Statement of Purpose Input

[BigLifeChange]

Hello! I'm so glad I found this site. I've seen this topic for other majors, but not for social work. What do people think is the most important aspect of a statement of purpose for MSW programs? I'm sure it varies by school, but there must be some commonalities, no? I don't have much practical experience, so I'm focusing on goals, how past experience applies, why I'm switching from business (with my MBA) to social work (MSW). Any thoughts?

[kldfweldsc]

Definitely focus on the qualities about you that will help you be a better social worker. Schools want to admit students who are best suited for their programs. Life experiences, struggles, things you've overcome, diversity, adversity. These are all good things to talk about. But be honest, as well.

[BigLifeChange]

Ah, Thank you. That thread is enormously helpful.

I'm trying to find a good way to explain switching from business to SW; something other than: I would rather treat sociopaths than work for them. Since I'm a non-traditional student, going back to school at >40 (although it's pretty common these days), how relevant do you think childhood family experiences are to the SOP? I hated the MBA program, but finished it because my marriage ended just before the program, and it was the one stable thing I had. I guessing that is relevant.

I'm a little worried about letters of recommendation because my former company does not allow managers to provide letters of recommendation - it's a public company with government contracts and they are paranoid about liability. I had the same thing when I worked at Northrup years ago. I can get stellar letters from professors in the MBA program, which is the same university where I'm applying for MSW. Admissions requests having one academic and one professional letter of recommendation.

[arcoventry]

Ah, Thank you. That thread is enormously helpful.

I'm trying to find a good way to explain switching from business to SW; something other than: I would rather treat sociopaths than work for them. Since I'm a non-traditional student, going back to school at >40 (although it's pretty common these days), how relevant do you think childhood family experiences are to the SOP? I hated the MBA program, but finished it because my marriage ended just before the program, and it was the one stable thing I had. I guessing that is relevant.

I'm a little worried about letters of recommendation because my former company does not allow managers to provide letters of recommendation - it's a public company with government contracts and they are paranoid about liability. I had the same thing when I worked at Northrup years ago. I can get stellar letters from professors in the MBA program, which is the same university where I'm applying for MSW. Admissions requests having one academic and one professional letter of recommendation.

Hello! I am also a career changer, and though only 26, I found myself having to explain away 6 years in corporate America. I currently sell IT infrastructure to the big banks and a few WS trading firms. I am tired of working 60 hours a week just to increase the bottom line of some CTO fatcat sitting in his corner office, when I know I have what it takes to work with people who really do need that boost to get out of whatever hole they are in - emotionally, financially, mentally.

In my SOP, I explained how I feel that in a lot of ways, working with clients on the business side of things can be a lot like working with anyone one-on-one in a clinical way. I talk to my clients, I figure out what is bothering them, I think of ways to make it better for them, and I do it in a way that doesn't belittle them or make them feel like they relied on someone else too strongly for help. And all of this while dealing with subtle personality nuances. I do not have my MBA, but I do carry IT industry-recognized certifications, and I proudly mentioned them in my SOP. Showing the ability to study and achieve is important, even if it has nothing to do with social work.

One of my recommendation letters came from the chair of my undergraduate major department, and 2 others came from colleagues. They aren't looking for managers I suspect, just someone who works with you and can testify for your ability to perform in a professional and challenging environment.

I hope this helps you! Congratulations on going against the grain and making the choice to change careers

[BigLifeChange]

That is good input and very helpful. Thank you. I will have to check to see if colleagues can write letters, although I doubt it. The company has one of the worst HR systems I've ever encountered, and everyone is afraid of losing their jobs. Others have had the same problem. I've been thinking about the MSW for a while, and I was one of two people who got laid off in my group. I think it was the universe's way of telling me to get on with it.

[BigLifeChange]

What AM I getting myself into.....?