social workers and social work students...

seems like there are lots of us around the site (i'm working on my MSW thesis now, after about a decade of youth work in different settings).  should we start a group to discuss work, research, policy, issues, etc?

Hey PG.

I would be interested in joining a group. As you know, I am a SW student graduating in May. Hopefully there are other sw's on cc.

bump.  because me and keb would make a pretty lame group.

No the group would not be lame, because we would be in it! Although, it would be a little boring.

now if you added those who ever dealt with a social worker......

Original Post by bagga:

now if you added those who ever dealt with a social worker......

 Ooh ooh!  What if you're related to a social worker?  Does that count?

*raises hand*

I slept with one.

Mmmm....I've got my B.S of psychology and am planning on getting my MSW with a business and management emphasis as soon as I get this pesky weight hurdle over with:)

I've only had one year of feild experience at a local mental health center as a childrens group therapy counselors assistant.

Do I count? :)

Original Post by peaches0405:

Original Post by bagga:

now if you added those who ever dealt with a social worker......

 Ooh ooh!  What if you're related to a social worker?  Does that count?

*raises hand*

 raises both hands, a foot, and an eyebrow.

Original Post by pgeorgian:

seems like there are lots of us around the site (i'm working on my MSW thesis now, after about a decade of youth work in different settings).  should we start a group to discuss work, research, policy, issues, etc?

 Hmmmm. It doesnt seem like there is as many social workers on CC as thought. Im curious what gave you the impression that there were lots on this site, because you were the only other one that I knew of.

Hi , I'm an MSW and I knoW another MSW on this site, so hi

I'm a former social worker, does that count?

I worked for four years in reproductive health and then another four in a homeless shelter. And man, do I have opinions about stuff.

Hey! I just finished my applications for my MSW hopefully beginning in September 2009.  I only had one year of field experience working at a center that specialized in aiding newcomers (immigrants and refugees) in Canada before moving to South Korea.  My plan is to move back in a few weeks, get some work or volunteer and then begin the program.

Any tips or hints?  I have applied to 3 schools and not sure of my chances.  What should I look for in a program?  That's kind of broad.  What is the most important thing?

Thanks!

hey firebrand,

i suggest rather than looking for a specific program, that you look for a mentor.  having the right advisor is pretty critical.  if you know what kind of research do you want to do, look for someone who really knows that area and can help guide you, but also someone who shares your sensibilities about the work (and is likely to stay put long enough to still be there when you're ready to write a thesis and defend).

do you have a province of choice?  here's a link to my school; have a look around ;)

okay, so far we have three social workers, one former social worker, two potential social workers, and a bunch of hangers-on.  oh - and one possible death threat (bagga - i'm not one of those evil baby snatching SWers - i promise!!).

Ah thanks,

I have applied to UBC, U of T and Carleton.  Have you heard anything good or bad about the programs there?

nothing bad, no.  but i was trying to get into ubc and got turned off.  i went there to take the pre-requisites so i could apply to the MSW with special consideration (because my undergrad is in english), and while i was jumping through those hoops, they were in the process of bringing in a 2-year MSW.  but when it was time to register for the summer session, they still couldn't tell me what pre-reqs i was going to need for the new program.  so i started looking elsewhere, and i'm really glad i did.

do you have a BSW?  do you know what kind of research you want to do?  thesis or no?

i don't have a BSW but i have an undergrad in anthropology and did a post graduate diploma is social service work.  UBC said i had everything i need so i'm just seeing if i get in.  sucks that i don't find out until spring.  i'm doing the 2 year program.  not sure if i'm going to opt for the thesis yet or not. 

i'm actually torn between mental health and immigrants/refugees.  my father has been in and out of hospitals so mental health is an important issue to me.  i also loved working with newcomers.  i may combine those two issues.  eventually i would like to get into some private practice (when i'm older).

what kind of research are you focusing on?

my thesis is on the intersections between disordered eating, substance abuse, and self injury in young women.  i'm looking mostly at how they function as coping mechanisms and what recovery looks like.  it's pretty interesting stuff, and there's virtually no qualitative research in the area.  i'm using feminist autoethnography.  it's intense.

because my school is so small, it's hard to specialize.  electives don't get offered every year.  but with directed readings and lit review, as well as some creativity in course work (gearing papers toward your interests, etc), it's possible to get what i need.

i did my undergrad at UBC.  i guess in total i was there about six years.  it's...big.  i like my warm fuzzy little school ;)  vancouver is great, though.  i love it.

I heard U of T is a great school..And i hated research so I chose the non-thesis option--yay for me!! I find that the only people that need to do a thesis is people that love research or people that are going on for their phd.... I don't think it matters what school you go to, the most important part is your practicum/ internship and the experience you get from it--make sure it's a good one--it's crucial! I just graduated June 08

are you working, booster?