Five Reasons to Pursue a Career in Social Work

Satisfaction from helping others
Flexible career path
Opportunities for professional advancement
Various areas of specialization
Strong job outlook

Social work is an essential occupation in modern societies, with responsibilities ranging from counseling distressed families to helping individuals overcome severe substance dependency. People who pursue this career path do so knowing that they are dedicating their professional life to serving others. There are many reasons to consider becoming a social worker, although those interested in the occupation should also know that the job can also present significant emotional and intellectual challenges.

Satisfaction from Helping Others

One of the main reasons people pursue a career in social work is because they enjoy providing aid to those who need it. Not all social work positions involve direct interaction with clients, but many spend much of their time observing, counseling and providing practical intervention services. Social workers often get to know their clients or subjects on a personal basis so they can establish a relationship built on trust and cooperation.

Flexible Career Path

Flexibility is a common concern when selecting a career path. Experienced and credentialed social workers enjoy a wide range of options when searching for a job. Many seek employment with state or federal government agencies, but there are also opportunities in private practices, military facilities and nursing homes. Social workers can find employment opportunities in cities and states throughout the country, allowing for greater freedom in choosing a place to live.

Opportunities for Professional Advancement

Another key advantage of social work is a relatively low barrier of entry coupled with plenty of opportunities for professional advancement. Entry level positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, so those interested only need to complete an undergraduate program to get started. Social workers who want to advance in the field can choose from a number of graduate and doctoral programs to focus their career. In addition to practical social work, experienced professionals can also apply for supervisory roles as well as positions in research and policy creation.

Various Areas of Specialization

Social work is an incredibly diverse professional field, so practitioners have the opportunity to study or work on issues that matter to them personally. In clinical settings, professional can work directly with families to provide counseling, emotional support and therapy. Managing stress disorders in military personnel, reducing relapse risk in alcohol addiction victims and helping seniors with essential daily activities are just a few areas of specialization within social work.

Strong Job Outlook

In general, social workers tend to work stable schedules with a salaried income and the possibility for benefits. While social work doesn’t rank among the most lucrative financially, professionals earned a median wage of around $48,000 a year in 2017, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Demand for qualified professionals is also growing, with a faster than average job growth outlook in the US through 2026.

With tens of thousands of social workers across the country, there are dozens of reasons that compel people to pursue the occupation. Regardless of the motivation, students and new professionals should consider the variety of paths and options available as they build their careers.