The economic downturn and subsequent loss of jobs has been a blessing in disguise for some unemployed workers. Many displaced workers throughout the country have turned an unfortunate situation into an opportunity to explore fulfilling career options. Some, like Chicago’s Laura Kearney, have returned to school to pursue college degrees in fast-growing fields such as social work.
“I see it as a gift in a way because it’s a major pause none of us would have had,” Kearney told the Chicago Sun-Times. “I’m seeing a lot of people, through the difficulty, find what they really want to do or what their calling is, where they’re going to go on to live happier, more fulfilled lives, and that would have never happened.”
Helping others through professions like social work can be extremely rewarding, especially for those who are unhappy in their current profession. Going back to school and earning an associates degree online or even an online bachelors in human services is a great way to begin a social work career.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for social workers is expected to continue to grow faster than average over the next eight years.
Online colleges and universities are making these in-demand degrees easier to obtain for busy individuals. There are also graduate programs available, such as masters degrees online in social work or human services.
March 27, 2010
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April 29, 2010
Now is the perfect time to go back to school! Any new degrees becoming available for students?
May 4, 2010
I am working for a grammer school as an aid and have always wanted to become a social worker. I just enrolled in my first three online courses and I am certainly surprised at how well it fits into my schedule and hopes. Thank you for the information.
May 5, 2010
I have always been interested in going into social work. However. I already have a degree in computer science, and if fact have a really good job. I keep thinking about going back to school to change careers. How do I find out how many and what courses I would need to take to switch careers?
May 5, 2010
Is there a way to go through the unemployment office to find out about getting a degree and financial aid?
May 9, 2010
I went to college after high school but did not finish. It has been 6 years and now I am a single mom. Can I use the 12 credits I have toward an online degree?
June 22, 2010
thank you for this helpful information. I am interested in becoming a social worker and now I have more info on it.
June 26, 2010
I am interested in going back to school to become a social worker. I was wondering if there is any special financial aid for social work?
June 27, 2010
I find this article very information and inspiring. I have been working in the same career for 14 years and feel very stale and bored. Going back to school online feels like a new beginning.
July 2, 2010
@kellyb
i’m not positive but i think you should be able to. check with your advisor
September 1, 2010
It sounds like this is a good profession to go into at this time. I have always like people and been interested in getting to know people. Would I be a good social worker?
October 8, 2010
Following your interests and passion is a great way in deciding a career, assessment tests can also aide in finding out if social work is for you.
December 11, 2010
With employment the way it is now a days you need more and more credentials to land your dream job. Capital and credit has recovered from this recession but the jobs haven’t because jobs tend to lag general recoveries. So while we are waiting for the jobs to start coming back building up your credentials this way through online colleges only makes sense!
March 3, 2011
Social workers are definitely in demand with all the problems caused by the bad economy and people needing to be taken care of. Are there any scholarships for entering this profession?
March 8, 2011
I already have a degree in marketing, but cannot find a job. How long would it take to go online and get a degree in social work?
March 8, 2011
sounds like a good career. So I can keep working and get my degree online, that’s good.
March 10, 2011
Hey Jarell. An online degree has no set amount of time it takes. It can depend on the number of courses you decide to take and the kind of degree you are seeking, just as it would at a traditional on-campus college or university.
March 11, 2011
Hey Artie. There are many social work scholarships including one from the John A. Hartford Foundation, American-Indian Education program and more. Many scholarships accept applications regardless of their major as well. Best of luck!