4.2 The First Year Field Placement Process

The generalist (or foundation, first year) internship placement process involves the incoming student, Berkeley Social Welfare, and qualifying agencies that have 1) an existing relationship with our program, and 2) the capacity to receive and provide quality learning opportunities for MSW students. Foundation students are sent to matching interviews initiated by Berkeley Social Welfare, and may not secure their own internship. 

To secure a qualifying internship in time for the fall semester, incoming students are required to maintain timely communication with Berkeley Social Welfare practicum consultants and staff from the time they accept an offer of admission to Berkeley, through the confirmation of their internship. 

Establishing a Berkeley email address is a crucial first step and ensures timely communication with the School. Incoming students must complete this step as promptly as possible.  

Pre-placement orientation activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • reviewing written or electronic materials about the Berkeley Social Welfare MSW field education program

  • completing online pre-placement and liability insurance questionnaires

  • revising and updating your resume

Based on the information gathered in pre-placement activities, Berkeley Social Welfare will verify your eligibility for field education and identify an appropriate agency for placement.

Since the first year of the MSW program is designed to provide a broad introduction to social work and social welfare, practicum agencies are selected for their ability to familiarize students with key approaches, institutions and multiple levels of practice. Matches prioritize student learning needs and goals within the context of qualified and available placements, and may not align with what a student identifies as a priority for their generalist placement. Students are encouraged to make thorough, and productive use of the pre-placement questionnaire to articulate learning goals. 

Should an agency be interested in interviewing the assigned student, they will schedule an interview to assess the suitability of the proposed placement. In some cases, another placement interview may be offered. As described in the requirements for Student Eligibility for Field Placement, failure to obtain placement after two interviews, should the agencies require it, will result in a review of the student’s eligibility for field education and suitability for the degree and profession.

The placement time table, process, and/or available options may be different or restricted for students accepted into certain specialized program options with additional internship-based requirements, such as stipend-based training programs (e.g., Child Welfare Scholars/Title IV-E) or credentialing programs (e.g., Pupil Personnel Services Credential in School Social Work). Students always have the option of withdrawing from these specialized programs, but may be subject to consequences such as repayment of any disbursed stipend awards.