A few years after graduation I went on to earn my master’s degree in social work and currently work for a foster/adoption agency in Houston. While it might not seem like a natural progression, my undergraduate degree in political science has significantly enhanced my career as a social worker. Coursework through the political science department taught me to look at systems from a theoretical framework, understanding how individual players and their corresponding philosophies interact with each other within a system. This has proved immeasurably useful in interacting with my clients on a day to day basis, allowing me to more adequately understand the intersectionality of various the systems in their lives. Additionally, my education with the political science department has allowed me to be a more effective advocate for foster children in Texas. Understanding the way local, state, and federal policies influence service delivery has helped me know where to channel advocacy efforts in order to see meaningful results and better legislation.
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