Corporate Careers

 

Social workers in corporate positions should possess:

• The ability to communicate clearly and concisely orally and in writing.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, strategic planning skills.
• Strong administrative management knowledge, including a well-developed financial foundation.
• Strong presentation skills, an ability to project confidence, and the ability to think on your feet.
• Well developed computer skills in Internet use, word processing, and data base, spreadsheet, scheduling, and fundraising programs.
• A thick skin. The supervision may be more direct and critical in nature than in typical social work settings. Your are expected to contribute to the bottom line; you may have to sell.
• Tremendous endurance (the hours can be long).

 Social Workers can gain valuable experience relevant to consulting by:

• Identifying and accessing internship opportunities in corporate settings.
• Accessing field placements working in or with private for-profit companies.
• Volunteering to secure training, build special skills, and broaden background.

 Search for work suggestions:

• Networking and reputation are key to your job search.
• Concentrate on using the web for information. Do not expect a tremendous response to e-mail or web applications alone. Follow up with personal contacts.
• Become involved in professional organizations and activities that expose you to the corporate community or non profit consulting. (TIP: Go to special interest events and business card exchanges at the Chamber of Commerce and other member organizations.)
• Develop a thorough rationale why a social worker with a Master's degree is a good choice for a consulting position. Emphasize the transferability of social work skills, for example:
• interpersonal skills --> relationship-/team-building
• individual/group/system assessment --> strategic planning
• problem solving --> negotiating/mediation
• social administration --> budgeting/development
• Plan to describe concisely the breadth of the social work field, you concentration, and to dispel common myths.
• Explain why you would be a good match for the position available by utilizing examples of your relevant accomplishments. Understand and practice communicating why you should be hired.