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Social Work Handbook -
Is Social Work For You?
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If social work seems like an attractive career to you but you are not yet ready to make the commitment, there are some things you might do to help yourself make the decision. First, consider volunteering in a "people helping people" setting. You might be able to do this through any one of several community agencies, and you might want to use Calvin's Service-Learning Center (SLC) to help you identify an organization with whom to work. Or, consider finding a part time job in a social work setting. Many students have found jobs working in residential-care agencies, summer camps, community centers, nursing homes, etc. Another idea is to read the pamphlet "Careers in Social Work" published by the National Association of Social Workers. You can get a copy from Kathy Bardolph in our department office (Room 226, Spoelhof Center) or pick one up from the information box directly across from the department office. Finally, think about enrolling in Social Work 240, Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare. This course provides much information about the profession and includes presentations by practicing social workers about their work, its costs, and its rewards. By the end of the course, you almost certainly will be better able to decide if the profession is for you.