Jennifer L. Perez, MSW, JD Candidate 2012

Clinical Social Worker, University of North Carolina Healthcare Systems, NC

“Look at your strengths and choose an area of practice where you can utilize those qualities. There is a social work profession out there that would love to have your skill set.”

Health care touches all human beings from every economic background. People don’t realize that social workers are in many areas within health care; it’s an ever-changing environment where you can truly help someone in crisis.

Social work is about helping an individual in a time of need. My first client walked into my office with a black eye and pregnant. She lost the baby from being battered. I was as scared as she was. We worked together extensively; two years later she was healthy and had left the batterer.

It’s great knowing that you were there in that time of crisis to provide the piece of support – no matter how small – that helped that person move to the next moment or decision in their lives in a healthier way. It’s that short, but sweet, “thank you.”

Salary: $50,000-$59,999