Is Social Work right for you?

Before applying for admission to the program, please take some time to think about whether or not social work is the major and potential career choice for you. The following questions can hopefully assist you in making a determination about social work as a major and profession. For further help in making a decision, you are encouraged to seek out students who are currently majoring in social work, professional social workers in the community, and social work faculty to discuss your interests and questions.

1. Are you genuinely interested in working with and helping people with a variety of differences including racial, economic, and cultural ones?

Discrimination and prejudice do not fit with the values of the profession.

2. Do you believe in the intrinsic worth of the individual and in the human potential for growth and change? Do you truly value people?

A core value of social work is that all humans are inherently worthy. While individuals may engage in negative and destructive behavior, they are still worthy of dignity and respect.

3. Are you interested in developing your problem-solving abilities and do you have patience, perseverance, and the ability to follow through?

The social worker should be hard to discourage and understand the process of decision-making.

4. Are you interested in your own personal growth and well being?

Social workers must be aware of themselves and their own struggles in order to effectively help others. Can you accept constructive criticism about your performance and behavior? Are you open to feedback from others? Are you willing to seek and accept help with both personal and professional concerns?

5. Are you interested in the larger picture?

Social workers need a sense of moral and social responsibility and the ability to see human problems in relationship to the community and the state of the nation and the world.

Social Work Department Contact

PHONE

518-580-5410

EMAIL

Johanna Reiter

MAIL

Skidmore College
815 North Broadway
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

HOURS

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Contacts

Johanna Reiter
Assistant Professor and Chair Social Work Department

Linda Santagato
Administrative Assistant