Hi everyone,
I’d really appreciate some help making a decision. I’m a 23-year-old Black woman based in NYC. I graduated in 2024 with a degree in psychology and a minor in business.
Since February 2025, I’ve been working as a CPS worker, and I honestly don’t like it. What’s been most frustrating is feeling like we’re not actually fixing anything—families stay in the system for years, and it becomes a cycle that doesn’t really get broken. A lot of the work is referrals without long-term systemic change. I’ve also realized I’m not very interested in working directly with children.
Because of this, I’m really interested in moving into policy work, especially focused on:
- Addressing inequities between neighborhoods
- Increasing access to resources
- Uplifting Black communities through awareness and opportunity
I was accepted into an MPA program at New York University, but now I’m considering switching to an MSW with a macro/policy focus instead.
Relevant experience:
While I don’t have direct policy experience yet, I’ve had internships in:
- Insurance
- Consulting
- Human Resources
- Education
These gave me experience in communication, stakeholder engagement, and working in structured, professional environments.
My concerns:
- I want to become a policy analyst long-term
- I do NOT want to do case management at all
- I want strong job prospects right after grad school
- Financial aid isn’t a huge issue, but I would still need scholarships
I’m also looking at MSW programs like:
- Fordham University (Policy Practice and Advocacy)
- Stony Brook University (Community Policy Social Action)
- Hunter College (Organizational Management & Leadership / Community Organizing, Planning & Development)
Questions:
- If you work in policy and went the MSW route, what has your experience been like?
- Was it difficult to break into policy roles with an MSW?
- Did you have field placements in policy, or were they more clinical?
- Would you recommend MSW or MPA for someone who wants stability and decent pay without doing direct service?