Hello Feministing-ers, I'm seeking career advice. I've been so impressed by the support this cyber-community offers, and I'm hoping that your diverse experiences can provide me with a bit of guidance. I began my undergraduate education assuring my parents that a B.A. in English Literature would be a safe route to law school. But ever since I opted to have an abortion last fall, I've been hesitant to pursue this career path. Now, I feel compelled and impassioned to interact with women per reproductive health, perhaps through pregnancy options counseling, or in some other related capacity. I'm entering my senior year of college (set to graduate in May with a major in English and a minor in Gender and Women's Studies), and I'm unsure of how to fulfill these aspirations. MSW? MPH? MPH with a concentration in maternal and child health? I'm leaning towards a master's in social work.
I would love to hear about your experiences in these fields. Any advice will be much appreciated!
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The MSW is a good route, and if you have a few languages you can go pretty far. I would also suggest a minor in politics/political science/studies. As you get higher up it opens up a lot of opportunities for you.
I have been considering that route for myself.
I graduated college with major in English/minor in Women & Gender Studies and work in Chicago.
I would suggest looking into what the requirements for pregnancy counseling jobs are. Some require more psychology based education and some more social work. I would suggest MPH or MSW (MSW more so if you can speak a second language). Try e-mailing different advocates or looking into what they did to get to their career path. I'm sure that they would be more than happy to help you out in explaining how they got where they are.
Good luck!
I agree with the above commenters--MSW is good if you have a second or third language to bring to the table. And if you're doing counseling, I know there are psychology programs you can work with to be a certfied therapist without being a psychiatrist/psychologist.
MPH isn't bad either! Take a look at the places that offer these programs, take a look at the required coursework. Whichever seems most interesting--do that.