///// Career Design & Social Work Readiness at Silver
Our office, in conjunction with students’ academic experience inclusive of practicum, strives to prepare the best career-ready social workers in the profession. We partner across the explicit and implicit curriculum of the School to strategically integrate career design and readiness aligned with social work competencies and core values into all aspects of the Silver student experience and preparation for social work practice. Our programs, resources, and tools include, but are not limited to:
Skills-based career workshops integrated into all Practice classes that focus on placement and career preparation
Opportunities to connect with peers, alums, faculty, and practitioners in the profession
1:1 career coaching appointments, specifically for Silver students
Events and programs designed to support social work readiness
Resources and tools for the licensing application process
Virtual guides, modules, and templates tailored to the social work and Silver student context
Through our inclusive and student-centered offerings, we provide a personalized approach to proactively prepare you for an impactful and meaningful career that aligns with your skills, interests, values, and long-term goals. Take advantage of these offerings to invest in your development, engage in opportunities to gain the skill sets, toolsets, and mindsets needed to build confidence towards becoming a competent social work practitioner, and don’t hesitate to connect with us for support every step of the way.
///// Meet the Team
SOOAH KWAK (she/her)
Director
Sooah is building and leading the Office of Career Design & Social Work Readiness as the Director. Sooah obtained her M.A. in International Education from NYU Steinhardt and has a background rooted in education, advocacy, and diversity, equity, and inclusion work. She has worked with populations such as immigrants and refugees, English language learners and international students, students of color and other identity-based groups, and in a variety of contexts including nonprofit organizations focused on immigration services and policy, New York City public schools, and higher education institutions where she has gained valuable experience in student development, learning design, community engagement, and program implementation.
Most recently, Sooah worked at NYU’s Center for Multicultural Education and Programs (CMEP) where she provided support to marginalized groups on campus and created innovative trainings and programs to engage NYU students, staff, and faculty around topics related to diversity and social justice. Sooah gets energized about building community, guiding community members through their own learning processes, and reframing and reimagining ways of thinking and doing. Sooah looks forward to working with Silver students, exploring possibilities and providing resources to be the most equipped and career-ready social workers in the field.
MIRANDA WANG (she/her)
MSW Intern
Miranda is a second-year MSW student hailing from Beijing, China. She's in the Shanghai-NY joint program, where she spent her first year at NYUSH doing hospital social work. A bold career changer, she used to work in finance and previously graduated from NYU Stern before pursuing MSW. She loves dancing, hot yoga, and surfing. Miranda is thrilled to return to the main NYU campus and serve the NYU Silver community this year.
GRACE DEFINO (she/her)
Administrative Aide
Grace is the Administrative Aide for the Office of Career Design & Social Work Readiness (CDR) as well as the Office of Inclusive Engagement & Student Life (IESL). Grace also serves as support staff for Courtney O’Mealley, Associate Dean of Student Affairs. In her role as the Administrative Aide for CDR, Grace serves as the front-facing liaison to students, faculty, alumni, and other community partners.
Grace supports the career coaching appointment scheduling process, maintains event pages and web portals, performs event logistics, and will be your go-to for all general inquiries related to co-curricular and student life activities. Prior to her role at NYU Silver, Grace served as a temporary Program Coordinator for the Office of Professional Development at NYU Dentistry. Grace is also a graduate student in NYU Steinhardt’s Sociology of Education program!
Grace speaks four languages (French, Spanish, Italian, and English!), plays guitar, and enjoys any and all creative outlets.
Stay Connected
The Office of Career Design & Social Work Readiness distributes a monthly newsletter to all students to share information on upcoming events, highlight student and alumni achievements, professional development resources, and job opportunities. Students are encouraged to review the newsletter, as well as regular email communications from silver.careerdesign@nyu.edu, to stay up-to-date on various resources and opportunities made available. Relevant information, event information, and updates are also posted on our Instagram, @nyusilvercareerdesign.
Office of Career Design & Social Work Readiness
NYU Silver School of Social Work
1 Washington Square North, Suite G07
New York, NY 10003
T: (212) 998-5946