Experience before applying?

[rosesw]

I've been lurking around this thread for a bit and decided I'd write up a quick post. I'm hoping to apply to social work programs next year to start in Fall 2015. I was wondering what experience those of you who have been recently accepted had before applying.

 

I always thought I'd go to law school, so I have a lot of research/legal/policy experience (always with a social justice focus). I also was a peer mentoring and volunteer teacher in college and before college. I'm just wondering if that's enough or if I should apply for Fall 2016 and take on a more direct service related job. I want to be a clinical social worker for children. I'm looking at Mich, Columbia, and Penn in particular. Thoughts? Any advice would be much appreciated!

Edited March 25, 2014 by rosesw

[Catlovers141]

More is always better than less.  When you did the mentoring and teaching, were you working with children?  If not, it might be a good idea to find some experience related to children before you apply, especially if you are planning on applying to the more selective schools, like the ones you mentioned.

 

I think the other important thing is what you get out of your experience, and how you convey that in personal statements and interviews.  If you feel like you have a lot to say about the experience that you have gained, it might look better than someone who perhaps has a little more experience than you do but does not have a lot to say about it.

[nightwolf1129]

I myself served in the military for 8 years before earning my B.A. in Psychology.  During my Undergrad, I interned with an Intensive Case Manager for a semester who worked with severely mentally ill clients.  Currently, I've been working as a Research Assistant which has been great experience, and I'm also volunteering here at the hospital helping local Veterans to gain career-related skills.

 

You might be able to volunteer at local homeless shelters, youth center (e.g., Big Brothers & Big Sisters) or nursing homes (depending on what population(s) you want to eventually work with).  Opportunities are definitely out there as long as you keep your eyes open.  It's good that you're already thinking and planning ahead.