Social Work Intern — BSW Field Experience
I’ll be starting my internship this Fall as a School Social Worker with our local Elementary School which will run through February. Once it’s completed, I’ll officially graduate with my bachelor’s degree—earning Summa Cum Laude honors. After that, I’ll begin the process of applying for licensure at the baccalaureate level. Next up: pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW) degree on the path to becoming a licensed clinical social worker!
Before I wanted to become a Social Worker though, I was a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) for about three years. I cared for individuals who were in rehab for surgery, or physical therapy. Individuals who lived there long term because they couldn’t live alone. And I also cared for those at the end of their lives. Doing so gave me a glimpse into some of what the world of social work had to offer, watching our building social workers care for the families and help them through some of the hardest times they’ve experienced, however, at the time I didn’t quite know that’s what I wanted to do. After losing my mom to cancer in 2012, and working with counselors and social workers to heal and deal with grief, I at least knew I wanted to help people with grief and hardship in some way.
After leaving the medical field though I had a brief interest in becoming an undertaker/mortician— funeral home director, however the time required for such profession was not something I would be able to handle having just had my first child.
This is when I started to think about social work again. I knew I wanted to help others, I wanted to counsel individuals who were struggling so I decided to pursue my BSW, and hope to continue for my MSW so I can become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I hope to find a position as a Psychiatric Social Worker, or Mental Health Therapist in a facility or community program.
When did you decide to become a social worker? And if you are not in the social work field— What do you do? How did you know that’s what you wanted to do?
Social workers and other social work students— Drop the best piece of advice you were given when just starting out?
Embarking on a social work internship is a pivotal step toward a fulfilling career dedicated to helping others navigate challenges such as grief, mental health issues, and social hardships. As highlighted, obtaining a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree and excelling academically with honors like Summa Cum Laude set a strong foundation for entering this compassionate field. Following the internship phase, applying for licensure at the baccalaureate level enables one to gain professional credentials that open doors to diverse opportunities. A valuable extension of this journey is pursuing a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree, which is essential for becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). The MSW program offers advanced training in counseling techniques, psychiatric social work, and evidence-based therapies that help individuals cope with mental health conditions effectively. Graduates can work in schools, community programs, hospitals, or private practice. Previous experience, such as working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), enriches a social worker's perspective by providing direct caregiving experiences with vulnerable populations, including elderly patients, those undergoing rehabilitation, and terminally ill individuals. Such exposure builds empathy and a deeper understanding of client needs. Moreover, personal experiences with grief and loss often inspire a passion for social work, motivating many to support others through similar difficulties. Developing professional resilience and self-care strategies is crucial for social workers to maintain their well-being while supporting clients facing emotional distress. In this field, networking with peers and receiving mentorship contributes significantly to professional growth. Social work students and interns benefit from exchanging advice on navigating coursework, field placements, and ethical dilemmas. For those considering social work as a career, reflecting on one’s motivations and goals helps in choosing specialization areas such as psychiatric social work or community mental health therapy. Each role within social work carries a unique focus, but all share the commitment to enhancing individual and community well-being through advocacy, counseling, and resource coordination. In summary, social work interns transitioning from their BSW degree toward licensure and an MSW represent the future of compassionate mental health and social care. Their personal histories, academic achievements, and dedication pave the way for impactful careers that contribute significantly to societal health and resilience.
i’ve always wanted to be a teacher but recently have had more thoughts of becoming a school social worker! i love working with children & assisting with mental health. i feel like a combination of the two would be extremely rewarding!