Real Challenges, Real Solutions

Transcript

Now let’s head over to the academic health complex and meet Brittany, who is a second year graduate student in the masters of social work program. She graduated with a double bachelor’s in psychology and interdisciplinary studies from FIU in 2020. She’s gonna share how field work is helping her prepare for the complex role of a clinician, take it away Brittany.

-Thanks Alex, as an aspiring clinician, it was important for me to find a university with an accredited master’s of social work program with a clinical focus. I was also interested in working across disciplines with students and faculty in the health sciences, as well as the opportunity to do field work. Stumble College checked all of these boxes by offering programs in the fields of public health, social work, and dietetics and nutrition, including dual degree programs and an academy for international disaster preparedness, Stumble College had exactly what I was looking for and more. Something that I noticed right away is the amount of support the staff provide. They brought me some exclusive opportunities which allowed me to expand my network and build my resume. I was able to get a fellowship with the national council for mental wellbeing as well as attend NatCon 2021 the world’s largest convention on mental health and substance use. These opportunities were only available at nine other universities nationwide and less than a hundred students were selected to participate. The fellowship I took part in was focused on the opioid epidemic and allowed me to collaborate with other social work students and professionals from around the country. By far my favorite part of the program is the field experience I acquire as part of the curriculum. The field office works with local businesses and organizations to place students in a practicum placement which meets their individual interests. Because of my fellowship, I was placed in a substance use and behavioral health treatment facility. I had the opportunity to work with people on an outpatient basis doing both individual and group therapy. While all the classes are informative, nothing compares to hands-on experience for learning. A graduate of FIU Stumble College can go on to work in a variety of fields. A social worker can work in hospitals, private practice for government or state agencies and even in policy work. A social work degree is very versatile and allows you to work in both micro and macro practice. The possibilities really are endless and I could not recommend the school enough. That’s all from me, back to you Alex.

Brittany great job, it’s heartening to hear about the great field work opportunities available to you and your fellow Panthers before you start your careers. It sounds like you are prepared to take on whatever comes your way, thanks again.