Enhancing Your Career With A MSW/MBA
Matt Earle & Maxine Davis
MSW/MBA Students1. What influenced you to pursue a MSW/MBA dual degree at Dominican University instead of pursuing only an MSW or MBA?
Maxine–I shared the same passion for social work as I did for the business environment before beginning the program. I desired to earn both of these graduate degrees concurrently because it would allow me the opportunity to integrate the relation of one discipline into the other in a coherent manner, opposed to studying them at completely separate times in my life. My philosophy on social issues is that they will always exist, however in this lifetime I am determined to become an agent of reform for the social plagues of humanity. I believe that the skills necessary for collaborating with leaders in the business environment is crucial to achieving change in policy development or program implementation and can be achieved through studying business administration.
Matt–Choosing Dominican for graduate school was not a hard choice. I graduated from the undergraduate program in psychology. The small class sizes and access to the professors created an excellent learning environment for me. I excelled in the program due to my professors' willingness to allow us to participate in their research. True to Dominican, the professors in the social work department also make themselves available. The welcoming academic community of Dominican University makes this institution a great choice.
I decided to pursue the MSW/MBA due to the flexibility that it provided. The MSW/MBA will give me the knowledge to effectively provide social services, while it teaches me how to be an effective leader. Financial sustainability is important for any social program. The MBA will give me the business awareness I need to financially maintain social service programs. The MSW/MBA track is an obvious partnership. These degrees will give me the tools I need to be competitive in the job marketplace.
2. Now that you’ve experienced the course load and academic environment at Dominican, why would you recommend the program to others interested in pursuing the MSW/MBA dual degree?
Maxine–Faculty members of both the Brennan School of Business and the Graduate School of Social Work have unique methods for allowing students to integrate personal interest into the requirements of coursework. The idea that more enriched and thorough research results in higher quality pieces of work have been present in each class I have taken. On this premise, I have been able to merge social issues into business projects and business techniques into social work practice assignments while studying fascinating topics and their correlation. For these reasons, I highly recommend this dual degree program specifically at Dominican University.
Matt– The academic environment at Dominican is very welcoming. The professors are always available for questions. Small class sizes make it easy to learn. Three years of full time classes provides a comprehensive dual degree program which can open up many doors in the future. I feel that the investment I am making in myself is well worth it.
3. How do you think the education, so far, in the MSW/MBA program is positioning you to become a business savvy leader in the field of social work?
Maxine–A key concept that has inspired my academic development at Dominican has been the notion that a social work professional or a business professional does not have to be limited to the traditional practice methods within their field. Integration of business into social work or social work into business allows broader creativity, maximization of resources, and a more extensive global impact on relevant issues. Introducing originality and ingenuity into agency protocol is a valuable talent that I intend to develop throughout the program and integrate in social work administration.
Matt– I feel that many people believe social work and business cannot coexist. The Brennan School of Business stays true to Dominican's values and teaches corporate responsibility. This combination of ethics and leadership is not adversarial to the field of social work. It provides the tools needed to lead organizations and have a social impact. I am looking forward to my field practicum at Youth Crossroads this year. They provide services to at-risk youth in the Berwyn, Cicero, Forest View, Lyons and Stickney Illinois communities. During the interview I explained my academic and career goals which later resulted in me securing a dual internship. I am excited because not only will I have a clinical case load, I will get an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of running a not-for-profit.
4. What type of position would you like to have upon completing the dual degree?
Maxine–As the holder of a MSW/MBA, I intend to possess the skill set that is necessary to provide leadership and direct service while ensuring that the goals of particular social problems be reached successfully. Upon completion of the program I would like to feel confident in representing myself in business through entrepreneurship. My interests are wide and range from domestic political advocacy to the advancement of international economies and I would be pleased to begin working in an agency that focuses on these topics while preparing my own business enterprise.
Matt– Upon completion of my dual degree my first goal is to become licensed. I feel that there are too many benefits to an LCSW not to become licensed. The position I would look for after my degree is complete would be one that provides me clinical experience and has the opportunity for upward mobility.
One of my goals is to start my own not-for-profit that works with youth in Chicago's Austin community. I believe there is a lot of need in the Austin community. Children need safe places to go, positive role models and investment in their community. I want the program to encompass clinical services, after school activities, mentoring and community building. One of the biggest challenges in creating a program is sustainability and I believe that I can accomplish this goal using leadership with a social impact. That is why I am here.
