18 tips for social work majors who are mapping their careers

Career mapping is the process of strategically planning your professional journey by identifying potential career paths, the skills you’ll need, and the steps to achieve your long-term goals. For social work majors, career mapping is especially important because the field offers a wide range of opportunities to make a meaningful impact in communities, healthcare, schools, and nonprofit organizations. Without a clear plan, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the diverse career options and necessary certifications.

With a social work degree, you might start in roles such as case manager, social services coordinator, mental health assistant, or community outreach specialist. If you’re drawn to clinical work, becoming a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) allows you to provide therapy and counseling in settings like hospitals, schools, or private practice. Other paths include working in child welfare, substance abuse programs, elder care, or advocacy roles within nonprofits. Those with an interest in policy and systems change might find opportunities in government agencies or research organizations, contributing to social policy development and community programs. Career mapping helps you identify which certifications—like becoming an LCSW or gaining a Master of Social Work (MSW)—are necessary for advancement, what skills—such as crisis intervention, counseling, and case management—you’ll need, and how to gain hands-on experience through internships or volunteer work. It’s not just about finding a job—it’s about building a career that creates positive change and supports those who need it most.

We reached out to 16 hiring experts to ask them for additional tips for social work majors who are mapping their desired career paths:

• Explore Local Nonprofits and Service Organizations
• Gain Experience as Crisis Hotline Operator
• Work as Research Assistant in Trauma Therapy
• Mentor Youth at Community Centers
• Assist Case Management at Non-Profit Organizations
• Facilitate Trauma Support Groups
• Serve as Peer Counselor for Students
• Become a Virtual Assistant for Therapists
• Work as Case Manager at Community Centers
• Assist in Transitional Housing Programs
• Become a Residential Counselor
• Support Recently Released Individuals
• Work as Companion in Assisted Living
• Assist at Multicultural Therapy Practices
• Advocate for Mental Health at Wellness Centers
• Consider Teaching or Tutoring
• Engage as Community Outreach Assistant
• Volunteer to Help Refugees

Explore Local Nonprofits and Service Organizations

Hospitals, community help entities, and nonprofit organizations offer excellent job opportunities for college students majoring in Social Work. Finding the right fit starts with exploring local resources and understanding the needs of the community. One effective approach is researching nonprofits and service organizations by ZIP code to identify those whose missions align with personal interests and future career goals. 

Reflecting on which areas of social work feel most meaningful—whether it’s child welfare, mental health, homelessness, or another sector—can help guide this search. By reviewing different organizations and their initiatives, students can gain insight into where their passion lies. Roles such as case management assistants, outreach coordinators, or support staff in nonprofit agencies provide valuable hands-on experience, helping to build the skills needed for a future in social work.

Charlotte Diaz, Junior Psychotherapist and Mental Health Consultant, Tykes and Teens

Gain Experience as Crisis Hotline Operator

A great job for a college student majoring in Social Work is a crisis hotline operator or peer support counselor. These roles provide hands-on experience in active listening, empathy, and crisis intervention while offering flexible hours that fit around a class schedule.

When I was an undergrad, I sought out a variety of hands-on experiences to build my skills and explore different areas of social work. I worked as a residential counselor in a group home, assisted individuals with developmental disabilities, ran activities at a long-term care residence, volunteered at a mental hospital, worked on a crisis hotline, and interned at the child welfare department, where I supervised visits between parents and children.

The key is to gain diverse experiences because social work is such a broad field and you never know what will resonate with you until you try. The most important thing is to get experience, be open, and stay humble in your learning, every opportunity teaches you something valuable.

Malka Shaw, Psychotherapist & Consultant, Private Practice

Work as Research Assistant in Trauma Therapy

One fantastic job for a college student majoring in Social Work is working as a research assistant in a trauma-focused therapy setting. During my time specializing in trauma therapy, I’ve seen how impactful back-end support can be in understanding complex trauma responses. This role allows you to engage with cutting-edge therapeutic research, contributing to the synthesis and analysis of data that directly informs treatment approaches. Real-world exposure to evidence-based methods can be a game-changer. 

For example, research assistants work closely with experienced therapists, gaining insights into modalities like EMDR and Polyvagal Theory. Such roles hone crucial analytical skills and provide a deeper comprehension of therapeutic methodologies, aligning well with the academic journey of a Social Work major. Working in an environment that values integrative and holistic care offers unique perspectives on client treatment plans. I’ve seen research assistants contribute significantly by gathering data that supports developing new protocols or optimizing existing ones. This direct involvement enriches your understanding of how research shapes the trajectory of individual healing journeys, a vital aspect for anyone looking to excel in social work.

Lauren Hogsett Steele, Therapist, Pittsburgh Center for Integrative Therapy

Mentor Youth at Community Centers

For a college student majoring in Social Work, consider working as a youth mentor or facilitator at a community center or after-school program. During my time providing therapy services, I observed the impact mentors had on young individuals, serving as crucial support systems during formative years. These positions involve direct engagement with children and teens, offering invaluable experience in understanding developmental stages and behavioral dynamics.

In settings like these, you can hone skills like active listening and conflict resolution, akin to the approaches we use in play therapy. This direct interaction helps you apply theoretical knowledge practically, such as emotion regulation tactics. Additionally, these roles offer a unique perspective on the systemic challenges young people face, an insight that’s beneficial in my work addressing adolescent stress and identity exploration.

Anne Marie White, Licensed Professional Counselor, Dream Big Counseling and Wellness

Assist Case Management at Non-Profit Organizations

For a college student majoring in Social Work, a great job opportunity to consider is working as a case management assistant at a local non-profit organization. This role allows you to get hands-on experience with client interaction, assessment, and the development of service plans—key components of social work practice. During my career, I’ve seen how immersing myself in real-world social settings can enhance understanding and application of classroom knowledge.

In this job, you’ll engage with diverse clients and tackle various social challenges, from housing insecurity to community resource navigation. This mirrors my approach in therapy, where understanding the client’s unique challenges is crucial to creating effective interventions. It’s a fantastic way to build foundational skills like empathy and cultural sensitivity, essential for any social work career.

Additionally, such roles often provide opportunities to learn about systemic issues affecting marginalized communities. When I work with clients from different backgrounds, acknowledging and addressing these inequalities is vital. By gaining this awareness early on, you position yourself as a more compassionate and effective social worker.

Audrey Schoen, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Audrey Schoen, LMFT

Facilitate Trauma Support Groups

As a therapist specializing in trauma recovery and performance improvement, I’ve seen how valuable experience with trauma-informed care can be. For students majoring in Social Work, working as a trauma support group facilitator or assistant can offer immense learning opportunities. This role allows students to understand trauma’s impact on individuals and how support systems aid recovery.

In my practice, I use EMDR therapy to help people overcome significant trauma. Facilitating support groups introduces students to different trauma therapies and the supportive environments that encourage healing. Through this, students can develop strong observational and interpersonal skills, crucial for tailoring interventions to unique individual needs.

Many of my clients have experienced childhood trauma, similar to situations dealt with in these support roles. Being part of a team that creates safe spaces for sharing and healing, students gain empathy and understanding vital for future social work. It prepares them to contribute effectively to social work fields needing urgent trauma-focused approaches.

Linda Kocieniewski, Psychotherapist, Linda Kocieniewski Therapy

Serve as Peer Counselor for Students

For a college student majoring in Social Work, working as a peer counselor at a university or community mental health center can be immensely beneficial. This role allows you to engage directly with fellow students or community members, providing support and guidance, which aligns closely with social work principles of empathy and active listening. 

In my experience, I’ve seen how peer counselors can help bridge the gap between students and professional mental health services. They offer invaluable support, particularly in navigating college life challenges, such as interpersonal relationships and academic stress. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing the skills needed in social work, like crisis intervention and resource coordination. 

Additionally, this role offers insight into the systemic issues students face, such as lack of academic support or adjusting to a new culture. By working closely with diverse populations, peer counselors gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and systemic barriers that individuals encounter, preparing them for a career dedicated to advocacy and support.

Logan Jones, Psy.D, Psychologist & Director, Clarity Therapy NYC

Become a Virtual Assistant for Therapists

For a college student majoring in Social Work, a role as a Virtual Assistant for therapists can be incredibly beneficial. In my community, “Bill Like A Boss,” we guide therapists in managing their insurance billing, and having a virtual assistant can be a game-changer for them. This job offers practical experience in the administrative side of social work practice, such as client scheduling and insurance management.

While perfecting my course on DIY Insurance Billing for Private Practice, I found that many therapists lack time for administrative tasks. This scenario also provides real-world insight into the business of social work, deeply enhancing your organizational skills and understanding of client interactions.

Moreover, with therapists increasingly working remotely, students can take on this role while maintaining flexible hours to balance their studies. This job melds technology and social work, preparing you for modern, tech-driven work environments that are becoming prevalent in this field.

Kym Tolson, Therapist Coach, The Traveling Therapist

Work as Case Manager at Community Centers

I think a great job for someone majoring in social work should be working at a community center or mental health clinic as a case manager (assistant) or behavioral health technician. These are hands-on roles that can provide experience supporting clients and learning the basics of how social services operate while building essential skills.

Hirely Martinez, License Clinical Social Worker, Advantage TMS

Assist in Transitional Housing Programs

One job well-suited for a college student majoring in Social Work is working at a transitional housing program. My experience at Next Move Homeless Services, a program for the chronically homeless, provided me with profound insights into addressing severe mental illnesses and substance use disorders. This role offers hands-on experience in understanding complex social issues and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on individuals’ lives.

In this setting, students can learn about integrated treatment approaches for co-occurring disorders, which is crucial in social work. During my time there, I saw how custom support can transform lives, helping residents move towards stability. Engaging directly with individuals facing homelessness offers practical experience in crisis intervention, case management, and advocacy.

Being involved in such programs also improves interpersonal skills and empathy, which are vital in social work. The experience of working with diverse populations, including those with traumatic backgrounds, equips students with a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities. This role can build a strong foundation for a career dedicated to social justice and mental health advocacy.

Kelsey Thompson, LMFT, Owner, Light Within Counseling

Become a Residential Counselor

Equipped with the understanding of human behavior, mental health, and counseling techniques, along with the knowledge of crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and social services, social work students can be great Residential Counselors.

Their background in psychology, social policies, and case management helps them recognize the emotional and behavioral challenges residents of structured living environments such as group homes, shelters, or rehabilitation centers may face and respond with empathy and effective interventions. Conflict resolution skills and de-escalation techniques prepare them to handle crises, mediate disputes, and foster a safe and supportive environment. As social work studies emphasize client advocacy and resource navigation, students in this role can help residents access essential services such as mental health counseling, employment support, or educational opportunities.

Overall, the role offers hands-on experience that aligns with social work principles, making it an excellent stepping stone for those pursuing careers in clinical social work, case management, or community advocacy.

Nina Paczka, Career Expert & Community Manager, MyPerfectResume

Support Recently Released Individuals

Assisting recently released individuals with job searches, housing applications, and community reintegration allows students to understand the criminal justice system’s impact on social work. This role provides firsthand experience in addressing systemic barriers like employment discrimination and housing instability, which are critical challenges for many formerly incarcerated individuals. Students gain valuable skills in advocacy, resource coordination, and trauma-informed care while working with clients navigating major life transitions. 

Building relationships in this setting fosters empathy and strengthens crisis intervention abilities, essential for a career in social work. Exposure to reentry programs also deepens students’ understanding of policies affecting marginalized populations, inspiring future work in reform and rehabilitation efforts. The experience may serve as an entry point for positions in correctional social work, policy development, or case management.

Adrian Iorga, Founder & President, Stairhopper Movers

Work as Companion in Assisted Living

A great job for a social work student is working as a companion or activities assistant in an assisted living or memory care community. Textbooks teach the fundamentals, but nothing compares to direct interaction with seniors who rely on social engagement for their well-being. This kind of role allows a student to develop real communication skills, learn how to navigate different emotional and cognitive needs and see the human side of care beyond policies and procedures.

We’ve had students lead small group activities, help residents with technology to stay connected to family, and simply be there to listen. One student started a weekly storytelling group where residents shared personal experiences, which not only gave them a sense of connection but also helped the students understand the impact of life transitions on aging. These interactions aren’t just meaningful for residents—they shape a future social worker’s ability to provide thoughtful, compassionate support in any setting. A role like this builds confidence, teaches patience, and gives a deep appreciation for the kind of work that can’t be learned in a lecture hall.

Moti Gamburd, Chief Executive Officer, Raya’s Paradise

Assist at Multicultural Therapy Practices

For a college student majoring in Social Work, working as an intake coordinator or support staff at a multicultural therapy practice can be incredibly beneficial. This role offers experience with diverse clientele and the practical side of counseling services. My team and I have trained intake staff to connect clients with therapists who match their cultural and language needs. This experience prepares students to navigate complex social dynamics and improves their communication skills immensely.

Being involved in client intake also allows students to grasp the nuances of cultural sensitivity and empathy—key components in social work. In 2024 alone, we managed 9,291 therapy sessions at my practice, illustrating the importance of efficient client coordination and understanding client backgrounds. Handling cases of expatriation and cultural adjustment requires nuanced insight, a skill honed in such an environment.

Additionally, this position develops organizational and administrative skills critical in any social service role. In my experience, understanding the flow of practice helps in addressing client needs effectively and provides a strong foundation for future social work practitioners.

Leigh Matthews, Founder, Therapy in Barcelona

Advocate for Mental Health at Wellness Centers

One job I highly recommend for college students majoring in Social Work is working as a Mental Health Advocate at a community wellness center. This role allows you to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, offering a blend of practical experience and direct client interaction. I’ve seen how students in these roles gain insight into therapeutic processes and client care dynamics.

Working as a Mental Health Advocate, you can use psychodynamic and mindfulness techniques to help clients articulate their needs and steer personal challenges. This mirrors the collaborative approach I employ in therapy, fostering a supportive environment that promotes clarity and growth.

This position also offers exposure to the business side of mental health services, such as practice management and client retention strategies, which are crucial as you consider private practice in the future. By engaging with diverse clientele, you build a robust skill set that improves your academic learning and prepares you for a successful career in social work.

Logan Jones Psy.D, Director, Clarity Health + Wellness

Consider Teaching or Tutoring

One job a lot of folks might not think of that’s terrific for graduates with a degree in social work is a teacher or tutor. I run a tutoring agency in NYC and we love graduates with social work degrees. Teaching 4th-grade math or English, or mentoring high school students through their homework, is easier than you would think—the hard part is doing all that’s necessary to understand a student and all of the compounding factors that influence their lives. 

Being a teacher can also be far less bureaucratic than working directly in social work, where you have to report to layers and layers of bureaucracy, yet the impact on student’s lives can be the same or greater. Being a great teacher takes the key skills that drive most people to a social work degree: the desire to listen and to understand. And there are tons of opportunities to help students in dire need. 

For example, we run the academic side of a program that helps teenage girls at risk of suicide. We also teach the only son of a woman who is homeless and doing all she can to support him through tough times. At another program, we offer SAT and college entrance advice to students who otherwise couldn’t afford it. In the past, we have helped adult students earn their GEDs who couldn’t make it through high school. We have helped students in nursing school throughthe tough classes it takes to become a nurse, and we have even helped teenagers who were incarcerated learn how to read and write—skills that bring down recidivism by more than 200%! 

There are so many ways to make a difference as a tutor or teacher, so if you are looking for ways to use your social work degree to great impact, do consider tutoring and teaching as a career!

Michael Wallach, Founder, Central Park Tutors

Engage as Community Outreach Assistant

A well-suited job for a college student majoring in Social Work is working as a Community Outreach Assistant for a nonprofit organization, public health department, or social service agency. This role allows students to engage directly with communities, helping to connect individuals and families with essential resources while promoting social programs aimed at improving overall well-being. It provides valuable hands-on experience in community-based social work, emphasizing advocacy, resource coordination, and public education.

As a community outreach assistant, students are often involved in organizing events, distributing informational materials, conducting needs assessments, and facilitating workshops on topics like health education, financial literacy, or housing resources. They may also assist in creating outreach strategies to reach underserved or marginalized populations, ensuring that community members are aware of available services and how to access them. This work helps students develop strong communication and organizational skills, both of which are essential in social work.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this role is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the community. Students learn how to advocate for individuals who may be facing systemic barriers, such as poverty, discrimination, or lack of access to healthcare. This experience deepens their understanding of social justice issues and reinforces the importance of empowerment and advocacy in social work.

Working in community outreach also helps students build cultural competence and empathy, as they interact with people from diverse backgrounds and learn about the unique challenges each community faces. It enhances their problem-solving skills, as they often need to think creatively about how to connect individuals with limited resources to the services they need.

Community outreach assistants often collaborate with social workers, public health officials, and other community leaders, giving students insight into the importance of interagency cooperation in addressing complex social issues. This collaborative environment helps students develop teamwork and leadership skills while also expanding their professional network.

The role also offers opportunities to strengthen administrative skills, such as data collection, report writing, and grant research, which are valuable in many social work positions.

Joel Butterly, CEO, Ingeniusprep

Volunteer to Help Refugees

Organizations like the IRC need student volunteers to help refugees find housing, employment, and language resources, providing direct experience with cultural competency in social work. This role allows students to develop skills in advocacy, crisis intervention, and case management while making a tangible impact on families adjusting to a new life.

Working closely with diverse communities fosters empathy and adaptability—key qualities for a future social worker. The hands-on experience gained in resettlement support builds a strong foundation for careers in human services, policy work, or international social work.

Jerry Han, CMO, PrizeRebel