| The growing and complex Asian American population in the United States with its greatest concentration in Southern California brings about community needs that can be addressed by social workers. However, there is a shortage of Asian American social work professionals who hold Master degrees in Social Work (MSW). The purpose of this study was to examine the factors that influence Asian Americans' choice of pursuing social work as a career. This mixed method study examined a sample of 92 Asian American MSW students in urban schools of social work in Southern California to determine career choice influences. An online survey, individual interviews and a focus group composed of MSW Asian American alumni were utilized.;Asian American MSW students and practicing MSWs were found to be most influenced by personal and social change/social justice factors, specifically, the commitment to helping people with social problems, personal life experiences, and commitment of the social work profession to advocacy on behalf of clients. More recent immigrants, in particular first generation were more influenced by personal factors. Social change/social justice factors were more important for those generations who have resided in the United States for a longer period of time, i.e. second, third, fourth and fifth generations. MSW program/options were not found to be influencing factors. Parents/family was not an important factor in choosing social work as a career. Critical life circumstances were generally not found to be influencing factors. |
