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Is a Post-MSW Fellowship the Right Next Move for Your Social Work Career?

by Yvette Tyndale, LCSW, ACSW

     Attention prospective MSW graduates and social workers! I imagine you all are seeking employment as graduation nears and careers evolve. Post-MSW fellowships are an option for upcoming MSW graduates and experienced social workers.  Although post-MSW fellowships are not required for social workers, they can be a great way to launch your social work career, and some can be completed at any time during your career. 

     Post-MSW fellowships are programs that allow you to further your education and experience in social work after completing your MSW (Regents of the University of Michigan, 2021). Many programs include a modest stipend, vacation time, health insurance, and a separate stipend for professional development. Program offerings vary depending on the budget and typically include a clinical component, didactic seminars, supervision, grand rounds, and other assigned projects.

     Many post-MSW fellowships accept applications during the final MSW semester to allow fellows to begin the program after they graduate and become licensed at the masters level. Clinical fellowships may require some clinical experience through field placement and/or employment, licensure at masters level, and a demonstrated interest and commitment to a specific population. Program length is usually one or two years. Social workers practice in a variety of settings, and fellowships may be offered in colleges, universities, hospitals, or other programs.

     You may be alarmed when you learn some programs have a post-MSW fellowship. I completed a post-MSW fellowship at Yale, an Ivy League university that does not have a school of social work. 

     Like many new graduates, I graduated with no sense of direction outside of applying for jobs. As graduation approached, I felt a void I could not define until I came across the Advanced Clinical Social Work Fellowship (the fellowship) at the Yale Child Study Center. At the time, the program was a one-year fellowship that offered MSW graduates an opportunity to learn a variety of treatment modalities while working with children and families in an outpatient or in-home program, attend grand rounds, receive supervision from experienced practitioners, and gain clinical hours for independent licensure and leadership experience.

     As I learned more about post-MSW fellowships, the void I felt became clear and  involved my desire to continue my education as a professional and gain clinical experience working with individuals and families. I simply wanted more. I was limited in my experience and exposure to social work outside of field placement prior to graduation, and I wanted an opportunity to focus on personal and professional development in an academic environment.

     I initially applied for the fellowship in 2014, and after I was not chosen for an interview, I did what most graduates do after graduation. I went to work. My first job after graduate school was at the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ).

     I enjoyed my role as a community social worker and was mentored by a great team of experienced social workers, but my desire for learning and professional growth lingered. I talked to my supervisor about my desire to grow as a professional and leader and reapplied for the fellowship in 2017 with support from my social work superiors. After I was appointed as one of four fellows in 2017, my social work career blossomed in ways I had never imagined. I was finally able to fill a void I had carried since I graduated from USC Columbia in 2014.

     Pursuing a move from South Carolina to Connecticut was no easy task. Cost of living is significantly higher in CT. Fellowships are highly competitive, and I knew the opportunity to reapply and be chosen was slim. To supplement the stipend, I worked every weekend and holiday at a residential treatment facility. Post-MSW fellowships constitute a huge amount of time and commitment, and I was initially embarrassed about having to work at a job in addition to being a fellow. Soon afterwards, I embraced my employment as part of my professional journey and was grateful for the opportunity to enhance my career by taking a non-traditional path that I worked hard to pave.

     I am the social work professional I am today because I chose a path that continues to lead to fulfillment, self-exploration, and personal and professional growth. I encourage new and experienced social workers to consider post-MSW fellowships as part of their social work journey. The profession is dynamic, and there is always more to learn about ourselves, clients, communities, and the world we live in.

     As a fellow immersed in an academic environment with professionals from different backgrounds and disciplines, I took advantage of many opportunities to learn from others. I invested in professional development and growth with a generous stipend from the program and used supervision to create space for mentorship related to professional growth and career advancement in addition to discussing clinical challenges. As I continue to practice in a direct role with individuals, I am reminded of the importance of creating space to discuss professional goals and desires in supervision.

     Because the role of a fellow involves teaching, training, and mentorship, I was privy to trainings that were difficult to access in the “working world.” Openings for specialized trainings fill quickly in behavioral health agencies, limiting opportunities and support for further education, and are sometimes only supported by agencies if  directly related to a current role. Completing a post-MSW fellowship expanded my professional network, knowledge and experience in psychotherapy, ability to conceptualize cases, and capacity to contribute to the field and enhance the profession.

     There are many students who complete MSWs each year. According to the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE, 2021), as of October 2021, 303 accredited master’s programs exist. Positions are becoming more competitive, and completing a post-MSW fellowship will set you apart from others, as you will develop and demonstrate leadership skills, gain experience in a specific practice area, and acquire education and training in a desired area. It is imperative that you give your best when applying for such competitive programs. When applying for a post-MSW fellowship, keep the following tips in mind.

Start applying early.

     Many fellowships have an application process that may consist of an application, writing sample, references, transcripts, and personal statement. Deadlines vary depending on the program. If you wait too late to apply, you may risk not getting your information submitted on time. Late or incomplete applications are not accepted.  Most application deadlines are at the start of spring or fall semester. For an application deadline in January, I began working on the application in October, which allowed time for unexpected delays (e.g., revised reference letter). 

Be informed.

     The more you know about a fellowship program, the more prepared you will be. Research as much as you can about the fellowship. Information about fellowships is usually posted and updated online. Some programs include videos explaining the application process or fellowship experience. Be sure to watch and read all material available.

Do only what is asked of you. More is not always better.

     Pay attention to directions when submitting applications. If there is a maximum of five pages for a writing sample, only submit up to five pages. If the program asks for four references, submit only four. Writing more or giving more outside of what is asked shows inability to follow directions. Excess material may not be read and may lead to an unfavorable application. Again, allow yourself enough time to make corrections or make writing concise to avoid rushing and submitting work that does not represent your best. Have someone you trust review application materials to ensure all materials are included and only your best is submitted.

Keep applying.

     Unless noted, there is no limit on the number of times you can apply for a fellowship. Don’t give up! Do not count yourself out if you have experience in the field. Some fellowships do not have a limit on experience, and I’ve found that having some experience demonstrates readiness for continued learning and growth. I completed a fellowship three years after graduation, and the timing was perfect for my journey. As mentioned, I was chosen for a fellowship the second time I applied. The only way the result is an automatic “no” is if you never apply. Try reaching out to former fellows to learn about an application process and receive support. I’ve provided support for former applicants who’ve reached out to me with questions and will continue to be an advocate for fellowships and continuing education.

Know your location.

     Post-MSW fellowships vary in location and duration. Learn what you can about the area and populations served. Cost of living will vary depending on location. If you are interested in additional employment while completing a fellowship, researching jobs in the area ahead of time will give you an idea of where to start applying if you are chosen. I moved to CT a month early to complete orientation and training at the agency where I worked during my fellowship.

 A Non-Exhaustive List of Post-MSW Fellowships

     One of the greatest benefits of being a social worker is the continuous opportunity to learn and grow, not only as a professional, but as a person. I encourage all social work students and practitioners to explore options outside of traditional employment and embrace the journey along the way. Our different journeys add to our uniqueness and growth and will play an integral role in our professional identity and value of the profession.

References

Council on Social Work Education. (2021). About CSWE accreditation. https://cswe.org

Regents of the University of Michigan. (2021). Post-MSW fellowships. https://ssw.umich.edu.

Yvette Tyndale, LCSW, ACSW, is a clinical social worker who primarily serves as a direct practitioner to individuals managing co-occurring disorders. She is actively involved in NASW/CT and serves as Chair of the NASW/CT Ethics Committee and is a member of The Reviewer’s Committee. Yvette completed a postgraduate MSW fellowship at Yale Child Study Center from 2017-2018 and serves as a member of the Yale Social Work Fellowship Advisory Board. She enjoys volunteering as a résumé specialist with the Huneebee Project, a therapeutic beekeeping program founded by a former social work fellow. Yvette has a keen interest in professional identity and career growth and welcomes the opportunity to speak to social work colleagues interested in enhancing professional development and the social work profession. 

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