Degree in a helping profession?

[chicagogirl]

Anyone else get a degree (any level) in a helping profession (human services, counseling, social work, etc)? And what are you doing with the degree in your career? I'm curious to see what people are doing with this and how it's working out. :confused:

[wordsmith]

My degree (part of it) is in teaching. I don't use it as such. I'm a journalist.

[winneythepooh7]

I have a BA in Sociology and Psychology. I obtained my Master's in Social Work in May 2004. I am presently working in a supervisory capacity for an agency that provides services to people with brain injuries (strokes, car accidents, beatings, etc.). Most of my prior experience has been working directly with people affected by mental illness. I couldn't take the bureacracy of that field anymore, especially with the new laws that are forcing Social Workers to act unethically and "police" their clients. Feel free to ask any questions. Unless it is working directly with children (although I did work in a residential treatment facility for one year-never again), I have probably faced the situation in one way or the other. I also can talk to you all about grad school stuff :D.

[Ciderhillnh]

I have a degree in human development. It comes in handy when Im doing customer service and talk people down from being pissed. It also helps to understand where people are coming from and thus I can interact with them in a way that helps them get what they need.

[wordsmith]

Human services skills also come in VERY handy both as a reporter and a writer.

[winneythepooh7]

Human services skills also come in VERY handy both as a reporter and a writer.

It is also important to note that one should probably not pursue a Master's in Social Work if they do not have good writing skills. You are constantly writing in grad school. And AFTER grad school, you need good writing skills for your paperwork, case notes, etc. Also, the higher up you progress, you will be expected to write grants and proposals. My professors have also encouraged me (and all Social Workers) to publish so we can get the reality of what goes on out there with our clients to the general public, who are often very misinformed. This is something I have been a huge slacker on, but would like to do. When you publish, and do research, this is another way to get funding.