Questions for Career Exploration Program PCHS 2012

Questions for Career Exploration Program – PCHS – 2012

Name: Rebecca Anderson

Career Field: Mental Health/ Social Work

Professional Title: Outpatient Mental Health Counselor, Prevention Specialist

City: Pinckneyville

College Attended: Southeast Missouri State

Degree Attained: Bachelor of Social Work

Estimated beginning salary range: Bachelors degree working in a counseling position in Perry County $23,400

1. What does being successful mean to you and how does one pursue that objective? To me being successful means making a positive impact on the community I live and work in. Also, I want to continue to grow as a professional and to deliver the best services possible to my clients. I work hard while on the job giving my best at all times. I ask for guidance and feedback from other professionals. I attend trainings and read professional journals to keep up to date on treatment recommendations and new research.

2. What steps does one need to master in order to become successful?

I feel it is important to learn how to set goals, develop time management skills, and to find a mentor. It is also important to develop good relationships with others in your field.

3. What must one focus on while attending college? During your college years there are many opportunities to learn and grow outside of the classroom. I believe it is very important to take advantage of as many opportunities as you can. It is important to step outside of your comfort zone and to try new things. Also, making the most of volunteer and internship experiences is vital in professional development.

4. What can students do while in High School and College to prepare for the future? Again, learn to set goals and seek out positive influences and mentors. It is important to develop study skills as well as time management and organizational skills. I would also encourage participation in new activities and even trying courses that would introduce you to new areas of studies.

5. How many times, since you were in school did you change your mind about what career you wanted? Once

6. Who were the mentors in your life? One of my college professors, my practicum supervisor, and one of my first clinical directors. How did their influence help? I learned invaluable skills from these individuals. They also taught me many things about myself. They taught me how to take what I had learned in the classroom and apply it in real life. They supported and encouraged me as well as taught me how to receive and benefit from constructive criticism.

7. What could you have done to give your life more opportunities? I could have gone straight into graduate school before having a family. I have started working on my Master’s degree but have not completed it at this time.

8. While you were in high school did you feel you had limited or endless options for your life? I did believe that I could go to college and have a career in whatever field I desired. I did realize that due to my dad being laid off from the coal mines while I was in high school that I would have some financial hurdles to overcome.

9. When it came down to picking colleges, how did you choose between your options? I wanted to be somewhat close to home and my family. I also wanted to attend a school that the class sizes were small and the campus didn’t feel “too big.”

10. How many years of college did you attend to obtain your degrees? Five

11. Out of all the careers, why did you pick this specific one? I enjoy working with people. I believe it is important that all people are given the chance, resources, and skills to be the very best that they can be. Social work is a diverse field. Social workers can work in many different settings such as: veterans’ services, criminal justice, medical social work, and school social work to name a few. Many employers require MSW and LCSW over other degrees like psychology.

12. What kind of scholarships did you earn or seek and how many were career driven scholarships? I did not seek many scholarships but did receive two. One was through United Mine Workers of America and the other was awarded to me when I was crowned Mardi Gras Queen.

13. What jobs did you have in high school and college that helped get you where you are today? I think that all the jobs that I have had helped me become the person I am today. I taught private swimming lessons, waited tables, and cleaned houses during high school. These jobs taught me about responsibility and time management. In college I worked at a Residential Treatment Center for children with severe emotional problems. I credit this job for much of the success I have enjoyed. I worked with a wonderful team of professionals that taught me skills I use everyday in my job.

14. What colleges would you suggest to students going into the same profession as you? I really enjoyed the social work program at Southeast Missouri State. One of the things I liked most was that we were out in the field throughout the program. Washington University in St. Louis, Mo and University of Illinois are two universities that have wonderful social work programs.

15. What characteristics if any were the most important towards your success? I believe determination and my work ethic. I also take pride in my strict adherence to the social work values ( service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence) and my own ethics.

16. Do you think it is wise to come back to your original community, or go to a new location? I had always planned to eventually come back to my community. I felt like I wanted to be part of a group that was working to help individuals in my community and help the community as a whole. I think that each person has to decide what is best for their lives and career.

17. How active would you recommend a college student be during their first year on campus? Again, I think it is important to be active and involved however remember that there are many adjustments that first year. Make sure that you do not over extend yourself.

18. What mistakes did you make during high school and college that we can learn from? I didn’t apply myself very much during high school. I worked full-time while attending college and participating in many organizations and events. At times my course work was not always my priority.

19. How has your personal life affected your professional life? I think that some of my life experiences help to keep me open minded. I also know that since I have married and have children I have changed some of my professional goals.

20. What drives you to go to your job every day? I enjoy working with the people I serve. I really feel that it is privilege that people allow us to help them work through difficult times in their lives. I truly believe that what I do makes a difference.

21. How many times have you looked back at your choices you made in your life and asked “did I make the right choice?” There have been a few times especially recently due to state budget issues. Job security is in question for community mental health centers. Also, social workers with a bachelor’s degree working in community health centers in Southern Illinois do not have great salaries but I really can’t imagine working in any other field. However, social work is a very diverse field. There are opportunities to work in many other areas than community mental health.