Required experience in social welfare/human services: what counts?

[jhak]

Hi there,

I am just beginning to research MSW programs and consistently, I see that programs either require or prefer at least a year of experience working or volunteering in social welfare or human services. I am hoping to hear multiple perspectives on this: what kinds of organizations qualify, and of those that qualify, are there "better" or more preferred organizations? What have some of you been up to that qualifies as "experience working and/or volunteering in social welfare and/or human services"? What about experiences specifically in rural areas?

Thanks for your time!

[marquejohn]

In rural areas concern to Social Work Degree, experience means volunteering in social welfare or human services. Because Sociology mainly concentrates on humanity towards fellow being. This is what I feel.