Amandla Daniels
I am extremely grateful for my internship experiences. Without those I would not be where I am today. The internship opportunities helped me prepare for my career after graduation. I was able to gain a better understanding of the social work field and explore working with multiple populations.
Why did you want to study social work?
When I started at UWM, I never wanted to be a social worker. My dream was to graduate with an art degree and pursue a graduate degree in art therapy as I enjoyed helping others. However, my parents encouraged me to explore other related areas. I ended up taking Social Work 100 with Peggy Maillet and began to understand that having a social work degree makes you more marketable during the job search as social workers can be found in multiple settings.
What has been the best social work job you had and why?
I had three very impactful internships that led me to the best and only social work job that I have had since graduating. The best thing about social work is that there is never a dull day as every day is different. While my job can be demanding, I enjoy the challenge. Each day presents new opportunities to make connections with our students and find new ways to assist students in their academic success. My job allows me to have the autonomy to implement school wide initiatives (creating a trauma sensitive environment, utilizing restorative practices in the classroom, creating a sensory room for staff and students), focus on individual student needs and participate in multiple projects with students. One of the student projects is our podcast – VRP Breakdown, which was featured on National Public Radio (NPR). Hear our staff episode here.
How did HBSSW help you?
I am extremely grateful for my internship experiences. Without those I would not be where I am today. The internship opportunities helped me prepare for my career after graduation. I was able to gain a better understanding of the social work field and explore working with multiple populations. The internships challenged me to step outside of my comfort zone and ultimately led me to the career that I love. The advising center also gave me an opportunity to utilize and strengthen my social work skills through peer advising as I completed my social work degree. Kelby Spann and Kate Masshardt were great advisors and mentors throughout my time at UWM.
What is your best advice for social work students?
Take advantage of the free time that you have. Join clubs that are not necessarily connected to your major, take advantage of the study abroad opportunities, meet with your advisor each semester to ensure that you are on track to graduate, take advantage of the certificate programs (even if it adds another class to your schedule), get to know your professors as they all are great resources for more insight on the profession and participate in as many on-campus as well as off-campus activities as you can. UWM is located in a great city! Don’t be afraid to get out there and explore!
Where is Amandla Daniels now?
Amandla Daniels is the school social worker at the Vel R. Phillips School, located in Milwaukee’s Juvenile Detention Center.