In this episode, we talk with Michelle Bruxer, the founder of MSW Helper, a platform that helps aspiring social workers navigate writing their personal statements for their grad school applications. She shares what makes a personal statement strong, how admissions committees actually evaluate applications, and how to convey your experience that you may feel is not relevant. Whether you're applying now or thinking about it down the line, Michelle breaks things down in a way that’s practical and encouraging.

Takeaways From This Episode:

1. The two things admissions committees really want to see in your personal statement
2. How to show critical thinking without writing like a robot
3. What not to do (like regurgitating your resume or oversharing trauma)
4. Why your "non-social work" job may still count as valuable experience
5. How to talk about a low GPA (and whether you even need to)
6. Why getting rejected doesn’t mean you’re not meant to be a social worker

Work with Michelle:

1. Get help with your MSW personal statement at MSW Helper (Get $10 off using code SW2WEALTH)
2. Free webinar on writing personal statements

Resources:

1. Check out the affiliated blog post for the full list of resources mentioned in this episode and the unedited transcript.
2. Social Work to Wealth Newsletter — a newsletter for the social worker wanting to level up their career and money.
3. OR text SOCIAL WORK to 33777 to join the newsletter!
4. Find Social Work to Wealth on: TikTok, Instagram, & YouTube.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this podcast & on any affiliated platforms is for educational, informational, & entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. Consuming this content does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal advice pertaining to your particular situation, consult one-on-one with an attorney.