Personal Statement: A Career As A Clinical Social Worker

Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be in a career that involved helping others in some way. Although my dream job has changed through the years from being a nurse to a teacher and now a social worker, I certainly know that I want to be of service to those who may be struggling in any way. My hope is to obtain my master’s degree in social work so I become a licensed clinical social worker and be able to work in healthcare settings and in private practice. So far, I certainly feel Rhode Island College is the perfect fit for me to reach my career goals and gain essential knowledge to become a successful clinical social worker. Although there are many reasons that I am interested in majoring in social work, one of the most significant …show more content…
Since elementary school, I have always found myself attracted to volunteering at nursing homes and senior centers because this is the population I feel I connect with the most. When my grandparents first entered a nursing home in Woonsocket when I was nine years old, I always visited the other residents, took the time to chat with them, and loved to help out at mealtime and bingo games. As I grew older, I joined my middle school’s service club and visited the nursing home next door twice per week and really developed close bonds with a number of the older adults residing there. Hearing their stories has always inspired me because some of them have defeated many obstacles to get where they are today. I feel it is my passion to continue working with them throughout my social work career, and although I also love working with kids, I find this is where my heart truly …show more content…
I have been thoroughly enjoying the coursework in both disciplines and have learned quality information to use when I enter the workforce. I was not aware of a lot of the policy aspects of social work before starting college and by becoming more educated on them, I have become a better advocate for those who have less of a voice in society. Right after I graduate, I intend to go to graduate school immediately to earn my MSW, most likely from RIC and hopefully with advanced standing. When I began my career, I would like to be employed in a nursing home, assisted living facility, or hospital working with the aging population performing one-on-one or small group services. I find I work best when I can form individual bonds with people, which is much harder when working with a larger organization or community. Once I earn my LICSW, I hope to work in private practice with older adults and eventually own a counseling agency. I am interested in perhaps earning an MBA to more easily reach this goal since I will need to have marketing and business skills, but I know I will always work within the social work field. This discipline has already left a significant impact on my life thus far and I could not be more thankful to have the opportunity to potentially in the program here at Rhode Island