10 Steps to Designing a Successful BSW Career Path

The author of this is unknown, but it was shared with me by

my teacher in my first social work class in Texas (in 1993).
  1. Find the job that best suits you. To do your best, it is important to enjoy the population you work with. Take advantage of your practicum to help you determine where you best fit and what best fits you.
  2. Make sure you work for an agency whose standards and ethics reflect your own values. Working for an agency you believe in can prevent burnout.
  3. Get involved with professional organizations. Local groups who represent the population you work with can help you keep up with local and national changes for that group. Organizations like NASW and Society for Social Work Leadership in Health Care can help you keep up with changes within the profession. Become a leader in that group.
  4. Convey professionalism and become and indispensable employee. Learn more than just your job – others should look at you and think you are in charge. Learn your supervisor’s job. The more you know the more valuable you are.
  5. Set yearly professional goals for yourself. Share these goals with your supervisor and colleagues and let them know when you have reached them.
  6. Abide by state credentialing standards, even if your present job does not require it. If you’re eligible to obtain a professional credential like LBSW, then do so. It is a mark of your professional dedication.
  7. Blow your own horn. Do not be afraid to let your successes be known.
  8. Be an advocate for change. The right change is healthy even if it is painful. However, be sure to go beyond just stating the need for change. Be willing to work even when it means getting your hands dirty.
  9. Share your work. Submit articles to professional journals and newsletters. Speak at local, state, regional, and national professional conferences to advance your career as well as your profession’s knowledge base.
  10. Education does not stop when you receive your diploma. Attend every possible training opportunity.

CHARATERISTICS OF AN EFFECTIVE SOCIAL WORKER