Macro Social Work 101: What is it, how to get a job in it, and more!

[@niawuzherre232]

It is truly refreshing to see a woman of color, pursuing macro social work, AND educating others on social media platforms such as this. Thank you for taking the time to create content! I am in my final semester of my BSW undergrad and I plan to pursue my MSW with a focus on international, community organizing, policy, or non-profit management. What is your alma mater? Also, I appreciate how you mentioned the extra work it may take to figure what what direction you want to go in after graduate school. My challenge currently is deciding what specific type of macro I want to focus on during my MSW, since I have so many interests. I know it's all macro, however, certain schools offer different specializations within macro/different programs under the macro umbrella. I think I'm leaning primarily toward community organizing and international, however, I wanted to know if you had any advice for someone with aloooot of interests. This is long-winded but I sincerely appreciated your video.

[@MindyourSociety]

Thank you for the comment! I had a very hard time finding information on social media regarding macro social work, so i figured id add to the conversation. I graduated from the University of Illinois :) I am also someone who has a lot of interest! SO i understand. My advice would be, understand that just because you focus in one area doesn't mean you are locked into that area. Once you graduate, jobs really don't care what your focus area was. So choose a focus you are interested in today, and move around to different roles as your passions change! I have done so much; taught abroad in korea, worked at non profits, worked in corporate, government, did community organizing, teaching, grantmaking, etc. So you can do it too!

[@MrOMYSTARZ]

@@MindyourSociety Thank you for your video!

[@laurenbarber8579]

GREAT VIDEO! My mom is a direct practice social worker. I'm a senior in college and social work is part of my interdisciplinary studies degree, along with social sciences, and education. I have been cautious of my interest in social work because I have assumed that it only opens doors for counseling and mental health jobs. I have become really interested in economics and the structural elements involved in poverty, crime, homelessness, housing, etc. Studying social work is what exposed me to these topics and I am glad that there is a whole subgroup of social workers who are interested in the practicality of solving these social issues by understanding systems, policies, etc, and who are not interested in direct one-on-one counseling. Like you said, my brain just doesn't work that way but I am happy to be a social worker with a more analytical mind who has a great interest in these issues, from a logistical, economic lens, rather than a "compassionate", caring, therapist lens, which is what I initially thought was the entirety of the field of social work upon starting college four years ago. Macro social workers are powerful community forces because of their understanding of the big picture!

[@MindyourSociety]

Lauren Barber yes! Im glad I could be an example of a different kind of social worker. Macro social work is definitely a small yet mighty group. People with our background and perspective are so needed! Thank you so much for watching.

[@amdianec3847]

Macro social worker are those high paying Frédéric government jobs Like being a Medical social worker& Debt collector and the government uses the debit money to fund program like Food stamps and others.

[@amdianec3847]

@@MindyourSociety Are BSW& MSW the only degrees that will allow me to become a Macro level social worker?

[@coreinspirations6839]

I 💕Macro Social Work- Greater Impact through Policies & Programs. I didn’t discover my passion for Macro Work until I started my MSW Program as well; partly because I didn’t really know what it was comprised of! Great Video as Always! 💜

[@MindyourSociety]

It's so interesting how many people are totally unaware of macro social work, but it's a great niche! Thanks for coming back and tuning in!

[@coreinspirations6839]

Yesss so true. Your welcome too and I’m here for it all#subbedsquad, I truly appreciate your perspectives and insight!

[@roxannehall7422]

Great, video! Such helpful information. I also happy to come across a black woman who is so well spoken and clearly articulates the ins and outs of macro social work. Thank you!

[@LadyEponine]

Thank you so much for making this video. I didn't know anything about macro social work until about an hour ago, but it sounds like the perfect career for me.

[@icarussparks]

I'm so grateful for your channel. I am in the process of figuring out which direction I want to go after msw. I am also a systems thinker. Your channel makes me feel less alone in this process.

[@denvergovernor2857]

Thank you so much for posting this! Despite being the archetypal future social worker, I surprisingly don't have a background in social work. After volunteering with the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, I found myself as an intensive case management caseworker for a refugee resettlement agency. My current interns are all MSW students and I really feel as though I should pursue an MSW as well, but I was under the impression that all social workers did direct service whereas I was more interested in programming and support for people working in direct service. After watching your video, I'm now well aware that macro social work is the option for me :) Keep rocking it, you're fantastic

[@MindyourSociety]

Thanks for such a lovely comment, Denver! I really want to let people know that the Social Work field is much more extensive than they may realize. Good luck on your journey!

[@kimberlyjones-waples1147]

Thanks for sharing, this was very helpful and most informational. Excellent video!

[@rosaswan2323]

This was so helpful. I can see how your flex those outreach and communication skills in this video, because you explained this so perfectly.

[@Philosophyofari]

Very informational! Loved this video, as someone interested in social work this really helped me to understand the differences between macro and micro. I loved how you talked about you can make the switch from one to other. I'm leaning towards focusing on macro to start but I know I want to eventually do micro as well so that information was helpful for me to know some questions I need to be asking when the time comes.

[@gpmiranda873]

These videos are such a blessing. Thank you so much.

[@southerncard4956]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm in my BSW program now and all of my classes seem centered around direct practice and I have no interest in that area. I want to do Macro!

[@emandeni]

Great video! Came right on time for me. Im thinking about transitioning from direct social work to possibly macro social work or a management position. Gotta do my research

[@MindyourSociety]

Emmie thank you for watching ! I hope it helped. Please let me know in the comments if you have any follow up questions or topic ideas :)

[@adedolapoatta-okpeh6356]

Thanks for sharing, i just watched your video of craving a niche for oneself in the social work profession and I had to check out most of your videos👍. In Nigeria 🇳🇬 were I am from and live presently, macro social work is not a specialization on its own, it is a course we took in year 1 of MSW🤦‍♀️. Most times I watch social workers video like yourself to have an understanding of how it is in other countries. Even with my MSW degree, travelling out of Nigeria means I still have to do some courses before I can start practicing.

[@MindyourSociety]

Adedolapo Raji hello. Thanks for watching! Also, that’s so interesting. I had no idea. It seems like every country’s approach to the field is a bit different.

[@rachelscott6416]

What if you want to do both? Like doing macro work such as community organizing as well as clinical social work.

[@MindyourSociety]

Rachel Scott totally possible! In this video I talk about how I think it’s important for social workers to have an understanding of both. I do macro now but I’ve been a case manager in the past.

[@chardaehanks5953]

@@MindyourSociety how did u make the transition if you only had clinical/micro experience?

[@jenno5555]

Can you do a video on how one can do two or all three of the social work fields. Such as mico, mezzo or macro.

[@ASHKENYAIL]

GREAT VIDEO BUD. LOOK AT YOU BLOSSOMING!

[@MindyourSociety]

ASH KENYAIL thank you bud! I truly appreciate it 💕

[@Motto123-f3v]

Love this video ❤

[@madireynik659]

Your videos have helped me so much! I’m a freshman planning to get my MSW and I want to eventually be a LCSW, am I able to also focus on macro and be a LCSW?

[@arimox3942]

I'm a recent subscriber, and i Love your videos! I'm also a woman of color, so seeing your video has encouraged and inspired me to look into Macro SW. Would you happen to know of any websites that provide data about social issues in certain districts/zones?

[@tamarc389]

This is such a helpful video. Thank you!

[@MindyourSociety]

T-ariel no problem and thanks for watching !

[@mjsoskie]

Super helpful! Thank you so much 🙂

[@MindyourSociety]

Milca JB no problem. Thanks for watching 💕

[@violetsdiary__]

After watching your videos, I've discovered that my calling may be in macro social work. I love the idea of being able to help people on a larger, more general scale and making a huge impact within our society. However, after doing some digging, I'm still not fully aware of what those jobs/careers are and how to find them. After providing a description of what you do in your work, I realized that your career position would be perfect for me. Would you mind going a bit deeper into your job position title, how you found that career opportunity, etc.? Or if there is a specific video for that, would you mind directing me to it? Thank you for your amazing content and helping me put the final pieces together in this huge puzzle of life lol

[@MindyourSociety]

That’s awesome! Thanks for watching. I actually have a macro social work playlist on here. So check that out! Also, I have a comprehensive online course (link in description) where I give all the steps on how to break into the macro field. I hope these resources can be helpful!

[@sandracrespin4440]

I’m doing micro social work for field placement at the BSW level. What type of field placement did you do when you were working on your undergrad? I’m regretting choosing this area but I will definitely focus on a more macro field for my MSW.

[@taylorotto4165]

I love your videos, they are so insightful! I am in my final semester of my BSW. Will be getting my MSW next. I am interested in both clinical therapy AND macro work. So my question is can you do both? I see myself working part time doing teletherapy and then doing macro work as well. Do you think doing macro social work is something that you would need to be all in on (full time)? Interested to know what your thoughts are! Thanks!

[@arisewitharica]

Wow! This is very interesting. It aligns w/ my strengths the most. I'm struggling w/ direct practice. I want to look more into this. I just need to find out where the jobs are. I was considering leaving the field all together. I'm grateful I found this. What school did you attend? That Social Enterprise course sounds amazing!

[@MindyourSociety]

Yes I loved that class! I went to the University of Illinois in Chicago

[@arabellebustos2733]

Thank you so much.

[@lakeichajohnson6007]

Thank you so much for this video 🙏🏾

[@msbeautifulcore8881]

In depth details on how to analysis data would be really informative

[@kierrag.2343]

Love this information!!!

[@PrayThenHustle]

My college has a MSW with a concentration in mental health or MSW with concentration in child and families…… after we get a MSW regardless of the concentration is that when we pick between macro and micro?

[@jenno5555]

Hello! I like how informational your videos are.😄Can you do a social worker vs lawyer video please. Im a college student who wants to help people and im on the fence between these two careers.Thanks!

[@taylorotto4165]

Hey I just read your comment and thought this could help. I am doing an internship as a BSW student at a public defenders office. You should look up holistic defense, specifically the Bronx Defenders. They have implemented social workers to work with lawyers to best help their clients. I know some colleges have dual degree programs for law and social work! Good luck!

[@shaw1329]

Great video! Any school suggestions for macro social work? I’m in my clinical sw program. Thank you

[@VanishedDecoy]

Did you have to get certification for macro social work?

[@MindyourSociety]

Ryan I didn’t. I got a MSW with a focus on macro. Macro social work is a track that social work students are often able to choose in their BSW and MSW program.

[@broschoe]

Hey there! I'm searching for MSW programs right now, I had no idea about a macro concentration and it's perfect for the route I want to go. I haven't run into any programs that have a specialization specifically listed as "macro"... can you name some universities that do offer this concentration, or if there's a different phrase or wording I should be looking out for?

[@MrsLizSmith]

Hi Gabby, I love and appreciate all of your videos! I was wondering if there were any jobs that I could possibly get into while finishing my master's degree in MSW OCL that would make me an even better candidate after graduating? I have 2 more semesters, but I wanted to get my feet wet with working a bit before graduating. Thanks for your help!

[@MindyourSociety]

Hi Liz. Hopefully you have field placements prepping you too! But any work in non profit; whether volunteer or actual job associated with the niche you are most interested in would be helpful! I have a video I recently made about how you can start getting social work experience NOW; whether you have graduated yet or not! I hope that video is insightful :)

[@MrsLizSmith]

@@MindyourSociety Thanks for your help!

[@genesisperez3255]

Hi! Does anyone know of a website where I can compare Macro social work degrees? Most MSWs focus on direct practice, I'm trying to steer my career towards Macro work!

[@reohhom5778]

That is very interesting every possible job you listed for macro social work are jobs I've applied to with my non-SW degree, but I have experience working in outreach and volunteer programs. However, I hadn't had any luck with gaining jobs and interviews. I ultimately think it's because of the degree that I have. So really getting an MSW would really help me better.

[@Crispix0218]

Hello, I've recently been looking into macro social work as a career path. I'm currently majoring in psychology right now but I plan to apply towards an MSW in the future. Are there macro social work jobs that focus specifically on community outreach, awareness or things like fundraising/researching donors or sponsors? I've done an internship with a nonprofit organization that assisted individuals with Parkinson's disease where I've done things similar to the things listed above, but I wasn't sure if it would be 100% applicable to macro social work (as it might have leaned more towards marketing I think).

[@anatucker3806]

U mentioned low pay how low of pay are u talking?

[@rachael9837]

Can you be a macro social worker with a BSW?

[@angelafavaloro2583]

Hello! I'm currently studying a BSW, however, my university doesn't offer macro social work units. Also, the MSW units at my university are extremely focused on clinical work. I am interested in developing programs etc, therefore would you encourage completing a Masters of Business specialising in Human Resources? Thanks :)

[@MindyourSociety]

Hello. Sorry I don’t know much about that track. But if you researched it, and feel it’s a good fit I’d say go for it!

[@BayAreaHalfcast]

I don't want to sound like I'm asking a dumb question, BUT is there a way to get into social work without a formal education? like let's say you have experience as a volunteer in that field? I've did a little research online and it's stated that in RARE instances, there were actually people getting hired based off volunteer experience, to the point where they were actually trained and got hired doing social work. don't quote me on that, but I'm just very curious.

[@MindyourSociety]

hello! You can definitely do "social service" jobs without a degree but in a lot of states you need a social work degree to be called a social worker.

[@lisah8438]

Other titles can be victims advocate, victims specialist. Is forensic interviewer a micro, mezzo or macro position? I was thinking about doing that.

[@MindyourSociety]

Hello! Hmm. if you want to do more forensic related work, you would probably be better off going the clinical route. I wouldn't see that as macro, because you are working with individuals and interviewing people one on one. And that seems like a very interesting pathway! It makes me think of different scenes in crime shows! haha!

[@lisah8438]

​@@MindyourSociety 3 year update I am going towards macro social work.

[@ioaneioan]

whats the name of the online page where i can find all that programes? profoelo.com? thanks a lot!

[@MindyourSociety]

Ioana Florea profellow.com! Thanks!

[@KimberlyMarie282]

❤❤❤

[@4metimeout]

Do you need to be a licensed social worker to be a Macro Social Worker? I'm assuming you really need the license if you want to be a Clinical Social Worker for direct patient care such as Counseling/Therapy.

[@MindyourSociety]

Nope you dont. I don’t have my LCSW. I do have my general license now but didn’t even need that for my job. I just got it because