Welcome to The New Social Worker's Blog

The New Social Worker is the quarterly magazine for social work students and recent graduates, focusing on social work careers for those new to the profession. This blog is a companion to the free online magazine at http://www.socialworker.com.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Got the call; Got the offer; God is good.


THIS AFTERNOON AT 12:27, I GOT THE CALL.

The polished HR professional called to make an offer. I let him tell me all about it and "sell me" a little. I listened as he talked salary, and hire date, and orientation. He explained the job and the fast-track possibilities and the benefits. I asked questions and had him repeat some information so I could write it all down.

And then, I accepted the offer.

Wow. It's still 36 days from graduation and I have a job. While many folks are unemployed, I will soon have a new career (and a paycheck). Do I feel grateful? You bet I do.

For all of you soon-to-be or wanna-be Social Workers, let this be a beacon of hope for you. Getting your B.S.W. or M.S.W. is worth it! There are jobs out there. For YOU! If you decide to "do the deal," go the extra mile, work like you mean it, and love what you are working toward, you will find a place to begin your career. The world needs us--more than ever!

I was awarded the Title-IV-E grant from the state at the onset of my MSW education, but that did not guarantee that I would be hired. Yes, the state hopes they will hire us as we are an "investment" for them. But I have heard of many Title IV-E grant recipients who did not get hired. We are thrown into the applicant pool like every other person--and it's competitive.

As I get ready to settle in for the night after a celebratory dinner with my husband, I am counting my blessings. I am also grateful for what I have brought to the table these past days, months, and years. I have been a dedicated student, a diligent worker at my internship, and a good person. I don't take the credit, however. I know that I was created by a Higher Power, and that Source has guided me every step of the way.

~Ms. T. J.

9 comments:

  1. Congratulations, T.J.!  That's great news!!

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  2. your blog has been such a blessing to me! though I've taken a weird path (journalism and art major), I'm going to be a MSW student at Washington University this fall. I found your blog while still a little on the fence about going to grad school, and your honesty pushed be over! thank you, too, for given credit to God. He does provide and his heart is SO in line with social work's core truths. thanks for writing!

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  3. Natalie-
    Wow; I'm "wordless."  Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

    It's comments like yours that make blogging more worthwhile.  All the best to you while you are on this wonderful journey!
    ~Ms. T. J.

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  4. <p><span>Hurray!! Hurray!! I am very happy for you!! I have two summer classes left to complete my BAS.  Yeah!<span>  </span>Then I will continue to the Master's program at Walden University in the fall.  At this point, I'm vacillating between the Master in Psychology and the Master in Mental Health Counseling.  I'm very happy and blessed to have made it this far.  Again, <span>Congratulation</span>!!</span></p>

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  5. Congratulations TJ!  You are going to be great!

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  6. Thank you Amy Rose!
    ~Ms. T. J.

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  7. Thank you very much, Elaine, and I wish for you all the best--whichever directiion you choose.
    ~Ms. T. J.

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  8. Well done Ms TJ. Think of all the children you will be able to help!

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