Student Profile

Meet Courteney Ellison

Graduation Year: 2010

When and why did you become a social work major?
I decided my freshman year of high school during a volunteer experience that my passion was social work.
 
What areas of social work do you see yourself getting a job after you graduate?
After graduation I plan to attend graduate school in Chicago and concentrate in the area of children & youth.  I would love to work in a school setting.

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 graduation with a social work degree to obtain you master’s degree? Yes, your opportunities are much greater when you graduate with your license and have an advanced standing placement.  It places you ahead of other students and makes you a competitor in the field.  Graduate schools definitely look at a liberal arts education and graduation from an advanced program.
 
What do you think are the most important qualities a person must have to be a social worker?
A great social worker must have the desire and compassion to make a change in their community.  By recognizing a social problem and advocating for those in need a social worker can be very influential in their service to others.  My favorite quote that I always follow says, “You may not be able to change the world, but you can change the world of a person”.
 
What was your best out of class activity related to social work?
My internship at Project for Pride and Living this past summer was an eye-opening experience.  I witnessed firsthand some of the struggles disabled individuals face and was given the opportunity to use my skills to assist them and help them to achieve their goals.