5 Reasons Why a Career in Social Work Might Be Right for You

It takes a special type of person to consider a career in social work. Talk to anyone working in the field, and they will be the first to tell you that there are jobs out there that will offer you more money, more recognition and more thanks than that of a social worker — yet these are same people who will be the first to tell you that there is a need for more good social workers. Here are five of the many reasons that social work could be a good career for you:

1. Social Work Provides a Way to Connect With Your Community

As a social worker, you interact with your community by providing its members with access to resources, referrals to other professionals and by counseling individuals and families. If ever there was a way to connect in a positive role, becoming a social worker is that way.

2. Social Work Allows You to Make a Difference in Someone's Life

Through the resources you provide as a social worker, you are able to actively track the difference you make in someone's life. Whether it be with housing, education, literacy training, or food, the way you perform your job as a social worker can dramatically change someone's living conditions.

3. Social Work is a Relatively Quick Degree to Pursue

A social work degree can be obtained by completing a two-year master's program. Combined with a four-year undergraduate degree, six years of education is one of the quickest routes to a career in social justice or the public service sector.

4. Social Work Allows You to Pursue a Passion for Advocacy and Social Justice By Working on the Front Lines

If you've ever wanted to help the disenfranchised or those who have not been born with the privilege that others have, becoming a social worker is one of the most effective ways of doing so. Working with all kinds of populations who struggle for rights and resources, from the poor and homeless to immigrants to the LGBT community, social work allows you to use your voice to advocate for their needs.

5. There Will Always Be a Need for Good Social Workers

The job security for anyone working in social work is long-lasting due to the simple fact that there will always be communities that need resources and advocates. Social work degrees and licenses can be transferred from state to state within the United States, as well – which is not always the case in other public service careers. Deciding on whether or not a career in social work is for you takes a lot of thoughtful consideration. If, however, a passion for social justice and an interest in both your community and job security appeal to you, then social work may be exactly the career you've been looking for. This article was written by Social Media Outreach Coordinator Joshua John on behalf of CAREEREALISM-Approved Partner, 2tor — an education technology companythat partners with institutions of higher education such as the University of Southern California which provides a Masters in Military Social Workdegree online.Image Credit: Shutterstock