Student Profile

Caitlin Moodie

Year in school: Senior
Hometown: Sun Prairie, WI

When and why did you decide to become a social work major?

I decided to become a social work major at the end of my sophmore year of college.  I was not happy in the major I had chosen and I wanted to get involved in a program where I could make a difference in people's lives.  When I started researching different majors I found that social work offered me the opportunity to learn how to help people professionally.  Social work also gives you the freedom to work in many different settings and with many different types of people.  There are so many opportunities!

What areas of social work do you see yourself getting a job in after you graduate?

I would like to work in the field of family and child social work.  My areas of interest at thsi time are school social work, working with youth, and helping to make families a stronger unit.  I enjoy working with small groups and individuals.

Is it an advantage to be able to be a licensed social worker after graduating from CSB/SJU and also having to only go to school for one year after graduating with a social work degree to obtain your master's degree?

There is a huge advantage of being able to be a licensed as a social worker.  The license gives social workers the opportunity to stand out in the human services field.  It gives clients the peace of mind of knowing that the person they are working with is competent and qualified to do the job effectively.

Being able to obtain a master's degree of social work in one year's time is also an enormous benefit.  Advanced graduate programs give BSWs the opportunity to earn their masters degree in a year because they realize that as a graduate from an accredited university students will already have a sound knowledge of social work.  It allows students to progress to new, more advanced levels of social work.  I plan on obtaining a masters degree and it is a huge advantage to only have to pay a year's worth of tuition for a degree that will enhance my career!

What do you think are the most important qualities a person must have to be a good social worker?

In order to be a good social worker, a person must be compassionate, empathetic, and nonjudgemental.  It is also important to understand that all people have the right to equality and the right to make their own choices.  An interest in social justice and the desire to make changes for the better is key.

What has been your best out of class activity related to social work?

The best out-of-class opportunity I have had was my junior practicum.  I worked at Lutheran Social Services in the area of adoption.  I was able to be a part of the process of adoption from the side of the birthparents and the adoptive parents.  It was a wonderful experience and I learned an exceptional amount!