If there is a human services nonprofit or community mental health center near you they often hire people in school for social work. I did that and got to work alongside social workers and see what a day in their life was like. Also got to serve clients one-on-one, without being responsible for their intensive therapy.

One thing that surprised me was how composed a lot of my clients were. Many have been through the system for a long time and they weren’t dying to tell me their trauma - but they did want to know how I could help them find a job, navigate benefits, go back to school, be less isolated, etc.

I’m really glad I got that experience, because it helped me clear up a lot of ideas about what it was like to be a social worker. Ultimately I decided it wasn’t for me, but I’m good with technology and improving things so the nonprofit promoted me to an operational role which I love!

Even if this doesn’t work out as you planned OP, it will work out. It’s okay to pivot if you think you’d be better in another capacity. And getting some hands on experience can do wonders! Best of luck