field placement

[lena]

I'm a first year MSW student and I'm in the process of looking for a place for internship for next year (clinical track). Do you have any ideas for what to look for based on your experiences? What is important to look for at the interview?

[Ryan]

I am just finishing up my last quarter of my MSW program and I've been in several different placements. My first was in case management, second was a summer internship with an agency that dealt heavily with diagnoses and psychiatric medication. My current internship is with a family therapist who almost refuses to diagnosis people because of the stigma and how labeling reinforces the labelized behavior.

So...your best bet is to get a broad perspective. Supervisors with different perspectives will provide you with practice skills and insight that will give you a scope beyond what you would receive by staying in a single practice area.

[susanlcsw]

I agree with Ryan that a broad perspective is great. I would add that who you get as a field instructor is AS or MORE important than the agency you work at.  Good supervision in social work school is really valuable... and given that many social work skills are transferable... well...obviously it would be ideal to work in an area of practice you think you might like <grin> 

  Susan

[nmk2106]

What are you interested in?

[swkerali]

My only suggestion.. is to puch yourself outside your "comfort zone!"

Good luck!