Therefore, it is advisable to take time and think properly before opting for a career. The answer to the following questions can help students make the right decision. Are there many employment opportunities in this field? Will the degree land me a nice-paying job, or will it be gratifying?
No individual can indeed predict their future. However, students passionate about solving people’s problems, becoming their voice, and positively contributing to their community can pursue a social work career. Social workers are responsible for helping people deal with emotional, physical, and environmental challenges.
Are you still unsure of stepping your foot in this career field? No worries. We have compiled a list of reasons to convince you for pursuing education in this highly-rewarding career path:
1. VARIETY OF OPPORTUNITIES
If you are passionate about growing professionally, then you are in good luck. The social work field allows its professionals a myriad of opportunities to advance in their careers. In addition, you can choose which community you wish to serve or in which area of specialization you want to study for your career growth. For instance, you can become a medical social worker and choose to work in a clinic. Or you can pursue a school social worker and enjoy working in the school environment. Other job roles include family and marriage counselor, substance abuse social worker, criminal justice social worker, gerontological social worker, etc.
Moreover, the field allows you to advance your education while continuing your job feasibly. If you wish to take your career to the next level, you can enroll in online masters of social work programs and go for advanced positions. The online degree programs are the best fit for individuals who wish to balance work and daily life.
2. MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIFE
Many job roles offer professionals nice salaries, but the drawback is that these professionals don’t directly impact people’s lives. Due to this reason, many people don’t feel satisfied with their daily work-life even when they receive good paychecks. However, as a social worker, you are directly influencing people from different walks of life. For instance, as a mental health and substance abuse social worker, you will assist patients struggling with mental health or addiction problems. Or, as a family social worker, you will help provide resources to the families dealing with extreme poverty. Doing such actions will give you a sense of contentment and accomplishment each day. For this reason, most people perceive a social worker career as a meaningful and rewarding career.
3. OFFERS SELF-IMPROVEMENT
There is no denying that the job responsibilities of a social worker, no matter the field, is no walk in the park. There will be days when you deal with cases that might burn you out mentally and physically. In addition, chances are you will encounter clients with incredibly heartbreaking stories and learn the harsh realities of humanity. However, you don’t have to run away or fear these situations. Instead, consider it as a chance to reinvent and improve yourself. Working as a social worker can help you only improve other people’s lives but also self-evaluate yourself. As a result, you can step on the road of self-improvement at the end of the day. Thus, the career path to the social worker can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses that you didn’t even know before.
4. NEW DAY NEW RESPONSIBILITIES
Many people get bored performing the same responsibilities each day. Due to this reason, they find themselves detached from their work and want to switch jobs. However, with a social work career, you don’t have to worry about such a situation. No two days are the same in this field. It is because the field is ever-changing. Each day you will be meeting new people and have to tackle new problems. With new challenges every day, the social work field never gets dull. Keep in mind; there may be days when you have to work closely with mentally disturbed patients or address some complex situations. No doubt, it will drain out your energy. However, when you think about the outcomes of your job, you will be gladly accepting these challenging responsibilities every day.
5. IN-DEMAND JOBS
Is it worrying you whether the career path you choose will offer you high-paying job opportunities? Well, in that case, you have nothing to fear with your social work career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for a social worker will grow by 13% from the year 2019 to 2029. This depiction of stats is good news for aspiring social workers. Moreover, the average salary of a social worker is $24.88 per hour. However, keep in mind, the pay may vary according to the field of specialization and geography. Nevertheless, the social work field offers high earning potential to its professionals.
SUMMING UP
Since the degree is a significant investment in time and money, it is necessary for every individual to never decide in haste. If you wish to help people in vulnerable communities, improve their quality of life, or desire to change the world. Then pursuing education and making a career in the social work field might be an ideal option for you. One best advantage of making a career in this field is earning personal satisfaction. When you see your client overcoming their problems and enjoying their life in the best possible manner, it satisfies you to no end. Furthermore, you can develop excellent transferable skills that can help you in both personal and professional life.
