4 Reasons Now Is a Good Time to Become a Social Worker

If you want a career that is in demand and lets you make a real difference in the world, there has never been a better time to become a social worker. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, available social work jobs are projected to grow by 19% over the next decade, a rate most other careers cannot match.

In most cases, you need a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree to become a social worker. Many schools offer online programs for students who want to earn an MSW. If you still need more convincing, here are four reasons to consider entering the field now.

Social workers are in greater demand because the U.S. population is changing. First, the U.S. population is aging rapidly. By 2050, there will be 88.5 million Americans age 65 or older, but only 5% of the country's half-million social workers specialize in gerontology. At the same time, as more people use the health care system, hospitals will need more social workers to coordinate care and follow up with patients.

Second, immigration is changing the makeup of the U.S. population. The United Nations projects that over the next 35 years, two million people will move each year from poorer countries to developed nations, and half of them will move to the United States. By 2050, current minorities will make up more than 50% of the U.S. population. Social workers from diverse populations will be in greater demand.

Finally, 83% of social workers are women, and many organizations are actively recruiting male social workers. They worry that male clients who need help may be less willing to seek support from female social workers, and they want those clients to have caseworkers who understand their unique needs and challenges. If you are a man who wants to become a social worker, now is a good time to enter the field.

2. Changes in Service Delivery

New technology and new approaches to social problems are reshaping the social work profession. For example, new health care models such as the patient-centered medical home rely on social workers as care coordinators. Technologies like cloud computing, electronic health records, and mobile devices help social workers coordinate care among doctors, nurses, pharmacists, home health aides, and family caregivers. If you enjoy technology and like using it to improve lives, social work is a strong career choice.

Public-private partnerships (PPPs) also create opportunities to improve communities. Social workers may find themselves working with local businesses or other companies, which expands the resources available to help clients. In addition to working within existing PPPs, you can also develop your own innovative projects to serve the community.

3. Flexible Career Options

Social workers often begin by focusing on a specific client group. As your social work career develops, you can make changes without completely changing professions. You can work with new populations, perhaps shifting from working with children with disabilities to helping older adults. You can also change your work setting, moving from a government agency into counseling in private practice.

Many social workers enjoy good health care benefits, and those who work in public agencies may also receive pension plans. Social workers, however, work in hospitals, substance abuse clinics, schools, retirement centers, and many other settings. To switch specialties, you can earn new credentials and grow your career with minimal financial investment. Even if you stay in social work for your entire life, you can still challenge yourself by taking on different kinds of work.

4. The Chance to Make a Difference

Social work is undoubtedly stressful because you witness many challenges directly. You may need to help families living in poverty, parents with substance use problems, or young people who are drifting toward crime. You may also witness abuse of older adults, or meet survivors of sexual violence. A social work career is not for the faint of heart, but it is well suited to people who want to make a difference. Few careers offer the same chance to be an advocate and a force for positive change that you get by choosing social work.

As a social worker, you will be in demand in a challenging, flexible, and rewarding profession. Whether you are just starting to plan your college path or you are a professional looking for a career change, there has never been a better time to consider social work.