2 answers
2
Questions
Updated
90 views
Why did you or did you not take a gap year after completing your bachelor's in social work and what was your experience like with the choice you made? #Spring24
For those completing their bachelor's in social work, did you go straight to graduate school or did you take a gap year and why? I know it's a common dilemma but I'm mostly worried about finding a job so I'm thinking of going straight to grad school but I'm also worried about having to take out more loans. #Spring24
Login to comment
2 answers
Updated
Choumika’s Answer
Hey there,
Just imagine, after wrapping up your bachelor's degree in social work, you choose to take a breather and embark on a gap year. You'd probably want to reflect on why you made that choice and how it has shaped your personal and professional journey.
In my case, after earning my BSW, I decided to step away from academia to gather some hands-on experience in the field and check out the various career avenues in social work. I had plans of going back to school for my MSW, but somewhere along the line, I lost my drive and never got around to it.
At the end of the day, it's all about what best fuels your personal and professional growth in the long haul. If you think a gap year fits into your life's roadmap and you've got a solid plan to make the most of it, it could turn out to be a fantastic chance for growth and discovery. But, if the thought of losing your drive worries you, it might be a good idea to look into other alternatives that let you take a breather while still keeping you engaged in worthwhile pursuits.
Just imagine, after wrapping up your bachelor's degree in social work, you choose to take a breather and embark on a gap year. You'd probably want to reflect on why you made that choice and how it has shaped your personal and professional journey.
In my case, after earning my BSW, I decided to step away from academia to gather some hands-on experience in the field and check out the various career avenues in social work. I had plans of going back to school for my MSW, but somewhere along the line, I lost my drive and never got around to it.
At the end of the day, it's all about what best fuels your personal and professional growth in the long haul. If you think a gap year fits into your life's roadmap and you've got a solid plan to make the most of it, it could turn out to be a fantastic chance for growth and discovery. But, if the thought of losing your drive worries you, it might be a good idea to look into other alternatives that let you take a breather while still keeping you engaged in worthwhile pursuits.
Updated
Evelyn’s Answer
Shaping your career is a personal journey, not just a professional one. It's you who holds the power to make the best decisions, considering all factors unique to your situation. This includes your career goals, financial situation, and short, medium, and long-term objectives. It also includes the pace at which you plan to complete your education. Like many others, I too had to ponder over these aspects. In my case, I chose not to take a gap year and headed straight to university to earn my degree. But remember, there's no right or wrong here.
Taking a gap year comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It can be a golden opportunity to earn some money through temporary work, or gain hands-on experience in your chosen field through a voluntary internship. This could give you a clearer vision of what you want from your future career when you resume your studies.
Moreover, this time can be used - even now - to expand your network. Connect with people pursuing similar studies or careers, learn from their experiences, whether they took a gap year or not. This will help you make a well-informed decision. Gaining insights from others' career paths is always beneficial, so gather as much information as you can. Tap into your network, read articles, listen to TED talks, and study case studies.
Taking a gap year comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It can be a golden opportunity to earn some money through temporary work, or gain hands-on experience in your chosen field through a voluntary internship. This could give you a clearer vision of what you want from your future career when you resume your studies.
Moreover, this time can be used - even now - to expand your network. Connect with people pursuing similar studies or careers, learn from their experiences, whether they took a gap year or not. This will help you make a well-informed decision. Gaining insights from others' career paths is always beneficial, so gather as much information as you can. Tap into your network, read articles, listen to TED talks, and study case studies.