NPP

Hi cuisinequeen7! I'll try to keep my answer as unbiased as possible, since I am currently attending CSUF and am in my first year of the program. Generally, I've been told that you choose a school based on it's location. So where do you want to practice? This is extremely important as you build your connections based on where you went to school and did your internship. For example, if you knew you wanted to practice in the Bay Area, it wouldn't make much sense to come to a school in Southern California because you would want to build your connections up north to facilitate finding work upon graduation. In regards to 'connections,' it really depends on the program's Field Coordinator. CSUF's Field Coordinator knows just about everyone from every agency in Orange County and the neighboring counties, so that really helps get you placed! Try not to get caught up in reputation! I chose CSUF over several higher ranked schools because I felt that Orange County would be where I wanted to practice after I graduated. My undergraduate professors have told me that ranking is not of much importance, especially when you're out trying to find a job. Take into account other factors such as cohort size, quality of the professors, and the cost of the program. Good luck!

Hi bellebruin! I suspected you were a fellow alumnus from your username, but yes, I did my undergrad at UCLA and am class of 2013! It's always nice to hear about more Bruins going into social work! To answer your very first question, I think that it would be a little too soon to reach out to your field instructor. I've only had one experience with Cal State Fullerton (where I'm getting my MSW) but a field coordinator or the school's CalSWEC coordinator will reach out to you first to gauge your interests in where you would like to be placed. My program is going wonderfully! I'm really enjoying what I'm learning, and moreover, the experience I'm getting at the county. My concentration is child welfare, but I'm still on my foundation year and have not started my specific concentration classes yet. And like creativesocialworker mentioned, there are absolutely caveats and it's essential you read your contract very carefully before signing. But you should read any contract very carefully before you sign! If you have specific questions or would like me to address the more 'worrisome' details about the contract, feel free to PM me. Good luck to everyone with their interviews! I wish you the very best

Hello and congrats on your interview! I am in my first year of my MSW program and am a CalSWEC recipient. To answer your questions: My interview for the stipend was really straight forward, highlight your strengths, what skills you bring, and show your enthusiasm for your chosen profession. As for working for "the county," it really varies depending on the county you'll be interning at. Some counties have better reputations than others, and I have had a very fulfilling experience in Orange County (which is said to be one of the best.) With that said, there is more than one kind of field placement within a county, and you can experience a range of positions. Your experience will also depend on your field instructor and the amount of support you receive from your placement. There are so many factors that go into working for the county that it really depends. The stipend is a financial godsend if you are attending a state school. After tuition, you will still have money left over. If you are attending a private school, that might be a different story. I believe the award amount is around $18,500 annually. The two year commitment is a long time, but it's time that you will be learning valuable skills and honing your expertise. I also plan to get my licensure, and from what I was told by my field instructor, all of the hours accrued working for the county will be able to go towards your LCSW. Hope that helped, and if you have any more questions, just ask!