How to Make a Successful Career Change to Social Work
Making a career change can feel overwhelming, but it’s more common than you might think. For example, people born from 1980 to 1984 had an average of 9.0 jobs between ages 18 and 36 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). If you’re considering a move into social work, you’re far from alone.
Maybe you’re tired of corporate life. Perhaps you want a job that makes a real difference in your community. Either way, switching to social work is possible, and you probably don’t have to start from scratch. Many of the skills you already have can help you succeed in the field of social work.
Before diving in, let’s go over the key questions you should ask yourself.
If you’re looking for a career change into something that lets you make a difference in other people’s lives, social work might be for you.
Should I Go Into Social Work?
Social work can be fulfilling. This can also be a challenging field to work in though. Consider this:
Do I find meaning in supporting other people through difficult times?
Am I comfortable handling emotionally intense or high-stress moments?
Do I have patience and strong problem-solving skills?
Would I be open to further training or education to advance in your career?
Do I want a career where my work makes a real difference every day?
If you’re answering yes to these, social work could be a great fit. If you really want to know more about the downsides, you can also check out our post on transitioning out of social work.
So what makes social work such a strong choice for career changers? Let’s take a closer look.
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Schedule Your Free ConsultationWhy Is Social Work a Good Career for Career Changers?
There’s a reason why many professionals leave their old careers to become social workers. This field offers:
Job security – The US expects about 67,300 social work job openings each year. This is due to growth and turnover in the workforce (BLS).
Career flexibility – Social workers can work in schools, hospitals, or government. They may also work for nonprofits or in private practice.
Meaningful work – You get to help people every single day.
Opportunities to advance – An MSW (Master of Social Work) opens doors. You can take on clinical roles, step into leadership, or start your own practice.
Transferable skills – Many people start in social work after teaching or business. This is because those fields require skills that overlap with social work.
If these benefits sound good to you, the next step is figuring out how to transition.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Career Change to Social Work
Step 1: Identify Your Transferable Skills and Strengths
You may not have worked in social services, but you likely have useful skills. Here are some skills you might already have:
Communication – Helping people understand complex situations.
Problem-solving – Finding solutions for individuals or families.
Crisis management – Staying calm and making decisions under pressure.
Empathy – Listening and responding with care.
Organization – Keeping track of multiple cases or tasks.
Tip: Make a list of all the skills you already use in your current job and past jobs. You might be surprised how much of your experience can be applied to social work.
Step 2: Research Educational Requirements and Degree Options
In most states, to work in social work, you’ll need either a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) or a Master of Social Work (MSW).
BSW: Allows you to work in entry-level roles, such as case management.
MSW: Required for clinical roles and higher-paying positions.
If you already have a degree in psychology, sociology, or political science, you may find the transition easier. But don’t worry, almost any degree can lead to a social work career with the right graduate program.
Step 3: Gain Experience Through Volunteering or Internships
Breaking into social work takes dedication. You often need both education and field experience. Before making a big commitment, it’s smart to get some real-world exposure to see if the work is a good fit for you. Consider the following opportunities to get a gauge of how much you like it:
Volunteering at a shelter, crisis center, or nonprofit.
Intern with a social services group. You’ll get hands-on experience in case management and client support.
Shadow a social worker to observe the daily challenges and rewards of the profession.
This step is key. It lets you see if social work matches your skills and interests. You want to make sure before you spend time and money on more education.
Step 4: Connect with a Career Coach for Transition to Social Work
Navigating a career change is easier with the right support. A social work career coach can help you:
Identify the best way to enter the field (BSW, MSW, or another path).
Tailor your resume to showcase the skills and experience that make you a great fit for social work.
Connect with mentors and professionals in social work.
Take advantage of career coaching at universities and mentorship opportunities through NASW to kickstart your transition.
Step 5: Choose a Specialization and Build a Network
Social work isn’t one-size-fits-all. Some common specializations include:
Clinical Social Work – Providing therapy and mental health services.
Medical Social Work – Helping patients and families in hospitals.
School Social Work – Supporting students with emotional or behavioral needs.
Child Welfare – Working with at-risk children and families.
Substance Abuse Counseling – Assisting people struggling with addiction.
Once you pick a focus, start connecting with people in that field. Join LinkedIn groups. Attend networking events. Talk to social workers about their experiences.
Step 6: Get Licensed and Start Your Job Search
Each state has its own rules for social work licensing. But, the main steps usually include:
Completing an accredited BSW or MSW program.
Gaining supervised field experience (hours vary by state).
Passing a licensing exam.
Applying for state certification and continuing education.
After you get your license, you can begin applying for jobs. You’ll find opportunities in social services, healthcare, education, and more.
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Feeling stuck in your career? Let our transition experts help you take the next step with a personalized strategy session.
Schedule Your Free ConsultationCareer Paths and Opportunities After a Career Change to Social Work
There is a demand for social workers throughout many different parts of our society. Here are some examples of different career paths offered in this field:
Government Agencies – Child welfare, social justice, public health.
Healthcare – Hospitals, mental health clinics, rehabilitation centers.
Education – Schools, universities, student support services.
Nonprofits – Advocacy work, homelessness support, addiction recovery.
Private Practice – Therapy, coaching, consulting.
With experience and more credentials, you can lead teams or start your own practice.
Final Thoughts: Making a Smooth Transition to Social Work
A career change to social work isn’t just about finding a new job, it’s about finding work that matters. If you’re ready for a career with meaning, stability, and impact, now is the time to take the first step.
