Got info on the MSW Program sheydp: Ok.. things are really awful at work... In part because I hate being a secretary... I have a degree that I never use.
Today I went to an information session on the MSW program. I have until January 13th to get together an application. I am not sure how I will manage work and home yet - I get tuition free if I stay at my job, but that is full time work, plus school, plus my three kids... might be REALLY slow. Or.. I could look for a part time job at the same university - still get half to full tuition reimbursement (30 hours a week is still full reimbursement.) Or do I just jump in with both feet and take out major loans and put my house in even worse hock to get through school as a full time student? Still lots of questions... but I am going to try!
Scary... but exciting. I am going to try to get in!
Shey
PS. MSW = Master of Social Work
Re: Got info on the MSW Program edgecombe: I got my MSW in 2004. It's a really useful degree to have. It's really versatile and you will always be able to find a job with it. Not a high paying job, but a fulfilling job. I chose to go full time and max out on student loans. On the one hand, I regret doing that because my loans exceed the earning potential of a social worker. But on the other hand, I think I got much more out of the program because I was able to focus strictly on school.
On the bright side, if you work with certain low income populations, Perkins loans can be paid off over 5 years. Also, NASW (National Association of Social Workers) has been strongly advocating for loan repayment programs for social workers, though I hear implementation may be delayed due to funding going towards rebuilding after the hurricane.
I am currently applying for PhD programs... it's very obvious at my job that the higher the degree, the more money you make and the less work you do. But I still don't regret getting the MSW. I'm licensed now (LMSW), and can make $50 an hour doing per diem work-which will allow me to still have income when I go back to school without working full time. Another advantage of the MSW degree...
Re: Got info on the MSW Program summerparis: YAY SHEYD! I know a lot of working moms getting their MSWs. I bet you'll be great! Songbird
Re: Got info on the MSW Program browngreen: Well, I'd go semi-head first.
Like EC said, you want to be able to focus on it, but you also need to be able to maintain some normalcy at home.... and working is a little is actually good for you. It means maybe some tricky time management, but I found that I use my time better the less I have to waste.
Also, work gives a change of sceenery with income!
School gives a change of sceenery with debt!
So, put the two together and you have a good mix.
BUt the work HAS to be something you can pop in and do, do a good job, and leave it there.
Receptionist sounds ideal.
BTW-- I wanted to mention that a good friend of mine has her MSW and right after graduation went to nursing homes to enquire about Administrator in Training Programs (AIT). She just finished the training, and took both Fed and State exams to make her a certified Executive Director of health care facilities (which she can take to other facilities aside from nursing homes).
It only took her a year, and she's the only MSW I know who is making really good money in MOntana!
BG
Re: Got info on the MSW Program alonewith2: Along the lines of what BG said, there are many openings in hospitals, too, for those with a MSW degree. In my hospital there are openings for Activities Director, Social Services Director, Patient Liasions, etc....they all make pretty good money.
