Master of Social Work

Angel's Career Journey

Angel Skipper graduated in May 2023 and currently works at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a pediatric social worker, where their responsibilities include conducting psychosocial assessments, providing emotional support to patients and families, connecting individuals to community resources, assisting with discharge planning, and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to ensure holistic care. A typical day involves meeting with patients and families, completing assessments, responding to consults from the medical team, and addressing barriers to care such as housing, mental health, or financial concerns, while also coordinating with providers, documenting interventions, and following up on referrals and ongoing needs. Their MSW education provided a strong clinical foundation, including skills in assessment, active listening, crisis intervention, and understanding human behavior in the social environment, along with knowledge of systems theory, cultural competence, and ethical decision-making, all of which are used daily in practice. Courses focused on clinical practice and mental health were especially impactful in shaping their career path and building confidence in working with individuals and families in high-stress situations. They manage stress by maintaining boundaries between work and personal life, seeking support from colleagues, and engaging in self-care practices such as rest, spending time with loved ones, and taking mental breaks to reflect and prevent burnout. They advise current students to stay connected to their purpose, embrace learning opportunities through internships, ask questions, and remain open to growth, even during challenging experiences. Reflecting on their journey, they note the importance of patience and self-compassion, emphasizing that it is okay not to have everything figured out right away and that confidence develops over time, along with the value of networking and building professional relationships. One of their favorite memories from the MSW program was forming meaningful connections with peers, fostering a sense of community, and supporting one another through challenges while celebrating shared accomplishments.