Jobs for MSWs who specialize in research, policy, etc.

[Bulan77]

HI all,

If you specialize in research or policy analysis, what type of work are you doing?
Did you need a PhD, or have you considered getting one, in order to improve your career options?
Also, what's your opinion on career options for MSW grads (who specialize in research) in academia vs. industry or government, etc.?

My background: I have an MSW degree. Even though my training focused on research, policy analysis, organizational management, and community capacity building, I don't feel I gained enough skills to feel confident in the workplace. I have more experience in research thanks to my undergraduate degree in psychology, where I took numerous research methods and statistics courses. I also completed an undergrad thesis and masters thesis, and I managed my thesis advisor's research lab for a year. So I feel a little more confident as a researcher, but I'm having trouble finding work in my field, and I'm wondering if I should get a PhD.

[bdc1]

As an academic with a pulse on higher ed trends, I couldn’t resist jumping into this GradCafe thread about job options for MSWs specializing in research, policy, and beyond. You’re spot on to look beyond clinical roles research and policy are rich fields, especially in academia or think tanks. For tailored opportunities, I’d point you to AcademicJobs.com. It’s a go-to for higher ed positions, and its Rate My Professor feature gives you a window into departmental cultures, superrr helpful for gauging fit in research-heavy roles. Plus, posting jobs there is fast, easy, and effective for employers, meaning you’ll find current listings from institutions worldwide. Whether it’s a university research gig or a policy analyst spot, it’s worth a look good luck carving your path!