The Continued Need for Macro Field Internships: Support, Visibility and Quality Matter

ABSTRACT

The ongoing emphasis on micro practice and declining interest in macro practice has rasied concerns regarding the availability and quality of macro internships. Effective training of macro practitioners entering the field remains necessary for reasons including oversight of staff and student internships. This study examines student and faculty perceptions of macro practice field internship experiences within social work programs across the United States and Canada. Findings suggest the majority of internships are offered within MSW programs. Respondents identified a lack of support from social work programs or field departments and a lack of internships as primary barriers to obtaining quality placements.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Melissa Iverson

Melissa Iverson is a PhD student in the School of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago.

Michael P. Dentato

Michael P. Dentato is an Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago.

Keith Green

Keith Green is an Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work at Loyola University Chicago.

Nikki Busch

Nikki Busch holds masters’ degrees in Social Work and Women’s and Gender Studies from Loyola University Chicago. Nikki is a mental health therapist.