other career fields similar to social work?

Hi everyone. I keep thinking about going for my MSW degree. I don't have any SW work experience. And when I hear about the lack of jobs out there, that scares me. I was wondering if anyone could share their ideas about how this field is doing right now based on their experiences, and maybe share their ideas about possible alternative career fields which also involve helping people but maybe in a different type of field where it's easier to find jobs. I'd like to work with people, help them find resources, etc. I had thought about something in the medical field, but I'm not good with math, science or needles. If you had to choose a different field, what would you do?

You are wise to question the practical implications of the MSW degree. There are jobs in the social work field, but they often involve extremely low pay, unsafe working conditions, and limited professional satisfaction. Most of my social work colleagues, with the exception of those in private practice, are burnt out, angry, and some are paranoid and extremely anxious after years of exposure to poor working conditions. When I entered this field 16 years ago, there were better opportunities available. Now many agencies are replacing Masters level social workers with BA level workers, so they can pay lower salaries. Programs and hospitals are being forced into many budget cuts. As a result, jobs, salaries, benefits, and working conditions suffer.

In terms of alternate helping professions, there are much better options. I deeply regret entering this field and wish I never wasted the time, energy, and money on this useless degree. I was young and idealistic when I entered the field. If I had do do it over, I would go to medical school, rather than tinker with this joke of a career field. It sounds like you want to avoid science, otherwise I would strongly recommend nursing. A PhD in psychology would also be better than a social work degree, because it commands more professional respect and better working conditions. You could also consider an education related degree (teaching, school psychology, guidance counselor, etc.). Other options to consider include health care administration and human resource management.

Good luck to you.

Thanks so much for your reply. I was recently doing research in a lot of the areas you have suggested and it's so frustrating because people in guidance counseling are saying they wasted all their time and money because only an extremely tiny percentage can get any job upon graduation (they're throwing away their certificates); people in HR with 10+ yrs of experience cannot land any job and I guess HR functions are also getting outsourced; in the past I heard psychologists say not to get into that field because all the jobs had gone to social workers instead; nurses are also unhappy campers. Sigh.... I have no idea anymore. I'm not a young kid anymore and I really wanted to finally have some sort of a career and not just a job.

Tiffany in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: Thanks so much for your reply. I was recently doing research in a lot of the areas you have suggested and it's so frustrating because people in guidance counseling are saying they wasted all their time and money because only an extremely tiny percentage can get any job upon graduation (they're throwing away their certificates); people in HR with 10+ yrs of experience cannot land any job and I guess HR functions are also getting outsourced; in the past I heard psychologists say not to get into that field because all the jobs had gone to social workers instead; nurses are also unhappy campers. Sigh.... I have no idea anymore. I'm not a young kid anymore and I really wanted to finally have some sort of a career and not just a job.

Tiffany..........somestimes it seems as none of us are happy!!! lol But for all my complaints about the work opportunities for social workers, I know the grass ain't greener on the other side. I took a look at some of the nursing boards, and boy....they have issues too! One thing I will say is that the MSW is a versatile degree, meaning since most MSW programs have micro, mezzo and macro education, the MSW has the skills and knowledge to be an Executive Director of an agency on down to a therapist....depending on one's focus. Some people have their own private practices, and it depends on what one really wants to do in life. As your post indicates, the competition for jobs is fierce in today's economy.........I always try to attend as many conferences/work shops as I can to continue to educate myself and keep abreast of research. This not only helps professional but it is good on the resume as well. Good luck in your endeavors!

Tiffany in Minneapolis, Minnesota said: Hi everyone. I keep thinking about going for my MSW degree. I don't have any SW work experience. And when I hear about the lack of jobs out there, that scares me. I was wondering if anyone could share their ideas about how this field is doing right now based on their experiences, and maybe share their ideas about possible alternative career fields which also involve helping people but maybe in a different type of field where it's easier to find jobs. I'd like to work with people, help them find resources, etc. I had thought about something in the medical field, but I'm not good with math, science or needles. If you had to choose a different field, what would you do?

Hi Tiffany,

I wanted an update on your post to see what you decided. I feel EXACTLY the way you do. I am an older student and after careful thought, I decided to pursue my masters in public health instead of social work. Let me know what you decided. There are more ways than one to help people!

This sounds just like my story, I'm going to be a sophmore in college majoring in SW. I love working with children, from mentoring to babysitting , anyway I can help a child is my passion. But lately I hear stories from upperclassmen and people around complaining about this major and its scaring me alot. What are some other majors I should look into other than science majors?

Calvin Buford in Lancaster, California said: This sounds just like my story, I'm going to be a sophmore in college majoring in SW. I love working with children, from mentoring to babysitting , anyway I can help a child is my passion. But lately I hear stories from upperclassmen and people around complaining about this major and its scaring me alot. What are some other majors I should look into other than science majors?

There's an MHA (masters in health administration) where u can work ur way up and administrate or manage medical facilities such as community health clinics where the "whole person" is addressed (there are social workers, dieticians, dentist, etc. on staff to address a variety of client's needs). These type of clinics are the rave now in urban areas to address Aids education, obesity epidemic and more.
U can also, manage small hospitals with an MHA.

There's an MPA, where all of the above can be done but moreso on a government level.

There's MBA's where specializations exist in non-profit management/sector where u can gain knowledge on the business side of running a non-profit organization. I only recommend this if u have a bachelors in a helping field because its essential to have knowledge and background in Human Services if u hope to manage a human service organization. BUT a lot of those organizations are looking for people with business sense, as well.

The good thing about an MBA, your options are endless....public or private sector.

There's an MPH where u can work in Epidemiology, Environmental studies, Health Behavior, etc and effect change on a macro level. (Like Healthcare disparities, etc).

Hope this helps.

Get another job and volunteer. There is no crime in making money and who says you cant make money, volunteer or donate. Most social work jobs are in government or non profit. Govt is inefficient to the point that it actually hurts the people its supposed to help and creates a culture of entitlement for those who are content with being dependent on the govt. Non profits if you can find a good one pays poorly.

Whoa,whoa... I can't believe I'm not the only person feeling remorsefulabout the social work profession! It is ofcourse the very reason why I find myself on this page. I typed this phrase into google search engine:"fields semilar to social work".I am in my final semester of the social work bachelor degree program- that is a few months to graduation. But I strongly feel I am about to earn nothing. This had never appeared to me for the past three and a half years. I am frantically struggling to decide whether I should persue a master's in the field to feel more secure, or to take up another bachelor's in a completely different area of studies which does not bear such labels as female-dominated or low-paid. But Tiffany we can move on, however your case is a bit different-- career options in my country are very limitted, and I took social work because of its uniqueness, thus playing down the employment or income-earning implications. You are in the US! Interestingly though, is the fact that I see a number of other guys leaving from nursing to social work! Can some one help? ..development studies, public health policy/management, environmental health...?

I want to know if anyone who earned a degree in social work (BSW,MSW) used their degree in another field without going back to school for another degree? People say social work degrees are flexible...but in what other industries?

I enjoy health care, and I am in a position where I regulate licensed and certified health care entities. As part of my job, I definitely use my clinical social work skills, and other skills I have been trained in such as whether quality of care and quality of care are being provided to health care consumers.

I have seen individuals with a MSW as Administrators in Health Care entities, such as long-term care, to include nursing homes, assisted living and residential care facilities. I have seen individuals with a degree in social work who work for the state in public/social policy, rules/regulaltions for Departments in state government, such as Social Services, Department of Aging, etc.

The thing that is good about the social work degree is the versatility. For example, someone who gets their Masters degree in Health Care Administration and has no experience in management or health care....good luck on them finding a job right out of college. So in the mean time....what jobs can they do while trying to get some experience? At least with social work there are various populations, entities, and organizations the social worker can try to get a job in versus pigeon holing themselves.

The job market is tough for all fields...the difference in my view is what you can get a job in while looking for your "dream job".

My experiences in life are that we people, we tend to be more negative when talking about a career or degree choice (and I have been guilty of that myself)! It is like reading ratings for appliances....some people hate them, while other people love it (the same appliance lol). You can go on any job board, (i.e. nursing, paralegal....) and one thing is the same...people who don't like their jobs and being in that type of work. Doesn't mean it is bad for all!

socialwkr in Jefferson City, Missouri said: I have seen individuals with a MSW as Administrators in Health Care entities, such as long-term care, to include nursing homes, assisted living and residential care facilities. I have seen individuals with a degree in social work who work for the state in public/social policy, rules/regulaltions for Departments in state government, such as Social Services, Department of Aging, etc.

The job market is tough for all fields...the difference in my view is what you can get a job in while looking for your "dream job".!

I agree. Social Workers can do a variety of things depending on their background. I know of several people with a MSW working in assisted living or senior care facilities. They are often helpful in dealing with difficult families. Consider all the options the above poster gave. It is hard to find a jobs in healthcare right now but, think about what makes you passionate and begin a rewarding career.

mrsmcleaver218 in Salt Lake City, Utah said: I agree. Social Workers can do a variety of things depending on their background. I know of several people with a MSW working in assisted living or senior care facilities. They are often helpful in dealing with difficult families. Consider all the options the above poster gave. It is hard to find a jobs in healthcare right now but, think about what makes you passionate and begin a rewarding career.

I think one of the reasons it is difficult all around for employment without relocating is the fact that more people now have advanced college degrees. And with social work jobs, when social workers like and enjoy their job they stay, which doesn't yield open job opportunities too often in certain agencies.

Also, since there are more people to compete with for jobs nowadays, agencies/organizations can be more choosy. Supply and demand.

And jobs are definitely harder to find for new college graduates when there are Universities that offer the same major all within close proximity. Therefore, for students who want to stay....they have more competition for open jobs with no experience.

Today's job market has definitely changed, and relocating for some is the only way they can find employment. Some people endure long commutes due to job availability as well. It is just the nature of today's employment "beast".

Stella in Oak Forest, Illinois said: I want to know if anyone who earned a degree in social work (BSW,MSW) used their degree in another field without going back to school for another degree? People say social work degrees are flexible...but in what other industries?

I graduated with a BA Social Work degree and let me tell you, i regret this so bad it hurts. When I finished my degree I realised that you still need to gain atleast 1 years 'post qualifing experience', so what was the degree used for. I have 1 year experience which I gained before my degree, 5 interviews last year and all of them said "you dont have enough experience".
I am now working for an Insurance company which i love. After i finished Uni I got a temp job as Ressetlement worker, it was boring, repetitive, depressing and eventhough I love helping people, I realised that Social Work wasnt for me. So yeap I used my degree to do something completely different Lol.

I’ve been in social work for 2 years now I don’t regret any of my discussions, however its hard work. Its changed me as a person and ruin my relationship. It’s so emotionally draining that looking back I used to give my partner such a hard time when I came home from work without even realising it. The system is corrupt and you find you can’t help as efficiently and you would like. This website has helped me realise that I am not alone so thank you all. If you can help one person it’s worth it right?!

Get a trade. When you have a craft you are more likely to have flexibility and versatility. With the influx of these business school, private colleges and colleges online, EVERYONE has a degree which makes them useless. Meanwhile, those getting experience as paralegals, in banking or construction are making money and will be in better position to find work. I left the corporate world because I was bored and hated working with spoiled backstabbing brats for a field I thought was moral and ethical. I rather work for the spoiled capitalist, at least they are honest about their greed. These agencies and even the State are still only concerned about the bottom line. The people you work with/for will stab you in the back because it's all about staying in the budget. They don't care what you have accomplished with the families as long as at the end of the day you made money. Employment is difficult to find unless you get the MSW which doesn't necessarily mean more pay. Where I work now they pay MSWs $500 more a YEAR. Why would I go back to school for that and the therapist only make 4 to 6k more but when I make enough to possibly qualify for gov. assistance, $500.00 a month which would take 2-3 more years of school, internships and clinicals doesn't make sense. Plus, to move to another agency is just the frying pan into the fire. It will be low pay, lots of travel, I avg aprrox 50k miles a year with gas at $4 a gal, and you have to be willing to be in some horrendous settings and it can be very dangerous. That trailer in the back of the woods where there's no cell phone reception and looks abandoned and can't believe someone actually lives in, that's where you are going to go spend 3 hours a week sitting knocking roaches off your legs wondering what in God's name is that smell! I've been in more jails than your average and I have NEVER been arrested. I could keep going but I will say help the people you know in your free time and find a better option. Get a trade.

Danielle in Oak Ridge, Tennessee said: Get a trade. When you have a craft you are more likely to have flexibility and versatility. With the influx of these business school, private colleges and colleges online, EVERYONE has a degree which makes them useless. Meanwhile, those getting experience as paralegals, in banking or construction are making money and will be in better position to find work. I left the corporate world because I was bored and hated working with spoiled backstabbing brats for a field I thought was moral and ethical. I rather work for the spoiled capitalist, at least they are honest about their greed. These agencies and even the State are still only concerned about the bottom line. The people you work with/for will stab you in the back because it's all about staying in the budget.

Have you visited the paralegal boards right here on Indeed where paralegals are saying they cannot find employment, and if they do have employment they make very little money for the demands of their job? Banking industry is the same way.....there are individuals on these jobs boards complaining about working at banks and financial institutions, and there are not a lot of jobs open. And as far as construction, some construction companies hire workers from job to job and there is no guarantee for the workers of a consistent salary. Some of their work is only seasonal, thus less work opportunities. Maybe the construction business is booming where you reside, but that is not the case in all states in the U.S.

And people are people, I don't concern myself with back stabbers....because back stabbers are in all environments to include the home, church and friends. Doesn't mean I isolate myself and don't make friends or live my life.

Every social worker isn't working for Social Services. Sorry you had a bad experience, but we choose the environment in which we seek to work. As someone wise told me, if it isn't working for us then move on.

I'm so glad I'm not alone. SW is not what I thought it would be when I went to study the BSc 8 years ago and now I just can't wait to get out. I really thought I'd be helping people but what I'm actually doing now is pushing paper and for this really I'm seriously on a look out for s change in career even if I have to go back to uni.

Social work will make you crazy... do something to earn a living and volunteer if you have to make yourself feel good.

I am a social worker just 5 years out of school. I have my LCSW and I screaming to find another profession. While I am very good at what I do.... I drive 45 miles one way to work and work for a state who has not given raises in 3 years. By the time I pay my student loan, put gas in my car, and pay off my other living expenses- I have nothing left. I live at home with my mom. While I believe that the profession needs good people, we are not well respected and are certainly not paid what we are worth. We go through a lot of training in school, we work long days, we are exposed to harsh mental and physical conditions, but yet we are rarely financially or even verbally commended for all that we do. I say that if it is in your heart to work hard for your community and give back- then follow your heart to be a social worker, but if you really need to provide a comfortable living for yourself and your family- please consider another profession, and volunteer in the community. My intentions were honorable when I entered this profession, but after only 5 years in, I see that this profession will not afford me the lifestyle that I wish to live. The conditions out in the world are getting harder and harder and the need for good social workers in at the greatest it has ever been. I commend anyone who want to take on the challenge of being a social worker in this day.... I just ask that you really research what you are getting into before actually doing so. Best of luck to those of you considering this field of study....

I am a social worker (macro practice) who is trying to break into academic and student services with no luck. Social work and education are related fields; in education, your "clients" are students. I enjoy working in university settings and have the work experience and transferable skills in higher education. Unfortunately, I may have to return to school for a master's degree in education if I cannot find work this year.