Applying to grad school for my MSW. I have no social work experience, is volunteer work important on resume?

Question

I have a bachelors in a non related field and have dreamed about being a social worker for YEARS. I am finally taking the plunge and am in the process of applying to a few schools. I am in Chicagoland, how important is having volunteer work on your resume to be considered for grad school for an MSW and for the future job positions? If anyone knows of good places in Chicago to volunteer that would also be great!

Answer 1

Community service, for its own sake, is not particularly important on a graduate school application. Schools understand that you have been out in the adult world and might not have had time to take on extra responsibilities.

However, it is important for you to demonstrate that you understand what social work entails and are genuinely committed to it. If you do not have any experience in a related profession, then volunteering will help you prove that you are serious about social work.

Depending on the field in which are you most interested, call around to local youth centers, homeless shelters, women's shelters, schools, hospitals, and senior citizen centers. Nearly all of these institutions need volunteers to mentor their clients and keep them company. Or your local branch of Big Brothers, Big Sisters can pair you up with a child who needs your attention.

When you write your personal statement, you can describe this experience to support your interest in social work.

Congratulations on finding your calling, and good luck!

Answer 2

For graduate study, having some practical experience (paid or not) isn't really needed. They'll focus more on your undergrad education (grades, etc.) and how you do on your GRE.

Now when it comes to getting an actual job, experience does help, and that's why many programs have an internship component added to it. To help students gain some practical experience that they can put on their resumes.

Your bigger problem is not having a Bachelors in something related at all. While that alone may not prevent you from getting it, you will most likely have to make-up a bunch of undergrad classes in order to earn that Masters.