The Social Work Experience

Happy October, and happy Hispanic Heritage Month! As Halloween approaches, the Social Work Experience co-hosts are here to dispel the scary mysteries around admissions and make applying to a graduate social work program more approachable. This time, we’ll be chatting with both online/hybrid and on-campus students, prioritizing positivity, getting faculty perspectives from Dr. Wolf and Dr. Nguyen, and dancing away to cumbia rhythms and stories.  *Correction: email us at swgsa.podcastchair@gmail.com Music: 1. Woodland Mystery by Wood and Paper Music (spooky intro) Website: PremiumBeat 2. Lemon Bass - Adobe Podcast track 3. High Roller - Adobe Podcast track 3. All That by Benjamin Tissot (chill hop) Music by: Bensound License code: CLW89FO4PAN71DL5 4. E.R.F by Benjamin Tissot (energetic electronica) Music by Bensound.com/royalty-free-music, License code: REAZHI7NDAPLDSET 5. On Repeat by Marcus P. (pop) Music I Use: Bensound.com/free-music-for-video, License code: 4HHO0KY9FTAWHTBN 6. Cumbia Caliente by Daniel Belardinelli (cumbia) Website: PremiumBeat Application Page for MSW ⁠https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/admissions/apply-msw/index.php⁠ General Information for Fall 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fs36ZDaEteM Online/Hybrid Resources https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/programs/msw/msw-online.php https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsR1kdafyV0 Full-Time On-Campus https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/programs/msw/msw-fulltime.php Advanced Standing https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/programs/msw/msw-advancedstanding.php

In this episode, we speak with Melissa, a second year SJSU MSW student, about her personal experience with neurodivergence in the grad school experience. Tune in to hear about one of the many perspectives of what being neurodivergent can mean inside the classroom.

On this episode, we talk to Mikey and Maddy about Lobby Days! Tune in for information about what lobby days is, what is the importance of lobby days, and how to get involved! SJSU MSW Program Admissions Page: https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/admissions/aply-msw/index.php Follow us on Instagram: @sjsuswgsa @uswasjsu @sjsusocialwork

On the fourth episode of Season 2, we lead a discussion with Valeria (USWA President!) about what imposter syndrome is, how it may look in the field of social work, and how we personally deal with it. But first, Professor Ruiz tells us all about stipend opportunities at San Jose State University! Episode Markers: 0:00-39:00: Information about stipends at SJSU (ft. Professor Ruiz) 39:00-40:00: SWGSA Announcements 40:07-1:15:20: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome (ft. Valeria) SJSU MSW Program Admissions Page: https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/admissions/apply-msw/inde.php Follow us on Instagram: @sjsuswgsa @uswasjsu @sjsusocialwork Please get in touch with us at swgsa.podcastchair@gmail.com if you have any questions and comments about our episodes!

On this second episode of Season 2, we talk about what its really like to be in grad school, more specifically in the MSW Program at SJSU. We are joined by Julie Black and Maddy Western who share about their honest experiences in grad school so far. Then, we are later joined by former Podcast hosts Eric and Pancho who share about their reflection of the SJSU MSW Program. We are excited to have you on this journey by following and subscribing to our social media accounts below. Episode Markers: 0:00-39:00 - What's Julie and Maddy's grad school experience? 39:00-41:25 - SWGSA Events! 41:25-1:14:25 - What's Eric and Pancho's grad school experience? SJSU MSW Program Admissions Page: https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/admissions/apply-msw/index.php Follow us on Instagram: @sjsuswgsa @uswasjsu @sjsusocialwork Please get in touch with swgsa.podcastchair@gmail.com if you have any questions and comments about our episodes!

We are excited to announce another episode of The Social Work Experience with special guest Carlos Bejarano (SJSU MSW Alumni, 2016-2017 SWGSA President, and current NASW Region B Director) and Alexandra Ferry (MSW Student, and SWGSA NASW Student Representative). In season 1, episode 3 of The Social Work Experience, co-host Francisco “Pancho” Garcia and Eric Garcia have an authentic conversation with special guests Alexandra and Carlos. Together, they discuss what Lobby Days is, its contribution to social workers' development, and their involvement. Carlos also speaks from an alum perspective to share advice for graduating students embarking on their paths to establishing a career in social work. Episode Time Markers: 00:00-35.25 Lobby Days with Alexandra & Carlos 35.25-56:45 Alumni’s perspective to prepare for Post-grad 56:45-end Self Care Listen to our newest episode on Apple podcast or Spotify: Click here to listen on Apple Podcast Click here to listen on Spotify Community Feedback Form: We also want to hear from YOU! Do you have suggestions on what we should discuss next? Do you have a guest that you would like us to invite next? Submit your feedback and ideas here https://forms.gle/EyK3M1aW6hs1vPvT8 Episode Supporting Information: NASW Lobby Days Political Action and Advocacy (naswca.org) SWGSA https://sjsuswgsa.godaddysites.com/home USWA  https://www.instagram.com/uswasjsu/?hl=en SJSU CAPS https://www.sjsu.edu/counseling/ Follow us on Instagram: @sjsuswgsa @uswasjsu @sjsusocialwork Any questions can be sent to Podcast Co-Host Eric Garcia and Francisco "Pancho" Garcia at swgsa.vicepresident@gmail.com and francisco.j.garcia@sjsu.edu (please include both on the thread)

On the first episode of “The Social Work Experience”, the hosts Pancho and Eric (MSW students) and Dr. Lee (Director of the School of Social Work) discuss the journey of this podcast and as an MSW student, navigating the MSW general admission, then ending with the manifestation of good energy through self-care. Please follow along on this journey by subscribing and following the IG accounts below!  SJSU MSW Program Admissions Page: https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/admissions/apply-msw/index.php Follow us on Instagram: @sjsuswgsa @uswasjsu @sjsusocialwork Gratitude Journal: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1647397197?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details Please get in touch with swgsa.vicepresident@gmail.com if you have any questions or comments about the podcast. 

For Episode 3 of Season 3, we'll be discussing how to get involved in macro level social work, highlighting political advocacy, exploring the idea of encouraging voter engagement as an act of social work, providing nonpartisan summaries of the California Propositions on the ballot for the 2024 election cycle, and speaking with an honorable veteran social worker. To learn more about voting advocacy: https://voting.socialwork.uconn.edu/ CA Proposition Overview: https://lao.ca.gov/ballotanalysis/propositions Thank you to our wonderful speakers, Professor Tanya Rhodes Smith, Emmy Franklin, Thomas Arnold, and Aldo Delacruz for their valuable time and extremely insightful perspectives. Until next time!

Welcome to season 3 of the Social Work Experience podcast! For the '24-'25 school year, we have Maddy Western, Luna Khalil, and Jessica Silva as our hosts. During this episode, we’ll be covering how to navigate first day jitters, prioritizing self care, and how to beat the back-to-school blues.  Thank you to our special guests Jessica Salza Rybnikar, Wendy Siguenza, Mackenzie Minard, Juliana Ramirez, Dr. Peter Lee, and Professor Derek Wang for contributing to this episode. Music Credits: 1. Trendsetter by Mood Maze Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetter License code: 0FFYKSJHGUX5XONK 2. Comparsa by Kevin MacLeod Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/kevin-macleod/comparsa License code: VMSPZKTAWREYHQXC 3. Bring the Fun! by Andrey Rossi Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/andrey-rossi/bring-the-fun License code: ANFW7SE866V5ANZA Have any suggestions? Please let us know at swgsa.podcastchair@gmail.com. Thanks for tuning in!

On this final episode of Season 2, Jess and Tanvi sign off for the last time after talking about commencement with SWGSA Commencement Chair Zitlaly. Stay tuned until the very end to hear some very special messages from the class of 2024.

On our 5th episode of Season 2, we talk with MSW Student Diego about how we all feel about starting the new semester. Later, we talk with SWGSA President Paola about time management skills we learned that help us manage grad school! Episode Markers: Starting a New Semester with Diego: 0:00-20:33 Announcements: 20:33-20:48 Time Management with Paola: 20:48-50:27 SJSU MSW Program Admissions Page: https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/admissions/apply-msw/index.php Follow us on Instagram: @sjsuswgsa @uswasjsu @sjsusocialwork Please get in touch with us at swgsa.podcastchair@gmail.com if you have any questions and comments about our episodes!

In this third episode of Season 2, we talk about some green and red flags of organizations, support within the field, and professional boundaries. We are joined by Jen, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who shares her honest thoughts about what to look for within an organization. Then, we are joined by podcast hosts Tanvi and Jess who share some reflections of what drew them to social work and their thoughts on micro, mezzo, and macro social work. We are excited to have you on this journey by following and subscribing to our social media accounts below. Episode Markers: 0:00-27:00 – Speaking with Jen: What makes a good organization? What are some green and red flags? 27:22-28:05 - SWGSA Events for November 2023! 28:18-49:04 – What drew Tanvi and Jess to social work? Micro, Mezzo, and Macro talk. SJSU MSW Program Admissions Page: https://www.sjsu.edu/socialwork/admissions/apply-msw/index.php Follow us on Instagram: @sjsuswgsa @uswasjsu @sjsusocialwork Please get in touch with swgsa.podcastchair@gmail.com if you have any questions and comments about our episodes!

We are excited to announce our start to Season 2 of "The Social Work Experience". On the first episode, previous hosts Pancho and Eric (SJSU MSW Alum) introduce the new hosts Tanvi and Jess (SJSU MSW Students) and give a breakdown of their experiences and hopes for the new season. We are once again joined by Dr. Peter Allen Lee, Director of the School of Social Work at San Jose State, to discuss important topics for students, staff, and faculty about highlights of the field of social work, updated accreditation, resources and tips, self care and community, and updates for the upcoming academic year. We're excited to have you on this journey by following and subscribing to our social media accounts below. Episode Markers: 00:00-16:21 - Handing over the torch with Eric, Pancho, Tanvi, and Jess 16:21-End -Information and updates from Dr. Lee (networking, accreditation, self care, and campus resources) SJSU MSW Program Admissions Page: https://www.sjsu.edy/socialwork/admissions/apply-msw/index.php Follow us on Instagram: @sjsuswgsa @uswasjsu @sjsjusocialwork Please get in touch with swgsa.podcastchair@gmail.com if you have any questions and comments about our episodes!

We are excited to announce a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of this special edition, episode 4.2, of The Social Work Experience with special guest Dr. Lee (Director of the Social Work Department). In season 1, episode 4.2, co-host Francisco “Pancho” Garcia and Eric Garcia have an authentic conversation with special guest Dr. Lee. Coming to a full circle on the journey, they reflect on the 2022-2023 academic year experience together. Within the reflection, they provide tips, advice, finding our purpose in life, and other great aspects to think about as we endure our own journey.  Listen to our newest episode on Apple podcast or Spotify: Click here to listen on Apple Podcast Click here to listen on Spotify Episode Time Markers: 00:00-1:25 Explanation of the special edition 4.2 1:26-56:16 SJSU Seasonal Info with Dr. Lee  Episode Supporting Information: SWGSA https://sjsuswgsa.godaddysites.com/home USWA  https://www.instagram.com/uswasjsu/?hl=en Follow us on Instagram: @sjsuswgsa @uswasjsu @sjsusocialwork Financial Aid and Scholarship Office https://www.sjsu.edu/faso/ Any questions can be sent to Podcast Co-Host Eric Garcia and Francisco "Pancho" Garcia at swgsa.vicepresident@gmail.com and francisco.j.garcia@sjsu.edu (please include both on the thread)

We are excited to announce another episode of The Social Work Experience!  In season 1, episode 4.1, co-host Francisco “Pancho” Garcia and Eric Garcia have an authentic conversation with special guests Dr. Wolf and Dr. Hayes. Together, they discuss their experiences in transitioning out of school to a career in the social work field. Their discussion highlights key points for themselves, such as “keep on swimming” and believing in the journey.  Listen to our newest episode on Apple podcast or Spotify: Click here to listen on Apple Podcast Click here to listen on Spotify Episode Time Markers: 00:00-3:00 Introductions with the special guests, Dr. Wolf and Dr. Hayes 3:00-52:00 Transitioning out of School discussion with the special guests 52:00-54:00 Explanation of the “Special Edition 4.2 Episode” 54:00-end  Self-care  Episode Supporting Information: SWGSA https://sjsuswgsa.godaddysites.com/home USWA  https://www.instagram.com/uswasjsu/?hl=en Follow us on Instagram: @sjsuswgsa @uswasjsu @sjsusocialwork Any questions can be sent to Podcast Co-Host Eric Garcia and Francisco "Pancho" Garcia at swgsa.vicepresident@gmail.com and francisco.j.garcia@sjsu.edu (please include both on the thread)

Warning: We experienced technical difficulties while producing the podcast but have resolved the issue for upcoming episodes.  On season 1, episode 2 of “The Social Work Experience”, co-host Francisco “Pancho” Garcia  and Eric Garcia (MSW students), have an authentic conversation with special guests Destiny Santana and Jaslyn Abdul, both MSW students and Title IV-E recipients. In the episode, they discuss their journey in the Title IV-E program offered at San Jose State University, the importance of the social work student organizations and self-care. Plus, a special message from Dr. Lee regarding accreditation. Episode Time Markers: 00:00-35.25 Title IV-E with Destiny & Jaslyn 35.25-56:45 Accreditation with Dr.Lee 56:45-end SWGSA & Self Care Listen to our newest episode on apple podcast or spotify: Click here to listen on Apple Podcast Click here to listen on Spotify Check out our newest tiktok  Community Feedback Form: We also want to hear from YOU! Do you have suggestions on what we should discuss next? Do you have a guest that you would like us to invite next? Submit your feedback and ideas here https://forms.gle/EyK3M1aW6hs1vPvT8 Episode Supporting Information: SJSU Title IV-E Program: https://www.sjsu.edu/title4e/ SWGSA https://sjsuswgsa.godaddysites.com/home USWA https://www.sjsu.edu/counseling/ SJSU CAPS https://www.sjsu.edu/counseling/ Follow us on Instagram: @sjsuswgsa @uswasjsu @sjsusocialwork Any questions can be sent to swgsa.vicepresident@gmail.com and francisco.j.garcia@sjsu.edu (please include both on the thread)