Social Work Field Placements Put Saint Mary’s MSW Students on the Path to Success
Social workers are the backbone of support systems for countless individuals and families facing challenges. From mental health to child welfare, these dedicated professionals navigate complex situations, promote well-being, and advocate tirelessly for those in need.
Saint Mary’s College is dedicated to preparing the next generation of social workers for this impactful field by offering a Master of Social Work program that emphasizes real-world applications beyond the classroom. A cornerstone of the program is a comprehensive social work field placement program, which provides MSW students with invaluable hands-on experience in diverse professional settings.
This immersive, hands-on approach equips future social workers with the practical skills and knowledge essential for successful careers. By combining theoretical learning with real-world practice, Saint Mary’s social work field placement program ensures graduates are well-prepared to make meaningful contributions to the profession.
Field Placements Focused on Student Success
The Master of Social Work field placement program is a collaborative effort between Saint Mary’s College, students, and placement agencies. As director of field education for Saint Mary’s MSW program, Elizabeth Brueseke, MSW, LCSW, works closely with students to identify their interests and desired learning outcomes. This ensures students are placed in agencies that align with their career aspirations.
“We have worked hard to build and maintain relationships with several agencies, community mental health sites, private practices, and more for future students,” Brueseke says. “These include medical settings, schools, private practices, community mental health agencies, child welfare agencies, dementia care services, LGBTQIA+ centers, youth agencies, and mental health agencies.”
Saint Mary’s requires students to complete one to two social work field placements, depending on their social work degree program. Advanced standing students — those with a Bachelor of Social Work degree — complete one 30-week placement, while generalist students complete two 30-week placements. This includes one practicum each year the student is in school, though part-time social work degree students may have a year they’re not in a placement while completing the bulk of their MSW coursework.
Throughout these placements, Brueseke ensures students have the support and guidance they need to succeed.
“Our students receive weekly supervision from an MSW in their social work field placement, and I meet with them at least biweekly to check in and see how things are going for them,” Brueseke says.
“We hold an orientation prior to students’ first day in their field placements to go over safety, documentation, and how to balance work, school, practicums, etc. I am available to students via text, email, and phone at any time.”
Rewarding Experiences for Social Work Careers
The Master of Social Work program’s dedication to student success is evident in the journeys of graduates like Faith Young. Young, who recently completed her social work field placement at Seasons Counseling Center in South Bend, Indiana, credits her field placement for helping her see the true impact social work careers can have on individuals.
“The MSW program and my field agency have sincerely blessed me with the ability to counsel students from various age groups and backgrounds,” Young says. “The most rewarding thing is being able to see the growth in the students and their ability to show me the true meaning of compassion and trust.”
Brueseke hopes that more students have similar takeaways from their field work experiences.
“Our primary goal is for students to learn the practical parts of social work: how to engage and use theory-based techniques when working with clients, use electronic documentation, etc.,” Brueseke says. “However, I hope they also learn that social work is an ever-changing field that can help them grow as individuals while also helping others.”
“I hope they learn that social work is a field they can stay with long term as well, as there are many different opportunities to change when needed. There is never a dull day in social work!”
Considering a Social Work Degree?
If you’re passionate about helping others and seeking a program that prioritizes real-world experience and student success, the Master of Social Work program at Saint Mary’s College could be the perfect fit for you. With a personalized approach and commitment to growth, our social work degree empowers you to create meaningful change throughout your social worker career.