I’m in my senior year of a BSW program, headed into a MSW program in the summer. So I don’t actually have experience with grad school or much experience in the field, but I think a lot when listening to my colleagues that wanting to help may not be the best motivation to be a social worker. My professors say a lot that what we all have in common is we want to help but I always feel a little uncomfortable when they make this statement.

I chose social work because it seems like something I am well suited for. I’m a “people person” and my values align with social work values. When I look at various social work career paths, some of them seem like they would be enjoyable and fulfilling to me on a daily basis.

It seems true that a lot of people end up in social work because they feel as if they need to help people. I don’t have the experience yet, but it seems like this being the primary motivator could only lead to burn out and frustration.