Social Work Alums

**ALUM NEWS**

Now that they've got the degrees...where are they now?

Andrew Mesna, Children's Mental Health Social Worker

Graduation Year: 2001, SJU
Hometown: St. Cloud, MN

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

"I took my symposium, Introduction to Social Work, with Lynn Bye, and I really like the course as well as the work that we did for it.  As a social worker, I knew that I had a chance to make a difference and maybe save lives."

Do you feel that the curriculum and field experiences at CSB/SJU prepared you for your job?

"The classes I took were very helpful and I was able to apply what I learned to real life situations.  I especially think that the Methods classes were key to practicing social work."

What social work related opportunities did you have at CSB/SJU?

"I worked for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Nassau, Bahamas in the Child Abuse Unit.  It was through this experience that I learned a lot about policies in other countries."

What job opportunities have you had since graduating from CSB/SJU?

"I immediately began a substitute position in which I have taken over now in the Child Protection On-Going Unit at Stearns County Human Services."

What advice would you give potential social work majors?

"To ask questions and try to demonstrate your worth to the agency for which you wish to work.  If you show how hard you are willing to work, it will be apparent to the people around you."

Michael Heinen, Child Protection/CHIPS Unit Human Services Supervisor

Graduation Year: 1993, SJU
Hometown: Onamia, MN

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

"During my sophomore year, I took a sociology class titled "Family in Society." This course broadened my career scope to include the helping professions. I discovered I wanted a career that would allow me to utilize my skills and talents to make a difference in the lives of others."

Do you feel the curriculum and field experiences at CSB/SJU prepared you for your job?

"After starting my internship I realized I did have the basic knowledge required to be an entry level social worker. A career in social work is a life-long process in learning."

What social work related opportunities did you have at CSB/SJU?

"I worked within the family services unit serving family and children with child protection, child welfare and mental health at Stearns County Human Services.  This was a very rewarding experience and helped me decide I wanted to focus my career on strengthening families."

What job opportunities have you had since graduating from CSB/SJU?

"I began working as an in-home skills counselor where the focus of the work was on strengthening parenting skills, developing effective communication between parents and their children, creating structured daily expectations, and fostering nurturing relationships."

"I am now a case manager with the Children's Mental Health Unit at Stearns County Human Services."

What is your advice to potential social work majors?

"To seek volunteer opportunities in many different settings to determine if working with people is what you truly enjoy."

What is your opinion on continuing your education...M.S.W?

"A graduate degree will open more opportunities for career advancement."