Sydney Grant

What are you doing in your Masters of Social Work Program?

I am a student! I am currently in the 16-month track program to receive my Master's of Social Work from the University of Michigan School of Social Work. I am focusing on Interpersonal Practice with a concentration in Children and Family in Youth and Societies. I am also a Child Welfare Scholar. I graduate in December 2018! I have my field internship at New Directions through Wellspring Lutheran Services in Farmington Hills, where we run a residential treatment facility for kids with cognitive, behavioral and emotional impairments who are in the foster care system. I also work part-time at C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department.

Why did you choose to major in Psychology and how has that affected your career thus far?

I came to U of M having absolutely no clue what I wanted to do other than continue speaking Spanish. I tried out Psych 111 and felt such a strong connection to the subject and the rest is history! I am doing one-on-one and group therapy in my field placement through the UM-SSW and my psychology background has really helped me so much.

What was your career path like?

I still haven't exactly started a career, but I am hoping to pursue oncology social work and palliative care after graduating with my MSW. I was in the leadership of an organization in undergrad called Camp Kesem, which offers a week of free summer camp to kids affected by a parent's cancer. This inspired my career path, because I felt such a connection with the kids and working with their families. I hope to follow this by working in oncology and palliative care in a hospital or hospice setting with my MSW.

What advice do you have for students getting a degree in the UM Psychology Department who are considering your profession?

Social work is difficult, but so rewarding. I am absolutely in love with what I do and I cannot recommend the field enough. Being a social worker isn't easy, but our world needs more social workers!

How do you use your psychology undergraduate experience in your work?

I actually participated in so many classes in my psychology undergraduate that influence my work at my internship and in the classroom. Many of my current classes and field experiences pull from my knowledge as a psychology undergraduate. 

What is the best career advice that you have received?

Do what you love. Hands down. I went back and forth on so many different career paths when I was just focusing on the salary, and I am so thankful I didn't. I know I won't make six figures as a social worker, but I am so passionate about what I am doing that I would not want it any other way.

What has contributed most to your career success?

The support I have received from my colleagues and mentors is what is pushing me to continue to do my best. I mentioned Camp Kesem before, and I continue to pull from this community for my support and guidance on my career path, school, and life choices. Being reminded how I am doing what I am meant to do from these supporters is what pushes me to keep doing the best for my clients in my internship and job.

What memories do you have about the Psychology Department here at U of M?

I honestly remember so many of my professors in the Psych Department being so knowledgeable and sharing such great information that I regularly use today. One of the most memorable classes I took was Project Outreach (211 and 306). I was in the Juvenile Justice section and took it as a group leader in the following semester. I still have great friends from this class, and it inspires my work in social work to this day.