Social Work Career Misinformation is Real!
Hey, Future Macro Social Worker!
Earlier this week, during a workforce development federal advocacy meeting with my colleagues and national partners, I shared my experience on the dangers of career misinformation. Moreover, the harm career misinformation causes to marginalized populations.
Incorrect career information (intentional and unintentional) kills economic advancement opportunities for people. That is why it is so important to dispel career myths and inaccurate information that is shared through formal and informal avenues of communication.
After leaving that meeting, I began to think about how career misinformation is so deeply ingrained in the social work profession. So much so that MSW degreed social workers find themselves in jobs, they don't like because they were told it was the only way to "make money." Or they find themselves contemplating pursuing additional degrees, certifications, and licenses they can simply not afford (be it time or money) because they have been told it is the only way to advance in their careers. Only to find themselves still having to work 2-3 additional jobs.
So me being me, I went back into the interview vault where I had been holding content for just a time. And I am releasing a podcast/video interview I had the honor of doing with Raenece (Rae) Johnson, a social worker I met online a few years ago. I want you to check out our conversation.
If you thought I was hardcore about macro social work, wait until you hear about her work. While listening, I encourage you to remember what I always say: "You can use your case management experience to land a macro social work job" because Rae will give you several great examples of how this is possible in higher education settings.
Pop in some earbuds and watch the episode here on my YouTube Channel, The MSW Coach. Be sure to subscribe while there because I will be releasing more of these types of interviews with macro social workers...because I have dozens!
Happy macro career planning,
Marthea Pitts, MSW