A career in the field of Human Services is one that can prove to be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling for a variety of reasons. Not only do such positions give you the opportunity to make a truly positive difference in your local community, but you can also enjoy a certain degree of professional autonomy as well as job security when you choose to pursue such a career path.
In order to start your career in the field of Human Services, it is essential for you to earn a degree in this area of study. Earning a degree of any kind can be a daunting prospect, but with the right approach, you can find yourself starting in a meaningful career.
It is understandable to be a bit apprehensive about starting a degree program. The best thing that you can do in order to set yourself up for success and to start your degree program with confidence is to obtain as much information about your area of study as possible.
With that in mind, here are four things that you should know about a degree in Human Services if such a field of study is something that you are currently interested in and contemplating.
1. You Can Earn Your Degree Online
One of the first things to note about a degree in Human Services is that such a degree program can be completed online. This is a convenient option for those who have multiple responsibilities outside of their academic career that they must oversee.
For instance, if you are in a situation where you must continue to work full-time or even part-time in order to support yourself while you earn your degree, an online degree program can prove to be a viable option. Because of the nature of a health and human services bachelor’s degree, it is entirely possible to complete all coursework in classes in an E-learning format.
That being said, those who tend to thrive more in a traditional academic setting can always earn their degree on campus. There are also hybrid programs available that involve some online coursework and some in-person classes. Take the time to identify the style of learning that is best suited for you so that you can start your degree program and thus a successful and meaningful career in the field of Human Services.
2. There Are Many Career Path Options
There are some types of degree programs that are entirely geared towards the pursuit of one kind of job. However, there are also some degree programs that are much more versatile and allow those who complete them to choose from a wide range of jobs and career paths. A degree in Human Services falls into the latter category.
With your degree in Human Services, you can choose to work in such roles as a child advocate, a caseworker, or even a substance abuse counselor. You might also decide to pursue a master’s degree in social work so as to become a fully certified and qualified social worker in your local community.
These are only a few of the career options that are available to those who earn their Human Services degree. You can consult with your academic advisor for your degree program in order to obtain a more comprehensive list of potential job opportunities that will become available to you when you graduate.
Furthermore, the list of potential jobs that you can choose from is far from set in stone. Every year, there are new opportunities for those in the field of Human Services to make a positive difference in society. New roles and positions are developing every year, so you will be sure to find the role that you are best suited for.
3. You Will Acquire a Variety of Skills
Most roles in the field of human services require you to oversee a wide variety of responsibilities. For this reason, a degree program in this field is designed to equip you with such skills so that you can approach your job with the confidence and knowledge required to make a positive difference in the lives of those you work with.
For example, there are many legal and governmental regulations in place when it comes to the field of Human Services. This is particularly true when it comes to working done with children and minors. If this is an area in which you see yourself working, you will need to not only learn about what regulations are currently in place but also stay apprised of any and all changes that are made to the policy.
Additionally, many jobs in Human Services involve a degree of mental health workers as well. No matter what demographic you are working with, you will most likely be called upon to perform initial assessments and be on the lookout for any red flags with regard to your patient’s mental health. You will then need to make appropriate recommendations based on your findings so that the individuals you are working with can get the help assistance they need.
4. No Two Days as a Human Services Professional Are the Same
There are some people who thrive professionally when they know exactly what will be expected of them each and every day when they go to work. However, if you are the sort of person who is looking for a career wherein no two days are exactly the same, a job in the field of Human Services might be right for you.
By the very nature of the work that you will be doing, you will encounter new people every day and a new set of challenges that must be met. Moreover, the fact that policy and legal matters are constantly changing means that the manner in which you approach certain situations can alter significantly in a relatively short amount of time.
Therefore, if you know that you are the sort of person who wants variety in their professional life, then look no further than a career in Human Services.