For Our Students

Professional advising is provided by the academic advisor, the faculty field liaison and the Luskin Office of Student Affairs and Alumni Relations (OSAAR).

Although academic advisors primary focus is the student’s MSW journey, they also provide professional guidance in their meetings with their advisees. This is especially the case in the student’s second year of the program when questions about job search and readiness for certain social work settings are often initiated by the student.  Academic advisors also may act as advocates in meetings where students are experiencing issues related to professional conduct in class or in field. For example, if a student is facing removal from their field site, the academic advisor, in addition to the field liaison, can provide more support and advocacy to create opportunities for learning and correction.

Field liaisons are often more connected to community organizations and to the professional community. As such, they provide mentorship to students that is specific to the professional settings of interest to students post-graduation. Field seminars, field events, and informal mentorship through office hours are the primary modes for professional advising by the field liaison. Field events include the annual job fair, mock interview sessions and licensure workshops. Additional resources are provided at the student’s request, for instance, a financial planning workshop to assist students in tax preparation, money management and lessons on how to set up a private practice and/or consulting business upon graduation.

Through OSAAR, students can receive 1-1 career counseling, a public affairs specific job board and newsletter and career development workshops.  The Senior Fellows Program is the school’s premier mentorship program, which provides selected students access to community and civic leaders for individualized professional guidance.