Interview With an Online Social Work Student
Michael Cottone is a 42-year-old social worker and teacher in rural northern California. He is returning to school online to earn his doctorate in Human Services with a specialization in Social Work and Community Services, after having earned his bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with a focus on Sociology and Political Science.
Michael spent seven years in the military and traveling, and started working in a social services agency as a public assistance caseworker. He is specifically interested in working and conducting research in the areas of elder abuse and labor issues.
Q: What made you decide to enroll in a social work program?
A: After I completed the BA, I decided to apply to grad school. I knew that I wanted to continue in the human services/social work field, and after looking around for a good program, I decided on Capella University. It was important to me that any school I chose to attend was regionally accredited, and had a good reputation.
Shortly before finishing the MS in Human Services program, with a specialization in Social Work and Community Services, I applied for and was offered a position in my agency as a social worker in the Adult Services unit. Once I completed the MS in Human Services, I decided to stay on at Capella to earn a Ph.D. I have been very impressed with the support I have received at Capella from the faculty, staff, and my fellow learners.
Q: What do you plan to do with your social work degree after graduation?
A: I am currently working on a Ph.D. in Human Services with a specialization in Social and Community Services. I plan to continue to work and conduct research in the human services and social work field, specifically in the area of elder abuse. I am also interested in labor issues. I teach human services at the undergraduate level, and I plan to teach at the graduate level as well.
Q: What do you consider to be the pros and cons of studying social work online?
A: Obviously, I am a big fan of online education. Living and working in a remote rural county, there are no graduate programs nearby that would allow me to pursue my studies while remaining employed in my field and in my community. Since my practice and research interests are focused on rural issues, it was important for me that I be able to integrate my practice and research interests.
Q: How much practical experience do you manage to get while studying social work on the Internet?
A: Since I work in the human services field, and specifically in the field in which my dissertation topic is focused, I have, in essence, an ongoing, full-time field experience.
Q: What are the most difficult aspects of your degree program?
A: As an online student, the biggest challenge is time and workload management. An online learner needs to have self-discipline and must be self-motivated and determined to succeed. It is important to take advantage of your support system and to interact with fellow learners and faculty as much as possible.
Q: What are the most enjoyable aspects?
A: Online learning allows me the flexibility to work and study in the human services field. I like that I am able to integrate experiences from my practice into my studies, while at the same time being able to apply the things I learn in the classroom to my work. Networking with fellow learners and faculty in my field has been invaluable.
Q: What was most surprising for you when you started studying social work?
A: I think the most surprising thing about social work for me, and which I guess in hindsight shouldn’t have been a surprise, is how much our work depends on the networks we build and the relationships we have with others in the community.
Q: What stands out as the most memorable experience for you during your time as a social work student?
A: The Ph.D. dissertation process has been a real eye-opener for me. As much as faculty, staff, and fellow learners might help you to prepare, there will always be challenges that arise. Part of the process of becoming a Ph.D. is learning to deal with those challenges.
Q: What do you think makes a strong social work program?
A: Social work is a field that is grounded in both theory and practice. A social work program should integrate these areas in a way that helps the student develop as a scholar-practitioner. This is the model that Capella University uses, and this is what led to my decision to attend Capella for both the master’s and Ph.D. programs.
Q: What characteristics do you need to succeed as a student in this major?
A: Being able to balance the academic and practice sides of social work requires someone who is a strong student as well as a strong person.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering social work as her or his major?
A: Anyone planning to study in this field should have compassion for and desire to help others. You will see people at their worst, and at their best. Sometimes, success is measured in weeks, months, and years rather than in hours and days.
You must be able to be strong, not just for others, but for yourself as well. Burnout is a reality in this field, and you need to be able to take care of yourself just as you seek to help others. I strongly recommend getting some practical experience in an area of social work that interests you, whether in a paid or volunteer capacity.