Question about "Relevant Experience"

[aghir]

Hi everyone, 

Throughout the individual programs I have been researching I've found it's rather arbitrary what counts as "relevant experience". My particular question is whether volunteering in a low income community resource center providing mentorship, tutoring, and supervision counts as relevant experience when applying for most MSW programs? I have found posts on here stating that any form of "tutoring" is more teaching experience versus true social service experience. What are your thoughts/experiences with this? 

I am very excited about my volunteer opportunity to help out with these kiddos. I am however confused whether my next 6 months volunteer commitment will help my MSW application?

 

[hilaryp]

I asked the same question about my tutoring and mentoring experience with Communities in Schools, during an interview with an admissions counselor. She replied that it is relevant and to include it in my resume. You are helping students overcome barriers to learning, which is a social work skill. I would definitely include it

[aghir]

21 hours ago, hilaryp said:

I asked the same question about my tutoring and mentoring experience with Communities in Schools, during an interview with an admissions counselor. She replied that it is relevant and to include it in my resume. You are helping students overcome barriers to learning, which is a social work skill. I would definitely include it

Thank you! That reassures me

[JennaMS]

I was told the same about coaching. In your description of the job (resume/supplemental questions/etc) just focus on the social work aspects rather than the actual tasks. 

[bloome]

yes! Honestly you can take almost anything and make it relevant experience as long as you can tie in how it can help aid you in the social work field or even how it helped you make your decision to pursue a masters in social work.