Have you been told that you have a natural ability to communicate with all types of people, and to do so in a positive way? Are you able to set aside your own emotions and opinions when others come to you for direction in their lives? If so, then you might want to consider becoming a social worker. Everyday there are people battling to stay positive, people that have serious family issues, mental illness or substance abuse probelms. Social workers help these people learn to help themselves, to deal with their problems in the most effective way. This guide will provide you with information and tips on how to become a social worker.

If you think you might want to become a social worker, it is never too early to start preparing for your future. If you are a high school student, or a college student that has not yet chosen a major, you can start getting involved and gaining experience in the field. You may:

1. Volunteer as a social worker's aid
2. Join a charity organization
3. Help out in the community, offering your time at community centers or the local YMCA

All social workers must have a bachelor's degree, although many companies will require that you have a master's degree as well. Most people obtain their master's degree if they want to specialize in a particular area of social work, or If they want to be a clinical social worker. You should:

1. Obtain a bachelor's degree in social work. Some companies may hire graduates with other degrees as well. These may include psychology, sociology or similar fields of study. Consider taking on an internship your last year of school, as this will help you gain field experience and meet contacts.
2. Obtain a Master's degree in social work. These programs will require that you select an area of specialization. Most graduate programs will take you two years, and will require that you have 900 hours of supervised field instruction or internship.
3. Obtain a doctorate degree. This is often sought out by those wanting to become college professors or those seeking research appointments.

Regardless of whether you opt for a master's degree or not, you should try and choose schools for both degrees that have been accredited by the Council on Social Work. Although all positions in the field may will not require this accreditation, it is still beneficial to keep all your options open.

Aspiring social workers should consider developing some of the following skills for the work place:

1. The ability to be diplomatic
2. Conflict management skills
3. People skills
4. A general knowledge of the law and of human rights
5. The ability to not become emotionally involved
6. Dedication and passion
7. Patience

All states, including the District of Columbia, will require that you obtain some type of license, certification or registration. For those seeking to become a clinical social worker, this usually involves an additional two years of field work before taking a licensing exam. However, every state has different rules and regulations for all aspects of the social work field.

Once you have met all the above requirements, you should be equipped with the necessary background to find a job. Whether you choose to work with children, families, or those struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues, the fact is that you will be helping others to make their own lives better with a future to look forward to.