As I approached graduation from MSU with my bachelor’s in Political Science and a minor in Middle Eastern Studies, I was unsure what my next avenue would be. I was (and still am) passionate about political issues and pursuing social justice. These are the things that originally led me to a poli sci degree. I also deeply enjoyed learning about sociology and different cultures in my Middle Eastern Studies courses. But I did not feel that pursuing a master’s or Ph.D in political science would be the right path for me. I wasn’t interested in working solely in academia or research, or running for political office, and although I briefly considered it, law school just wasn’t the right fit either.

The best thing I ever did when trying to decide what to do next was volunteer. I really loved working for local nonprofits and my position as a political intern with Planned Parenthood. I also broadened my perspective by working on LOGOS, as a copy editor for the Standard, and as Chief Justice for SGA’s Campus Judicial Board.

I have worked a lot of jobs, and particularly enjoy my summer job as an Inclusion Coordinator, and wanted to pursue a job that made me feel as joyful and purposeful as I feel when I do that job. In that work, I met children who reminded me of me, but without all of the resources I have. I have dealt with severe mental illnesses since I was young throughout my early college years, and was born into circumstances that eventually furthered my recovery. I wanted to focus my career on making sure all people have access to the resources I did, regardless of circumstances. In all of these various experiences. I came face to face with many of society’s inequities, and decided that my career would in some way work to combat those forces.

So then I basically wrote down all of the parts of these experiences that I enjoyed or was passionate about, and then was just googling various terms involving all of these things when I came across macro-level social work. After researching programs and calling/emailing admissions offices, I was basically already committed. It was really everything I ever enjoyed studying and all the parts of every job I ever loved, all rolled into one career.

I have always thought that social work was simply clinical work — case management and counseling. Neither of which I was ever strongly inclined to pursue. I wanted to focus on big-picture issues, with my clients being communities and society at-large. As it turns out, formal academic programs for macro-level social work exist, but are relatively new. “Macro-level” basically means large-scale, or focusing on issues with a larger scope to them. Micro work refers to clinical work or direct practice with individuals, families or groups; mezzo focuses more on direct work with communities such as neighborhoods; macro work is larger policy, administration, and societal work. Of course there are nuances to it, but that’s a general depiction of it.

At the Brown School at Wash U (which I currently attend), MSW students select a concentration area they want to pursue, and then a specialization area to further narrow their expertise in a specific area. I was lucky enough to be accepted into the inaugural class of the Social Impact Leadership concentration, which is designed to create skilled leaders and managers that can run and design organizations that improve society at large to advance equity and drive positive social impact across nonprofit, government, and corporate sectors. This is the first year this program is in place, having been carefully designed by many professors/faculty, social service leaders and entrepreneurs.

My specialization area is management, which will further equip me to lead social service organizations upon graduation from the program. Both of these tracks are unique in that they not only teach about social work, human diversity, and related components, but they also teach business principles, entrepreneurship, financial management, and other related competencies.

I have truly found my calling in life. That may sound a bit silly or exaggerated, but it’s very true. I have always been very interested in political science and the subjects within it, and the degree prepared me for a lot of different aspects of my courses in my MSW program. There is a lot of overlap of things such as theoretical principles, the political environment in general is very relevant, policies and government, etc. and I am very appreciative for my foundation in Political Science. It gave me an interesting perspective through which to approach my social work classes and led me to social work leadership. I was an okay student at MSU, but I am an exceptional, straight A student in the program I love. School is challenging but continues to be exciting and fun.

I encourage other students who like what they’re studying (or even if they don’t) but aren’t sure where to go next to think about the things that make them most excited. Whether that be a subject they love to learn about or a job they love going to, think about what makes you love it. If you haven’t found something that excites you, I definitely encourage volunteering (although I realize that’s a bit harder during the COVID-19 landscape).

Experience is the best way to figure out what you like. You may find a mission or a client-base you connect with, learn what management style you have and what style you like to work under, and what you want to continue seeking knowledge about. I also attack all problems with research and recommend gathering as much information as possible. Scroll through course listings, majors, and programs until something catches your eye, or search for unique jobs and positions. It’s worth the time and effort to find out what you’re passionate about, and if you’re like me, your undergraduate degree might prepare you for something unexpected in the future.

As for unexpected opportunities, don’t be afraid to throw your name/resume into the ring for experiences you are interested in. As a result of doing just that, I was accepted to be a Bettie Schroth Johnson Leadership in Social Services Management Scholar, which is a prestigious scholarship/organization designed for women who want to enter the leadership/management field in social service organizations. I am also a master’s assistant working on the Delmar Divine project in St. Louis with the Center for Human Service Leadership, and I work as a practicum student for the Director of Strategic Partnerships at East St. Louis School District.

I was recently accepted into the CEO Fellows program for my practicum next semester, and am in the process of interviewing with 3 prominent St. Louis CEOs to determine which one I will have the privilege of working alongside and learning from next year. It was a journey to get here, but I am very happy where I am and hope to continue to see successes when I graduate in May 2022 with my MSW degree.