Why did I choose to be a social worker?
Thanks for visiting Humbled and Strong! First, I must say that I did not expect to ever be creating a blog that is focused on mental health from my perspective as a licensed clinician. Believe it or not, I was a Pre-Health Biochemistry major in undergrad. I was completely sold on the idea of going to pharmacy school, getting my doctorate, and starting my career as a pharmacist by age 25. However, that was not the path for me. While the pharmaceutical path offered stability, it lacked something deeper: community, connection, and purpose. I craved a career where I could educate, travel, serve, and grow in ways that felt meaningful. Pharmacy did not present the passion and opportunities that I wanted.
After my undergraduate education, I sought a career change that would grant me the aforementioned attributes. I took over 15 aptitude assessments and personality quizzes to learn about where I would thrive and be fulfilled. Social work was a top career choice for me in the majority of the results, so I decided to check out the possibilities that come with a Master of Social Work degree. As I researched the career field, I found several images and lists of potential career paths (dependent upon licensure) as a social worker. Virtual therapist. Case manager. Dialysis social worker. Social policy analyst. Nursing home director. Director of Social Services. Program manager. Program evaluator. Immigration assessor. Forensic social worker. Court-appointed behavioral practitioner. Private practice owner. Military and Family Life Counselor (MFLC) overseas. I created a Google Docs list of over one hundred career paths during my two-year master's program to remind myself that I am not limited (comment below if you want a copy). Graduate school was only the beginning. It was empowering to realize: this degree wouldn’t box me in; it would constantly open doors.
At the heart of all this, one truth remained: I’ve always wanted to make a difference and explore the world while doing it. I never saw myself in one career for my entire life. I will be a professor for social work education to share my journey, the available resources, the importance of self-care, and the endless possibilities within the field of social work. I will work in long-term care administration to enhance the quality of life for residents and staff. I will create a space that highlights the journey within relationships and how to utilize the social environment to create healthier dynamics. Being a social worker highlights my personal values of service, integrity, and equity. I cannot change the entire world, but I can start in my community (physical and virtual).
Social work is like a buffet of opportunities! Granted, it is not a short journey to achieve certain roles as they will require a license and a master's degree in social work specifically. Yes, some paths take time, licensing, and dedication. But that’s what this space is for: to help you see what’s possible and to share the tools that got me here. I will do another article on the different licenses and scopes of practice later. Stay tuned!
Whether you're a student, a future therapist, or just figuring it out—I’m so glad you’re here. Stick around for future posts where I’ll break down licensure, career paths, and real-life strategies to thrive in this field.
-ShaTina, LMSW