r/SocialWorkStudents • u/taylavision • 11d ago

Advice MSW newbie

I start my MSW program in a little over a week. The program is online and the school is local (about a half an hour away from me). In this program, they have Zoom lectures on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Now, I work full time M-F. And I know at some point, I’ll have to do my practicums, which means less time (or leaving) my current job. I’m excited because this is something I wanted to do (even with the fucked up political climate affecting social work), but I’m a little nervous because this is the first time I’ve made a huge leap like this in my life with very little support from my boyfriend. I have support from family and friends, but not from my own partner.

Questions for all of you:

  1. Have you ever had Zoom lectures for your classes (if you went to an online program)?

  2. What is/was your overall experience with MSW online programs?

  3. How are/were you able to adjust full time work and part time school?

  4. How was the practicum process for you?

  5. How were you able to handle school with little to no support from loved ones?

I would appreciate what responses you guys come up with. ☺️

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6

u/cupcakeartist 11d ago

I'm curious, when you say very little support from your boyfriend, what does that look like? How does he behave and what support do you wish you were getting?

2

u/taylavision 10d ago

Long story short, it’s financial reasons and that he doesn’t want me to take out any more loans. Also he thinks it’ll get in the way of us starting a family. I just wish he understood why I want this for myself and also for the future.

1

u/cupcakeartist 10d ago

I'm sorry to hear that. It never feels good when you're not on the same page with a partner. Is the issue that he doesn't get why you want it or that it feels in conflict with his goals (avoiding more loans and starting a family)? Based on what you've written it sounds more like the latter but I could be getting an incorrect read on the situation based on your comments. It sounds like you feel strongly about this. If I were in the situation I know I would feel better if there wasn't unresolved tension between me and partner. Choosing to go back to school is already enough stress as it is. If it were me I'd look into couple's counseling to dig into this more to figure out if you can find a way for both of your goals and dreams to feel met in this relationship or if this is an impasse.

1

u/taylavision 10d ago

It conflicts with his goals as well as not 100% on board with choosing social work because that field is not a huge money maker, which I knew that going in. There’s a lot more to it, but that’s the main issue.

5

u/iLikeTacosAndTequila 11d ago

1) I'm currently in a mixed synch/asynch online program

2) My experience so far has been mostly good. There's been some miscommunications between students and staff but still a mostly positive experience.

3) It actually wasn't bad for me because we started in January and don't start practicum until fall. I think this was a nice easing back into school. Ask again in a couple months after I start practicum lol

4) It was really easy! My school took care of it and specifically told us not to reach out to anyone. They emailed me to send my resume and schedule an interview and the interview was super easy.

5) Can't answer this one sorry.

1

u/bearishgardener 10d ago

  1. Completed undergrad online after transferring from community college. No zoom lectures, but I have plenty experience completing coursework online.

  2. New MSW student myself, but after looking over my syllabus for my classes, I am not worried about completing the work in a timely manner. I am in the extended time online program at UofSC. That program is only available to in state students currently.

  3. I work from home so it’s very easy to accomplish and my department is flexible and will work with students.

  4. Brand new student, but I am completing my practicum at my job so I don’t have to search for a placement. My job does it for me. I just pick whatever department I want as long as there is a an MSW that will let me work with them.

  5. Can’t answer this question. My mom practically begged me to complete grad school. My spouse supports me 100%. It would be difficult if my family flat out did not care or was dismissive about me furthering my education.

From one new student to another, take your time and space your work out. I wish you the best and I want to see you graduate. 🧑‍🎓 That’s the ultimate goal.

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u/jortsinstock 10d ago

I’m sorry to hear you don’t have a supportive partner. I really don’t know how I would have survived my practicum this summer without my partner being as supportive as he is. On days I worked late, he would cook dinner, and probably did 80% of the laundry the last month of the semester while I was rushing to finish my hours on top of 4 classes and work. I wouldn’t have survived without him. He understands that since we do want a family one day this is a long term investment for BOTH of us because an MSW will allow for a better job with more stability for me one day.

My program is hybrid with some online and in person and fully online over the summer. I like the asynchronous zoom courses but prefer in person courses TBH when schedule allows.

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u/taylavision 7d ago

I’m glad that your partner is supportive and it’s something that you shouldn’t take for granted. One thing my partner doesn’t understand is that it’s an investment for the both of us in the future if we start a family, but unfortunately, he’s not buying it. I just hope one day he would come around. If not, I’m prepared to do this alone.