She Strengthens

A Master’s Degree in Social Work: Worth the Investment?

As I embark on my job search, I’m left pondering the value of my recent master’s degree in social work. With $40,000 in additional debt, I’m forced to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks.

The Road to Grad School

I worked tirelessly during my undergraduate years, double majoring and double minoring, while also holding down multiple on-campus jobs and co-founding a fair trade campaign. I graduated summa cum laude, secured a prestigious fellowship, and had stellar references. I could have landed any job I wanted. Instead, I chose to pursue a master’s degree in social work, aligning with my personal values and beliefs.

Regrets and Reservations

Looking back, I regret delaying adulthood by pursuing grad school. I thought it was the only place where I could continue learning and growing. Newsflash: most jobs require writing reports, learning, and presenting – skills I could have developed in the workforce.

I also regret not using my degree in a traditional way. As one of the few students concentrating in administration, policy, organizing, and resource development, I face limited internship opportunities and electives. This means I must advocate for why my degree qualifies me for non-traditional roles, often competing against degrees in public administration, education, and nonprofit management.

Lastly, I regret the financial dependence that comes with taking on $40,000 in debt. While I’m fortunate to have a support system, it’s been a challenge to adjust to a more frugal lifestyle.

The Silver Lining

Despite these regrets, I’ve experienced tremendous personal and professional growth. My internships have taught me valuable skills, such as not taking behavior personally, documenting everything, and applying interpersonal and therapeutic skills to improve my social relationships and professionalism.

I’ve also learned the importance of asking for help, letting go of perfectionism, and deferring to others who know more. These lessons have transformed me from a perfectionist dictator to a more collaborative and humble individual.

Personal Fulfillment

At the core of social work are values like service, social justice, human dignity, and integrity. These values align with my childhood passion for standing up against injustice and cruelty. While I didn’t need a degree to live out these values, my education has equipped me to apply them in meaningful ways.

Would I Do It Again?

In hindsight, I wouldn’t change my decision. Every lesson, no matter how painful, has contributed to my growth. I’m ready to begin my career, embracing the reality that I don’t have to land a high-paying job immediately. My job search may be my full-time job for now, but I’m okay with that.