Weddingbee boards

Gonna try to keep this short and sweet!

I am graduating with my BA in sociology this December (yay) and I would really like to further my education with grad school. Unfortunately the program I REALLY want to do is not available in my area, and theres a 2 year waiting list for an online program through Univerisy of North Dakota...the only online, accreditied MSW program in the US. Anyways, so i considered getting my MA in sociology. A while ago I applied for a research assistant position with the Co Dept of Corrections, interviewed--passed, had my integrity interview and background investigation done on Wednesday which was so intense. Someone called me back this morning while I was at the gym to either offer me the job or not. I just havent called them back yet. I am thinking i will call back after my phone interview (see below) The job only pays 9 bucks an hr and its only about 20 hrs per week. However, I just applied for a job at a bank and am having a phone interivew (guess to weed out the idiots?!) at 1130 this morning. That job is full time and pays probably around 11/hr. Obviously neither pay very well at all, but I havent had a steady job since February and I am really getting bored and really want one.

Here is the dilema...the DOC job would probably be better for my career in sociology, but of course, nothings garenteed...its only pt and pays less.

The bank job would do nothing for my career, but its ft and pays more.

I could attend grad school working at either of these jobs...

I havent been offered either, but if I am, I want to have an answer prepared, and I dont want to tell them that I need to think about it.

My fiance and I are going to be buying a house after the wedding and I really want to be able to pull my weight. I am learning toward the bank job while I am in grad school since it pays a lot more, then moving onto something bigger and better after i graduate grad school.

Sorry soo long, what do you ladies think? what would you do??

Well, I would probably take the bank job for the money. $2 more an hour for 20 hours is $40 a week.  It adds up fast.

While having the corrections department job will help your career, I dont' think there's a shortage of MSWs.  Unfortunately, most MSW jobs don't pay that well.  I would not go for the MA in Sociology because it is not a terminal degree.  The MSW will allow you licensing opportunties, and ultimately more options.

The only cavet to this is:  when you finish your MSW, would you work for the state?  If so, then would your corrections job count toward a pension with the state?  If the answer to both is yes, then I would seriously consdier taking the corrections job. 

You didn't mention how many hours a week the bank job would be.

I worked with the developmentally disabled as a job coach while applying for the social work program at San Diego State University.  I got in and graduated with my MSW within three years, while I worked odd jobs to pay for college.  It can be done.  I'd definitely consider San Diego State.  They have one of the best programs and really prepare you for the LCSW exam.  Good luck and let us know what you decide!

I want to get my MSW, and i would actually prefer to work for a nonprofit rather than a government agency. But like i said, the earliest program in my area doesnt begin til 2013 because its every 4 years, not every year, and the earliest the online program would start is January 2011, which I guess would be an option....

I did mention the bank job is full time in my post

I wish, but unfortunately we just cant pack up and move to san diego...fiance has a great job...

Oh i totally understand and get that the social work field does not make shit for money. My fiance understands this just as well. And we are willing to make it work because he knows social work is my calling.

I have a nitche about having two part time jobs, I hate the feeling of unstability...ive been there before in the early years of college and hs and wont do it again... thanks for the advice mrs rain

Oh!  Sorry, I missed that the bank job was full time.

Let me add:  you definitely should get your MSW.  Working at the bank (knowing it is temporary) wouldn't be bad--if the position is one that lets you leave your work at work (and not have to bring it home with you).  I think having any kind of work experience (especially if it has to do with interacting with people) will be beneficial--I wouldn't say it does nothing for your career in social work.  In fact, it could give you some management skills, because even as a social worker, those are important skills to have.  Having a bigger income would probably also make being a student easier.

I seriously considered getting my MSW (I was accepted to start my program during my sr. year of college, but opted to graduate early instead).  Ultimately, I got my law degree.  Although I practice law, I also have two other graduate degrees (in Biblical Studies and Public Health), and I am actually able to integrate things I've learned from all into what I do.

Waiting a year to start grad school is really not that bad of an idea either.

Id also like to mention that I am only 22, turning 23 in January, but I feel so old! I know I have plenty of time to get my career in order...I just forget sometimes.

The job at the bank is just a teller position, and I swore to myself I wouldnt be one of the ones to graduate and not have a job in my field, but it looks like thats how it is going to be if I want to further my education.

I am also learning toward the bank job, my phone interview is here in about 25 minutes. The job would start November 2nd!! So like...right away! So I am assuming if the phone interview goes well, she would have me come in for an actual interivew sometime early next week. Has anyone else ever had a phone interview? Ive never had one--kinda skeptical!?

I would say take the job at the bank while you get your grad degree and then do what you love.  A FT job will probably really help with saving for a house, and I think that's a great goal to have.  As long as you don't absolutely HATE it (no one should ever have to do something they hate), then I think you could manage doing it for a few years while you get through school. 

I'm not sure if social work is different, but I'm in law school now and nothing I did before law school that was legal related was important to the employers I interviewed with.  They looked at my grades from law school and what jobs I've had as a law clerk since being in school.  This is just my opinion, but I wouldn't feel comfortable with my boyfriend supporting me even if he does make more money.  I would want to pull my own weight.

And about phone interviews... I just had one last week, and they're a little awkward at times.  It's hard because you obviously can't see the person to play off what they're doing.  Just start off serious and then see what your interviewer's tone is and then you can relax a little.  Make sure you're somewhere quiet without any distractions, and as with any interview, make sure you have a few questions to ask when they're done asking you questions.  Good luck!

Boston Bee... I dont think I would hate the job at the bank at all! I love customer service, meeting new people, building clientele, you usually get to see the same people come in day by day or week by week at a bank, and I think I would enjoy that. I like being personable.

And I dont feel comfortable with my fiance supporting me what so ever. I have always been extremely independent, and even though he makes pretty good money, I usually dont ask him for anything unless I am in desperate need--which isnt often. And I think he values that. We have never faught over money and I dont intend to start because I cant pull my weight as far as a house goes...

Just an update...just had the phone interview and I have an in person interview this Monday! Called back regarding the DOC job and I didnt get it...so I guess that answers this problem...

Good luck with the interview on Monday!

Thanks! Its at 1pm so I will let you all know what happens. I really hope I get it!

Have any of you ladies worked as a teller? any advice?