As parents, it’s our job to teach our kids how to live their best lives. And when it comes to finding a career path, we want them to find one that makes them happy and fulfilled.
A degree in social work is one of the most rewarding careers. It’s also one of the most important professions in our society today. Social workers help people with mental health issues, substance abuse, and physical disabilities navigate the complicated systems that support them. They help victims of domestic violence find safe housing and resources they need to heal from their trauma. They advocate for better conditions for children in foster care and find adoptive homes for children with no place to go.
Social workers encourage people from all walks of life to believe in themselves and their abilities to change their own lives for the better—and that’s something every parent should want for their child!
Top 4 Reasons to Encourage Your Child to Pursue a Degree in Social Work
As demand for social workers increases during this crisis, we can expect to see a growing need for qualified professionals who can work collaboratively with other multidisciplinary team members.
If you want your child to leverage this growing demand by becoming a social worker yourself, one of the options can be CSWE-accredited online MSW programs. These programs allow students to complete coursework at their own pace while still receiving credit for their degree.
Career Diversity
It’s no secret that social work is a rewarding career. Social workers play an essential role in helping people navigate the challenges they face in their lives, and they’re in demand everywhere—from schools to hospitals to private practice.
But what makes it even more appealing is how diverse the field is.
There are so many different kinds of social work jobs out there, including:
- School social worker (teacher)
- Hospital social worker (nurse)
- Mental health counselor (counselor)
- Family therapist (therapist)
- Child welfare and protection
- Health care for the elderly and disabled
Recent data reveals that the Federal Executive Branch is one of the industries that employ the highest number of social workers (i.e., 17,230) in the United States. In this industry, social workers enjoy a lucrative annual median pay of $83,020.
Bright Job Prospects
According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report, social workers will have a median annual income of $50,390 in 2021. Moreover, there were roughly 715,600 job opportunities for social workers in 2020, projected to grow by 12% through 2030. This means that social workers are well-paid and in high demand. And as far as job growth goes, it’s expected to generate approximately 89,200 job opportunities for social workers during 2020-2030.
There are several other reasons why pursuing a degree in social work can encourage your child:
- Social workers often work with people who need help with everyday tasks or problems such as housing, family issues, substance abuse, or mental health concerns.
- Social work requires skills like listening carefully and communicating effectively verbally and nonverbally; these skills can be used in many different fields after graduation.
- Social workers must empathize with their clients; if your child has this trait from an early age, it will be easier for them to succeed in this field once they enter college-level studies after high school graduation.
Social work is a great career choice for your child because it offers a wide range of job opportunities tailored to their interests. Social workers can work in hospitals, nonprofit organizations, or mental health facilities. They may also choose to work with children or families in schools. The field of social work is increasing and has a bright future ahead of it.
Opportunity to Serve the Needy
Social workers have the opportunity to serve people in need. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, social workers provide services for individuals, families, and communities in various sectors.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 2,360 social workers are employed in community food, housing, emergency, and other relief services, with an annual average wage of $40,760. However, there are numerous opportunities for advancement, especially as one gains more experience and education.
The need for qualified social workers is growing faster than in other occupations. As people age and become more disabled, they often require assistance with bathing and dressing. In addition, many children need mental health services following abuse or neglect by their parents. Social workers help these children cope with their trauma to lead healthy lives. They also assist elderly citizens who have difficulty living alone or want to avoid being placed into nursing homes by their families or caregivers due to financial constraints.
Opportunity to Work With the Government
Social workers are unsung heroes in helping the government manage a crisis.
When you think of social work, you probably don’t picture its impact on our country’s ability to respond to crises promptly. But social workers are often the first responders when disaster strikes and play an essential role in helping victims recover from trauma. They also work with families affected by natural disasters and other crises.
Whether you’re thinking about pursuing a career in social work or looking for ways to support your child’s decision, here are some reasons why social work is such an important field:
Help Government Manage a Crisis
Social workers are one of the most critical professionals in the world. They help governments manage social crises and prevent them from happening. For example, when Hurricane Sandy hit New York City in 2012, thousands of people were displaced or left homeless. Social workers helped those affected by the storm access food and shelter and assisted with their mental health during this stressful time.
Work With People in Distress
Social workers also work with people suffering from mental illness or addiction problems. They help these people find treatment and support groups that can help them overcome their issues and return to everyday life once again.
Advocate for Children’s Rights
A lot of children have trouble when it comes to getting what they need out of life because their parents do not have enough money or resources to provide for them properly. Social workers work with these children so they can get what they need out of life without having to worry about anything else at all.
Pursuing a Degree in Social Work
The field of social work can be rewarding, fulfilling, and challenging in equal measure. It is a field that helps people grow and develop into the best versions of themselves. If you have been thinking about pursuing a degree in social work, you should certainly consider it.
