Being in the MSW Program, is an amazing opportunity. Not only do we study how to be Social Workers, but we actually go out to our individual field placements and practice what we learn. Yet this amazing opportunity can quickly become overwhelming, and stressful. Here are my tips for surviving your first year.
Plan! Plan! Plan!
If you do not have a planner get one! And if you do have a planner, then actually use it. Time Management a very useful skill to have. Due dates change and you want to give yourself plenty of time to complete each assignment. Or plan quality time with friends and family without worrying about forgetting important dates. Find a planner that best suites your needs. I would highly recommend the Passion Planner because you can set up Personal and Work goals for the week. Plus, their website has free pdf downloads of the planner, and extras like water tracker, exercise tracker and more! (www.passionplanner.com)
2. Form a study group!
We have so many readings to do and very little time to do them in. With a group you can share the workload, compare notes, and have people you can turn to for help. If you are unsure or having a difficult time with an article or project, you can ask another group member for help.
3. Promoting Excellence of Graduate Studies (PEGS)
We have a graduate writing center focused and dedicated to us. We all have papers to write, and PEGS is a good resource to take advantage of. You can have your paper reviewed, be given feedback, and receive a better grade. Plus, this service is free! PEGS is located in the Library North 4th Floor Room 4579. Check out their website www.pegs4grads.org
4. Don’t forget to practice Self-Care.
Make sure you take some time off to re-energize, relax and unwind. Do something special for yourself every once in a while. Plan a trip, and give yourself something to look forward to at the end of the semester or Summer Break. Just don’t forget to have fun every once in a while.
