Volunteer Experience

[Ririanne]

Hello,

 

I was wondering if anyone had any idea if schools turn you down for lacking enough focused volunteer hours ie. spending 40 hours with one organization versus 9 months.

 

I am currently in my junior year at my college and after coming back from an international immersion trip living and learning from people in the margins I've been moved to fully dip myself into social work and social justice after all that I have seen.

 

Would it be too 'late' to start working with a specific organization or get some hours in social work?

 

I am currently still in my Speech Language Pathology program working with clients at the local Scottish Rite which offers free speech services. I am also heavily involved in my sorority's philanthropy, AHA, Treasurer of an honors society, have held multiple fundraisers for numerous causes and will be on Panhellenic (Greek) Programming Board my senior year.

 

I currently live in Stockton and have occasionally volunteered with a Rescue Center, an elder home, the local Hospice, Center for the Blind, Stroke groups in the past but nothing long term.

 

Will this hurt my chances? Should I simply focus on one organization? Some rationale behind that the broad groups is that I was looking into which population I'd be most passionate about in serving.

 

 

I feel like it's a bit late for me to be jumping into the game but any advice for upcoming steps?

 

 

 

[jujubea]

Firstly - It's never too late to do almost anything.

 

Secondly, what you do have is a long-term history of volunteering, period, and a long-term history of volunteering for people who are disadvantaged in some way or another, which goes along with your interest in serving "people in the margins." The fact that you volunteer when you can shows your capacity, willingness, and ability to "serve" the public, as social workers do.

 

Work experience is different. But volunteering is volunteering. Whether it's one day or one year.

 

Jump into the game. It's never too late, and it almost always means something to do so.

 

Edit: And, I think it's great that you volunteer your time.

Edited January 4, 2015 by jujubea

[esp.msw]

I don't think it matters how long you've been with an agency. What matters is if you spend enough time at the agency to gain relevant experience, learn about the population and gain skills. I know there are some programs that have minimum requirements for the amount of volunteer/work experience needed to have to apply. 

 

It sounds like you have a vast amount of experience. Just make sure to highlight what you've learned from each in your personal statements. I think what programs want to see is if you can adequately link the social work profession morals and ethics to your own personal experiences (ie volunteer, work and personal experiences). 

 

Lastly, I would contact the department for clarification as well.