Online MSW Students Benefit from Career Services

by FSU Online
Online MSW Students Benefit from Career Services blog header
Online MSW Students Benefit from Career Services blog header

Without stepping foot on campus, students enrolled in Florida State University’s online MSW program can take advantage of resources at the FSU Career Center. Equipped with expert faculty and staff, the Office of Professional Development offers a myriad of student-centric services. Online MSW students can prepare for immediate positions or the path to licensure as they get closer to graduation.  

Career Readiness

  • Document Critiques

A resume/ CV or cover letter are typically the first items reviewed for any position. Students can make sure they’re following appropriate guidelines and meeting industry-specific criteria by emailing documents to careermail@fsu.edu to receive an online critique. Traditional hours at the Career Center are Monday-Friday from 9:00 am- 4:30 pm EST, or Tuesday evenings until 8:00 pm EST.  

Students with busy schedules due to work or internships can contact the advising team for feedback. Simply indicate in the email that your schedule conflicts with regular hours. After documents are critiqued, students have the option of showcasing their skills through an online portfolio.

  • Interview Preparation

Preparedness is essential for a successful interview. Online students can feel confident knowing there are diverse ways to hone skills through training and practice. With mock interviews, students can feel prepared to tackle dialogues in the real world.

Students have access to an online system called Big Interview that serves as a training tool where they can sharpen techniques, record responses, and send recordings directly to faculty, advisors, or peers for feedback.

Students can also tailor interviews to be industry-specific and make it easier to handle questions related to the nonprofit sector, social work positions, or government jobs. There is even an option to practice admissions interviews for other graduate programs.

  • Job Board

The Career Center maintains a job board that is regularly updated with new opportunities. Students can utilize a network called Handshake linking them to actual employers. Handshake lets students view full or part-time postings, as well as internships to prepare for life after graduation. Adding your resume to the job board also gives you the opportunity to be recruited for potential openings.  

Career Advising

  • Individual Appointments

Personalized appointments let students receive feedback in a way that best serves their needs. Remote students can request a 1:1 meeting with a member of the career advising team. Virtual appointments can be set up by phone, email, or video. Students can schedule appointments at their convenience or contact their liaison directly.

  • Insight & Mentorship

Students trying to decide the best way to use their MSW degree will find relief with access to career guides, hiring data, and prospective job outlooks. Those seeking mentorship can be connected through the ProfessioNole network- an online database that bridges students directly with FSU alumni. The Career Center also has practical videos tips from professionals.

Other Resources

  • Assistance with Licensure

The College of Social Work’s Office of Professional Development is equipped to help students through the licensure process. FSU offers a clinically-focused MSW program that is accredited by the CSWE. Students develop competency skills necessary to prepare for careers as licensed clinical social workers.

Not every student pursues licensure, but many consider it as an option. LCSW requirements vary by state, and students are encouraged to check with their state board. If students have questions about licensure as graduation approaches, they can contact the College of Social Work for support.

Looking Ahead

FSU offers comprehensive learning tools for students nationwide. With access to career services, online MSW students can lead their professional growth. Students entering the workforce or advancing in the field can feel empowered as they prepare to transition. For a full list of resources from the Career Center, click here.