And I had no idea what to tell her since I don’t work in the field. Thoughts? Suggestions?
Answers
Coursera
https://www.coursera.org/search?query=social%20worker&
I ran a quick search for "social worker" in their catalog. There are quite a few hits. I cannot speak for the quality of these programs in particular but have been very impressed with the Psych and Poli-Sci classes I have taken. They were taught by Yale Professors who are well respected in their fields.
I am not in the field. However, I have been taking classes on Coursera in Phycology and Political Science recently. Both of these fields are way out of my wheelhouse (Technical Network Engineer) but are of interest to me. The classes I have taken were all free. However, they have other tracks which are fee-based, yet seem affordable.
She is already a social worker at an organization, Susan but wasn’t sure what she should do to move up. She just started in December so likely has to give it some time. She used to be a targeted case worker and things about being one again as an Independent Contractor.
There are so many different ways to be a social worker. Is she interested in being a case worker? If so, with what demographic? Is she interested in working with individuals or organizations? Therapeutic work? Care management?
I was a grant writer at a social service agency and learned a lot about social work and am happy to speak with you and share additional thoughts/insights that might help you to guide her.
Easy to get frustrated or overwhelmed in some career situations, especially for a Social Worker. But I see it as a great foundation with many branching off points!
The most obvious to me of course is to branch off into EMS becoming an EMT, Paramedic, Rescue Technician, or even an M.D. i.e. : https://www.nremt.org
Other options would be to run for a political office, study law or transition to policing or even a military or reserve career.
These all could be career or avocational.
Other choices would be to pursue psychology and/or become a therapist.
Most careers can be thought of as having more than one path. Typically in Engineering a Technical vs. Management path. Some individuals prefer to stay as individual contributors because they love their work.
I've added some generally applicable career advancement and job search links to my EE webpage under these sections that might help:
http://eehot.com/ee.html#mentoring
http://eehot.com/ee.html#networking
http://eehot.com/ee.html#resumes
http://eehot.com/ee.html#recruiters
http://eehot.com/ee.html#jobs
http://eehot.com/ee.html#gjobs
http://eehot.com/ee.html#fgov
http://eehot.com/ee.html#training
(These are also available from the Jump Index table at the top of the EE webpage)
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