Changing careers is a natural part of almost every person’s professional journey. Some make the change because they are unhappy in their current profession, while others make a switch to grow or find more rewarding work. Making the switch to a new career does not mean you need to start over. You can build on your prior work experience and skills and leverage them into skipping entry-level positions. Whatever your reason for considering a career shift, know that you are in good company, as adults change jobs an average of 11.7 times between age 18 and 48.

Its flexibility, vast career possibilities, interdisciplinary nature, and ease of entry make social work the ideal profession for those looking to make a career change. This guide will explore the profession of social work, what makes it a perfect career to transition into, and practical steps for making the switch. Read on to learn how you can get out of your current career and get started in the profession of social work.

What Do Social Workers Do?

Social work is a career for people who want to make a meaningful difference in the the lives of others. Social workers are needed in almost every area of society and are frequently brought in to help resolve problems, care for individuals and communities, improve processes, and fight for justice for all peoples. 

Read more: Get a feel for the particular areas of social work through a volunteer opportunity before investing in a degree or applying for a position in the profession.

The following are just some of the careers available to social work professionals. To get you started, here are a few places social work professionals are employed.

Social Work Career Paths

Making the Switch: Why Choose a Career in Social Work?

If you are looking to make a career change, you aren’t alone. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Population Survey, an estimated 6.4% of workers will change occupations each year. Because of its flexibility, interdisciplinary nature, and wide variety of career paths, social work is a perfect profession for individuals looking for a change. Read on to learn how you can get started in a career helping others by transforming lives and communities. 

What Is Your Why?

What is your why? This is perhaps the most important question to ask yourself when you are planning a career shift. Examining your motivations for leaving your current job will provide you with an opportunity for important self-reflection and can often reveal what matters most to you. 

For example, maybe you find your current line of work intellectually or personally unfulfilling. Or perhaps you have a comfortable salary but do not see your work making a difference in the world. Whatever your motivation, it is important to identify what you want out of your career, so you can find fulfillment in your new job. 

Here are just a few common reasons people choose to switch into a career in social work:

• They are burned-out and unfulfilled in a corporate job.

• They have a strong desire to make a meaningful impact and do good and cannot find that in their current line of work.

• They are motivated by a (recent) life experience or personal encounter with the social work profession.

• They want to affect social justice reform.

Social Work is Ideal for Career Changers

So, you have identified your motivations for switching careers and what you want out of your new job, but what makes social work a good profession for career changers? A few factors are: It is flexible, highly versatile, and interdisciplinary. 

Social work careers are flexible, as these professionals spend a lot of their time meeting with clients and operate on a fluid schedule. Additionally, if a social worker opens their own clinical practice, they have the freedom to set their hours to meet their personal obligations. 

Social work careers exist in several different professions and settings including mental health clinics, schools, child welfare and human service agencies, state and local government agencies, hospitals, nursing homes, community development corporations, prisons, and private practices. This means prior job experience can easily transfer to a new line of work, and the plethora of options makes it possible to find a job anywhere in the nation.

A career in social work is interdisciplinary, meaning that it relies on the professional’s knowledge of different subjects and how those various disciplines collaborate to achieve the desired outcome. Those who switch into social work come from all different career paths and backgrounds. From government positions and corporate offices, to sales jobs and education professionals, individuals who desire to help others and make a difference in the world around them find a fresh start in social work.

Pro Tip: Any profession can transition easily into a successful social work career. Here are six careers that make the switch to social work particularly smooth.

Social work is one of the easiest professions to transition into because it does not require one specific undergraduate degree. Any undergraduate degree can add value and a unique perspective to social work practice. When combined with a Master of Social Work degree, the necessary professional experience, and the proper licensure, individuals from all backgrounds and prior careers can find their niche and make a meaningful impact in this profession.  

For example, an undergraduate degree in biology gives the person a unique advantage in medical or healthcare social work careers. A degree in sociology or psychology lays much of the groundwork needed to understand human development and reasoning, which is necessary for any social work job. And a bachelor’s in political science or legal studies is a perfect transition into a social work career with the local or federal government.

Pro Tip: If you earned one of these five undergraduate degrees that are a great compliment to an MSW, you may have a better understanding of the graduate coursework than you think!

What to Consider When Switching to Social Work

The process of changing careers can be daunting, after all, there is a lot to consider when making this decision. But don’t let the fear of missing something or not knowing exactly how things will turn out, paralyze you into not making any decision. If you are unhappy or unsatisfied with your current job, you have the power to make a change for the better! 

That being said, the decision to change careers should not be taken lightly. Here are a few things you should think through when considering a switch to social work.

A Step-By-Step Guide: How to Enter the Profession of Social Work

After lots of consideration, reflection, careful planning, and coordinating with your support system, you have decided that making the switch to a career in social work is the right move for you. First, congratulations! Often making the decision to get out of a stressful, unhealthy, or unfulfilling job can be the most difficult part. 

But what are your next steps? What should you do now? 

Once deciding to pursue a career in social work, here are five steps you should take to land a job in the social work profession. 

1. Decide which institution is right for you. To call yourself a social worker, you must hold a social work degree (bachelor’s or master’s). Not only will a Master of Social Work degree legally allow you to practice, but it will also give you the experience you need to land supervisory roles and other advanced positions. When considering different institutions, look for one with specializations that are of interest to you and faculty who are performing compelling research.

2. Complete a degree. Pursuing an MSW, either part-time or full-time, will provide you with the opportunity to obtain the skills necessary to advance in the profession of social work. During your graduate courses, consider specific coursework and specialized certifications that will train you in the specific area in which you want to practice. For example, if you plan to work as a clinical social worker, take as many clinical classes as possible. If macro social work interests you, choose courses in advocacy and nonprofit management.

3. Learn from practicum. Every MSW program requires a certain number of hands-on hours from practicums. These opportunities to work in the profession and assist licensed professionals will provide you with the skills, training, and knowledge needed to begin a career as an effective social worker. Treat these opportunities as you would paid employment, learn from those around you, and don’t be afraid to collaborate and network with your classmates and professional colleagues.

4. Complete the licensure requirements. If you want to practice and be recognized as a social worker, you will need to become licensed or registered in your jurisdiction. The specific requirements vary by state, so be sure to explore what is needed for licensed practice well before you graduate. Make a plan to complete your degree, pass examinations, finish required hours of supervised experience, become board certified, and any other requirements needed to practice. Also, social work licenses need to be maintained and kept up-to-date with continuing education. Don’t forget to check how often your license needs to be renewed and what it will take to keep it active.

5. Network and Apply. During your time in school, continually update your resume, adding internship and other practicum experiences. It is also important to maintain relationships with your professors and professional colleagues you meet. You will rely on your network to help you land a social work job, immediately out of your graduate degree program. Also, begin your job search before you graduate; don’t wait until you have your degree in hand. Scour job listings online, put out feelers to your network, inquire at local schools, nonprofits, agencies, and other advocacy organizations. 

Finally, don’t forget to leverage your prior work experience when entering the profession of social work. Spend some time crafting your resume to highlight applicable skills and experience that will showcase you as a qualified candidate. Use your career and work experience before social work to your advantage. Your career change gives you credibility others do not have and makes you a valuable asset to any social work practice. 

What to Look for in an MSW Program

Not all social work degree programs are created equal. When you make the decision to return to school to make a career change possible, your time, energy, and resources are especially precious. We know you want to spend them wisely, so here are five essential elements that should be present in any graduate degree program you consider.

Much of an MSW education is comprised of this hands-on exposure to fieldwork, and it is important for a student to serve at placements that expose them to different experiences and perspectives. Placements are a result of the school’s partnerships and relationships with social work groups and organizations, so look for a well-connected and respected MSW program.

Baylor’s Master of Social Work Program

At the Baylor University Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, we know that the next generation of social work professionals can change the world for the better. Our graduate program equips graduates to be compassionate and qualified, and to confidently dive into their chosen area of expertise. Our faculty and student body are one family, made up of individuals who care deeply about helping people.

Our mission is to prepare students to be social workers who recognize that their work is about service and justice, the dignity of individuals, and the power of relationships, and who can practice their craft with integrity and competence, ethically integrating faith and social work practice to best serve their clients

 -Dean Singletary 

The Baylor MSW program consists of 60 course hours and offers two specializations: Clinical Practice and Community Practice, and prepares students to serve as licensed professionals in their communities while learning to ethically integrate faith and values within social work practice. The degree program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and was most recently reviewed in 2021.

The MSW offers a full-time, residential experience as well as online options.

Watch Now: Hear from our Program Director to explore the curriculum  and concepts taught in our residential MSW program.