What You Need to Know About Social Work Internships
Social Work Internships
A key component of social work education is the internship, also referred to as the field placement or practicum placement. Often, Master of Social Work programs require students to complete a certain number of hours, essentially working in a social work setting, being supervised by an experienced social worker. This internship can be so rich in learning and can help students apply the theories they have learned in the classroom. Given that generally you only have one, sometimes two, internships in your degree, there can be pressure to ensure you are picking the best possible internship setting that will support your career goals. Needless to say, this choice can feel like a big decision! To help you with this decision, this blog post will explain the social work internship, answer some common questions, and offer some advice on how you can find social work internships.
So… let’s get into it!
What is a Social Work Internship?
Social work internships are structured, supervised experiences in which social work students apply what they’ve learned in the classroom to real-world social work settings. Internships are a core part of any BSW or MSW program and are required for graduation and licensure in most places.
Social Work Supervision
A key component of a social work internship is supervision! If you are completing your BSW placement, you will require a supervisor who holds a BSW, and if you are completing your MSW placement, you will require a supervisor who holds an MSW. Not to worry, though, if you are set on a certain social work setting where no supervisor holds the correct designation, at times social work programs will set you up with an external advisor, who can provide the proper supervision.
Benefits of a Social Work Internship:
Real-World Experience: You’ll interact with clients, participate in agency activities, and have the space to practice classroom learnings under supervision.
Skill Development: From conducting biopsychosocial assessments to learning how to set professional boundaries, internships can help improve both clinical and macro-level skills that will create a strong base for the rest of your career.
Professional Networking: You’ll learn about organizations in your community (mezzo or macro) and build relationships with supervisors, colleagues, and other professionals that could lead to future job opportunities or mentorship.
Clarification of Career Goals: Not sure if you want to work in healthcare, schools, child welfare, or policy? Your internship is a chance to test the waters and see which space feels (or doesn’t feel) like the right spot for you!
*Note: The social work internship is as much about learning what you like as it is learning about what you don’t like. Once you are in your internship, I encourage you to try and be as present as possible and push yourself out of your comfort zone to get as much out of this experience as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
Students often have many questions about social work internships, and rightfully so, as this time can impact your learning and influence your social work goals. Therefore, it makes sense that you want to get the most out of it. Let’s go through some of the common questions MSW applicant ask…
Are social work internships paid?
Typically, social work internships are unpaid; some opportunities offer a stipend at the end of the placement, but I would say these are quite rare. In fact, sometimes even schools will prohibit students from being paid for their internships. Paid internships would be helpful for students because the number of hours students must complete in social work programs is often significant! However, there are a few reasons why social work internships aren’t typically paid; this often revolves around the educational purpose of the placement, agency budgets, and licensing and accreditation rules.
*Note: Depending on where you complete your internship, there might be grants you are eligible for that could support you during this time. I encourage you to reach out to your placement office through this process to see if there are any that you could apply for!
Can students complete internships at their place of employment?
Yes, typically this is allowed, especially if you work in a larger organization! For example, I was working for a government health authority when I completed my BSW, and I actually ended up completing my BSW placement for the same health authority, just in a different department! It ended up being beneficial to see how operations worked in a different location. If you want to complete your internship at your place of employment, it would be a good idea to speak to your employer and field placement office well in advance, as this might require a bit more time to set up. This often includes completing additional forms, such as explaining any conflict of interest that this placement could present.
Can I Choose My Own Internship?
While some schools allow you to choose your own internship, most schools will match you to an internship. In addition, schools vary greatly in the way they coordinate student internships. Some schools utilize algorithms to match students, while others meet with students individually. With so much variety, it’s useful to think about what structure you think might work best for you, and factor this into your program decision.
If you have been matched with a practicum, but you are disappointed in your placement, I would first recommend sitting with why you are disappointed. Through this process, make a specific list, what are your goals and how do you feel this internship will not adequately prepare you for these goals? After this, I recommend reaching out to your field placement coordinator as soon as possible, the earlier you discuss this, the sooner you can explore alternatives and hopefully get matched with a setting that will support you in achieving your goals.
How do I Find a Social Work Internship?
It can be daunting to seek out your own social work placement, as there are so many organizations and focuses available! If you are in this position, first get clear on your social work goal and then reach out to your network! You can talk with social workers who are currently working in your desired setting, or ones who are working in a setting you are interested in. And, on top of this, don’t forget to look at https://www.socialworkinternships.com/ where current social work internships are posted regularly!
In Conclusion
Social work internships are valuable learning experiences where students get to apply their classroom knowledge to the real world. If you are deciding where to complete your internship right now, I recommend really thinking about what you are looking to get out of this experience, and do not hesitate to advocate for yourself so that you can get the best fit (for you) possible.
