Graduate school stress management: tips from recent social work graduates to future students

There is a lack of direction and suggestions passed down from recent Social Work graduates to current Social Work graduate students in regards to managing stress in graduate school. There is sufficient amount of data regarding the causes of stress on Social Work graduate students, however, there were no studies that investigated the impact of stressors related to the poor economy, such as budget cuts to programs, dwindling career opportunities and lay-offs. Given the various stressors experienced by Social Work graduate students such as balancing work schedules, field placements, class load, and personal factors, it would be beneficial to also analyze what impact, if any, the economy has had on stress levels among graduate level Social Work students and what interventions can be developed to address this issue. Sources of Data The population for this study was social workers that graduated in the last seven years from an accredited university program. In order to participate in this study the participants needed to meet the criteria noted above. A total of 14 MSW graduates aged between 25 to 48 participated in this study. Conclusions Reached Our findings contribute to the Social Work Department and future students in regards to identifying the types of stressors they may encounter and coping methods to address these stressors. Based on the responses provided by the research participants, the top stressors while completing the MSW program were reported as follows: balancing coursework, internship, thesis/project, and work responsibilities, personal problems (i.e. divorce, living far from home)/lack of social support, financial problems, lack of preparation for work and internship, and health problems. The advice provided to current and future students from recent graduates in regards to how to cope with stressors related to the MSW program were as follows: balance of work and play, maintain social life, vent to supportive people, self-care, maintaining perspective, maintain peer and family relationships, and stay organized. Statement of Collaboration This research project, including all data collected, was a joint endeavor between Araxia Manuukyan and Elisa Olmo.