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Career Development Denise Alexander, BS, MA
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A career in social work quickly becomes far more than a job, it’s a commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities in need. As an aspiring social worker, you're embarking on a noble path—one that demands not only a strong educational foundation but also a unique set of skills that enable you to navigate the complexities of the human experience.
The combination of these skills, along with your classroom and real-world experience, will result in your ability to contribute to any highly skilled healthcare team you work with and ensure you are always at the forefront of providing improved patient outcomes.
Common skills of successful social workers can be categorized into two categories: clinical skills and interpersonal skills. These add to the unique and impactful role you will play in helping others. Whether you're considering a Master of Social Work (MSW) program or already enrolled in one of Herzing’s many behavioral health programs, this guide is here to illuminate the path ahead.
Clinical skills are teachable abilities or knowledge typically acquired through formal education and training programs. These skills are fundamental to social work practice and are typically learned through academic coursework, practical field placements, and continuous professional development. They can all help you to determine the type of career and specialization that is right for you.
Some of the most important hard skills for social workers are:
Interpersonal skills, the interpersonal and emotional qualities that enhance a social worker's effectiveness, are just as vital. They are developed through practice, experience, and personal growth, and they significantly influence a social worker's ability to establish trust, rapport, and understanding with clients.
Some of the most important interpersonal skills for social workers include:
When constructing your resume as a social worker, it's imperative to highlight your unique blend of hard and soft skills, as they collectively constitute your qualifications. Tailoring your resume to emphasize these skills will position you as a competent and compassionate social worker, ready to make a difference in the lives of those you serve. Some easy ways to amplify your skillset on your resume are:
At Herzing University, we're committed to nurturing the skills and knowledge you need to excel in social work. Our MSW program provides a comprehensive foundation for aspiring social workers like you. Your journey begins here, where you can acquire the skills to make a significant difference in the lives of those you serve.
BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.
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