2 answers
Lexi
Student
1
Question
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What are the different jobs that a social work degree can be used for? #Spring25
I was wondering what type of jobs uses a social work degree to help me decide my career path.
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2 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
974
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Lexi,
That's a good question, and it's intelligent of you to look into the potential career paths that a social work degree can lead to—it truly opens up more opportunities than most people think! The type of career you choose really depends on the audience or environment that most appeals to you. Social work is a versatile and influential field.
If you have a strong desire to work one-on-one with people, you could like a career as a professional social worker or counselor, assisting people and families in overcoming trauma, mental health issues, or life transitions. If you prefer working with kids or in education, school social work could be a fantastic fit—supporting students’ emotional and intellectual needs.
In hospitals or clinics, medical social workers assist patients in navigating health care systems and adjusting to diagnosis. Some social workers concentrate on policy and advocacy, collaborating with government organizations or nonprofits to enhance community resources or promote social change. You can also work in criminal justice settings, such as juvenile services, corrections, or court system support, if you're interested in the legal system.
The best part is that you can change your focus as you gain experience, your degree gives you a strong foundation for a wide range of meaningful careers. While you're still in school, you can explore internships and volunteer work to find out what kind of setting and work feels most fulfilling to you. Social workers are also needed in areas such as foster care, substance abuse treatment, elder care, military support, and more.
Best wishes!
That's a good question, and it's intelligent of you to look into the potential career paths that a social work degree can lead to—it truly opens up more opportunities than most people think! The type of career you choose really depends on the audience or environment that most appeals to you. Social work is a versatile and influential field.
If you have a strong desire to work one-on-one with people, you could like a career as a professional social worker or counselor, assisting people and families in overcoming trauma, mental health issues, or life transitions. If you prefer working with kids or in education, school social work could be a fantastic fit—supporting students’ emotional and intellectual needs.
In hospitals or clinics, medical social workers assist patients in navigating health care systems and adjusting to diagnosis. Some social workers concentrate on policy and advocacy, collaborating with government organizations or nonprofits to enhance community resources or promote social change. You can also work in criminal justice settings, such as juvenile services, corrections, or court system support, if you're interested in the legal system.
The best part is that you can change your focus as you gain experience, your degree gives you a strong foundation for a wide range of meaningful careers. While you're still in school, you can explore internships and volunteer work to find out what kind of setting and work feels most fulfilling to you. Social workers are also needed in areas such as foster care, substance abuse treatment, elder care, military support, and more.
Best wishes!
Lauren Fredregill
nephrology Social Work
4
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Lauren’s Answer
what type of jobs use a social work degree? Many, many. Part of the beauty of the social work degree is the ability to work in different fields: medical (hospital, oncology, nephrology, long-term care), state (protective services, financial assistance), adoptions, community work, advocacy, political... Getting in the door can be difficult, because many employers want you to already have experience. Considering volunteering in different areas of interest to get started.