Statistically speaking, most social work graduates pursue social work careers. But what if you’re not like most people? We’re here to tell you that you can absolutely transform your passion for helping others and hard-earned expertise into another type of career. 

A social work degree is a broadly marketable credential offering highly transferrable skills to its holder. What kinds of careers can you pursue with this degree? Let’s look at a few options outside traditional social work. 

Unexpected Career Paths for Social Work Graduates 

A social work degree and the skills it helps you develop, coupled with your existing professional experience, can benefit you in all these professions, whether you’re already working in one of them or plan to. 

Parole Officer or Probation Officer 

These professionals work at different stages of the criminal justice process: Probation officers generally supervise offenders whose crimes are minor and don’t involve prison time, while parole officers supervise offenders after their release from prison. Both jobs require empathy and the interpersonal, problem-solving, and communication skills that social work majors develop. 

Human Resource Specialist 

Tasked with ensuring organizations have qualified staff to meet their needs, human resource specialists also resolve conflicts, administer employee benefits, and field various questions and concerns from personnel at different levels of their organization. Like social workers, they interface directly with people, often in personal or difficult conversations. 

College Admissions Counselor 

College admissions counselors work with individuals who are about to take a very important step in their lives, often feel uncertain, and require significant guidance. These professionals must be good listeners with solid interpersonal and communication skills and a strong understanding of diverse backgrounds. Social work graduates have all these qualities, and this career is well-suited to those aspiring to a supporting role in education. 

Social/Community Service Manager 

A strong connection to the community, particularly those members in need or at risk, links social work graduates to the role of social or community service manager. These individuals often work for nonprofit, government, or for-profit social service organizations, identifying where programs and services are needed, securing funding and other sources of support, and managing related duties. 

Entrepreneur 

People who plan to go into business for themselves must be passionate problem solvers and expert communicators that can engage with diverse audiences. Whether they plan to use these attributes to develop a profitable business or, as many social work graduates prefer, become social entrepreneurs who focus on a cause to create positive change in society, their degree gives them a distinct advantage. 

Policy Analyst/Advocate/Lobbyist  

Social work graduates can leverage their understanding of social systems and advocacy skills to craft sought-after policies. Their social work experience provides them with profound insight into community needs that they can help meet through policy. Some individuals advocate for social change by representing their cause at the government level as a lobbyist, often seeking specific legislation.  

Diverse Settings for Traditional Social Work 

While we’ve detailed some career options that don’t strictly fit the “social worker” title, it’s important to remember that you can find those working in that role in a diverse range of settings and fields: healthcare facilities, educational institutions, domestic violence shelters, correctional facilities, senior communities, and inpatient treatment centers, to name a few.  

So, if after completing your degree you ultimately decide to become a traditional social worker, there will be many employers looking for a candidate like you. 

Follow Your Heart to a Rewarding Career With an MSW* 

Whatever kind of career you seek with a social work degree, you’ll be helping people. The University of Texas Permian Basin—part of the acclaimed UT System—has the program you need to get started on your mission.  

Our online Master of Social Work (MSW)* equips you for clinical social work in healthcare and behavioral healthcare environments in rural areas and a variety of other professional settings. See more potential careers here. 

Named among the “Top 10 Most Affordable MSW* Programs in Texas” by Texas Social Work EDU, this UTPB online program offers many advantages: 

  • No GRE: Get started with fewer requirements than competing programs. 
  • Field practicum each semester: Gain real-world social work experience. 
  • Low student-to-faculty ratio: Receive the individual attention you deserve. 
  • Unmatched flexibility: Complete coursework at your pace, anywhere. 
  • Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) exam preparation: Set yourself up for career advancement. 
  • Career guidance and resources: Rely on us for help as you complete your program. 

Become a social work graduate and see where your degree can take you! Apply now. 

*Currently engaged in the accreditation process.

Sources: 
https://www.socialworkguide.org/careers/alternative-jobs-with-a-social-work-degree
https://www.socialworkers.org/News/Facts/Types-of-Social-Work
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm
https://www.cswe.org/students/prepare-for-your-education/social-work-at-a-glance
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/00208728221149283
https://www.brainzmagazine.com/post/from-social-work-to-entrepreneurship-leveraging-skills-for-independent-business-development