Full Careers
how can i get into the social or human services field?
i have a degree in economics, but now after being out of college for 2 yrs i have found that i have a passion for careers in a different field. i enjoyed studying econ when learning about development, poverty, jobs, inequalities, etc.. but i never did like the business end of it. and i do not like working in business. i know now that after being in the business world, i really want to work in a human services field. i want to do something that helps people and improves lives rather than just maximizing a profit. how can i get into this field? should i just work my current job and get a masters part time? are there any types of social/human service type jobs i could do with haveing an unrelated degree? i would like to eventually get a masters someday anyways, but i would love to start gaining any experience possible. any advice?
Public Comments
- The fastest way to get into the social service field is to work as a child protection counselor. In some states like GA and FL, you can get a counselor position with a bachelor's degree in ANY field. The pay is roughly equal to an entry-level police officer. Look up FL Dept. of Children and Families and GA DFACS. Social work is backwards in the sense that the most important jobs are the easiest to get. The more laid back jobs (psychiatric, elderly,etc) are harder to score. But in social work, their is no higher calling that child protection. Good luck.
- You will still need those business world skills when you enter the social work field. With a Bachelor's degree you can go into any environment from Not For Profits to Probation to Child Protective Services. You need to 'shop around' for where you want to go, and, if possible, ask if you could take a tour of some facilities when you are on vacation sometime. An MSW is not needed at this point. You will need to 'make the switch' so the speak in order to find out what type of social work you wish to enter. There is school-level work, corrections level work, or community level work. Be warned, however. There is some jealousy in these fields because of people such as yourself who have the 'drive' to enter them. Also, be warned, that there will be some people whom you won't be able to help because they are bound and determined to keep up their destructive behavior because it pays them well to be victims. Follow your dream; bank some bucks and set a target date as to when you will 'make the jump' after you have set your sights on the appropriate field. The pay may/may not be that great. But, if this is what you want? The money will come...but the satisfaction is a lot better. One last thing; if you are a few years out of college, at least you have some life experiences...this will enable you to help your clients more than someone who is fresh out of college jumping into the field.
