Student Profiles

Ashley Strobel

Graduation Year: 2009

When and why did you become a social work major?
 I switched from a Psych to a social work major during my first year at CSB. Janelle Hinchley was my FYS professor and she explained what a social worker could do and it was exactly what I wanted to be doing. I had no idea what a social worker really did until then. So I came back from Christmas break after thinking about everything and switched my major!

What areas of social work do you see yourself getting a job after you graduate?
I know I want to work in mental health, I don’t know where or anything, but that will come.

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! The license and advanced standing are the best parts about graduating from an accredited program. It is reassuring that I will have a license saying that I am qualified to be a social worker. Advanced standing is amazing, I really want to go to grad school and the idea of only needing another year instead of a couple years makes going far less daunting.

What do you think are the most important qualities a person must have to be a social worker?
Knowing your strengths- if you know your own you can help others find theirs, and determination- I’ve discovered that nothing is ever easy with social work but its all worth it.  

What was your best out of class activity related to social work?
Social Work Day at the Capitol, I love going with my classmates and learning about the different legislation, marching to the capitol, rallying in the rotunda, and talking with legislators. It reminds me how much say I can have in politics.