Nala851

Congrats Heneyka! I know that you were really looking forward to going to Calgary! Now you don't have to take stats again lol

Hi everyone, I just got my acceptance letter to Laurier. So for those who have not heard from particular social work programs, do not give up hope. You are still in the running. Also, for those who are waitlisted, it is difficult that the waiting period is extended but like a lot of people have said...it is still an amazing accomplishment given how competitive these programs are. It is a very frustrating process, however just remember you are not in a race with anyone. We often have to go the roundabout way to get to where we want to get to, but we still make it there. The individuals who apply to social work programs are often very resilient which is something that you need in the field. A social worker that I met last year while volunteering, told me that it took her 15 years to get her BSW and she is now working at a governmental office for children and youth!

Heneyka- I have read probably some of the same reviews about the social work profession on the internet. It was important to me to really research the profession before I committ to pursing this. Keep in mind, that some of those reviews are based in the States and the structure of the social work profession is different. For example, the common starting wage with a MSW in the states can be as low as $30,000. While in Canada, I believe it's more like $40,000-$45,000. When I was on Laurier's website reading the Employment survey for 2010, which is a self-reported survey for those who are working in the field, the starting wages varied widely however still mostly in the $40,000's. I did see someone report that they started about $55,000 after completing Laurier's MSW program, however I believe they were working for the government. It also depends on the subfield you want to work in (Mental Health, Children,Youth and their Families, Gerontology, etc) and whether you are interested in direct clinical practice (micro) or community organizing/advocacy/social research/policy (macro). The social workers that I have interacted with also have discussed the need for self-care and the feeling of being burnout. Keep in mind, that in particular subfields such as Child Welfare this is a significant problem as there is a high turnover rate due to the nature of this subfield.

However, as you pointed out this field is really diverse and there is room to move around because of the many options available, which makes the prospects really exciting. I knew pursuing this field that I would not be making $100,000 and I am content with that. Some individuals with a social work education do make perhaps around $80,000 but that is after many, many years in the field and usually they are directors of an organization or agency. In short, I feel that with most professions, it really is what you make of it and spending time really researching the prospects is key to having a career that matches your talents, skills, and expectations. At a former workplace, I came into contact with many professionals who were making a lot of money but had major, major regrets about the career they chose. Life is short and all too often we spend too much time with regrets.

How is everyone holding up? While I usually welcome long weekends, during this particular time...not so much lol. It would be nice to hear from Laurier anyday now lol. I know that Easter Monday in some regards is not considered a holiday. I heard that the banks were open, but no postal service!! Regarding the social work profession, it is important to reminds ourselves of the importance of self-care....particularly at this time. Remember that your self-worth is not tied to the outcome of your application. It is not uncommon for applicants to not get in on the first try. That being said, I do hope for favourable results for the posters on this forum.

How is everyone holding up? While I usually welcome long weekends, during this particular time...not so much lol. It would be nice to hear from Laurier anyday now lol. I know that Easter Monday in some regards is not considered a holiday. I heard that the banks were open, but no postal service!! Regarding the social work profession, it is important to reminds ourselves of the importance of self-care....particularly at this time. Remember that your self-worth is not tied to the outcome of your application. It is not uncommon for applicants to not get in on the first try. That being said, I do hope for favourable results for the posters on this forum.

I definitely can attest to the sentiments described. I am not a competitve person. For me, the competition is with myself, in the fact that I always wanted to be the best that I can be. This whole process really is maddening and can take a toll on one's self-esteem. I know that the programs that I applied to in nature are competitive, but this constant comparing of stats and what not can at times really affect our mental health. For me, I just tride to tell myself that my worth is not tied to the outcome of my application. To to the other applicants, try to remember that you are still an amazing, accomplished candidate and do not try tie in you self-worth to a particular outcome. I know it is hard to not take a rejection personally.

Hi Laurie S, if you look up top of the page there is a tab called "Results Survey". Applicants submit their results to the programs that they have applied to ( accepted, waitlist, rejected) and how they were notified by (email, phone, postal service).Applicants may also use in the note section any pertinent information that is useful to applicants applying to the same program or ask questions to other applicants.