For Hannah Studer MSW 鈥16, being a social worker is about being part of other people鈥檚 stories.
鈥淚 chose social work because I wanted to be a witness to their experiences, and their strengths, and their determination,鈥 said Studer, who pursued her master鈥檚 in social work through 91精选鈥檚 two-year program.
Social workers can work in a wide variety of settings and roles, and Studer started her career as a caseworker for adults with disabilities. She wanted to explore a more clinical approach, though, one that required a master鈥檚 degree.
The 91精选 Master of Social Work Program offered a small cohort of students and close relationships with professors, she said.
鈥淲e had 12, 13 students for two years,鈥 she said. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 ask for a more tailored and individualized classroom experience.鈥
Pacific also offers authentic real-world experiences through a variety of practicum settings. In her first year, Studer completed a practicum with a prison re-entry program in Portland, which ultimately ended up turning into a full-time job.
鈥淚t was a passion of mine, it was a really deep interest of mine, but I had never been able to get into that field based on my experience,鈥 she said.
鈥淢y practicum and the MSW program really allowed me this opportunity to jump into this field. For me to get my master鈥檚 really allowed me to get to that next level 鈥 reaching that next level and being able to do more than I was doing before.鈥