Brookdale Graduate Jessica Argentina Launches Career in Social Work

Jessica Argentina, a recent graduate of Brookdale Community College, has successfully transitioned from student to full-time professional, thanks to the college’s Human Services program and a pivotal internship experience. Jessica graduated in May with a pre-social work degree, inspired by her high school experiences as president of the Keyport First Aid Cadet Squad.

During high school, while responding to an emergency call, she successfully assisted in calming an individual in crisis. This experience, coupled with the influence of a social worker on her squad, ignited her passion for social work. “Serving on the squad was my first exposure to social work,” Jessica recalls.

Hailing from Union Beach and attending Keyport High School, Jessica’s early experiences laid the foundation for her pursuit of a degree in human services. Enrolling in Brookdale’s program, she eagerly applied for an internship during her last semester, which she completed from January to April. This internship not only met her practicum requirements but also led to a full-time position with the Monmouth County Division of Social Services.

“When I applied for the internship, I knew it was something brand new, and I wasn’t sure of all the details. But I knew it would be an experience in the career I was very interested in,” Jessica explains. Her proactive attitude paid off when she and fellow interns were offered interviews for permanent positions. Jessica began her full-time role on May 17, and will work in the income maintenance side of the division until she completes her bachelor’s degree in social work.

Jessica’s time as an intern was marked by a welcoming and supportive environment. “The work environment is very nice. Everyone is incredibly open and wants to know more about you. They are also just like that with their clients,” she says. The hands-on experience allowed her to see the human side behind applications, making her job more meaningful. “It’s very eye-opening to put a person behind the voice of the application,” she notes.

The practical skills Jessica gained at Brookdale, particularly in group counseling classes, have been invaluable. “I learned when to jump in and steer conversations back on course. Without that experience, I would struggle more with keeping phone conversations on topic,” she reflects.

Jessica is grateful for the guidance she received from her supervisors during her internship. “The supervisors emphasized that no matter what mistake is made, it can always be fixed. This was a very relieving mindset to adopt,” she says. This philosophy has helped her handle the responsibilities of ensuring clients receive the correct amount of food stamps and cash assistance.

Looking ahead, Jessica is continuing her education through the Rutgers at Brookdale program, working towards her bachelor’s degree in social work. She plans to stay with the Monmouth County Division of Social Services and eventually pursue her master’s degree. “I plan to stay with the county for as long as I can,” she asserts, demonstrating her commitment to public service.

Across the nation, many sectors struggle with attracting and retaining employees, with the human services sector being particularly affected. The Monmouth ACTS Advisory Council has responded by initiating the Career Pathways Program, designed to attract and retain professionals through employment, education, training, and professional growth opportunities.

In collaboration with the Monmouth County Division of Social Services (MCDSS), Brookdale Community College offers Human Services program students a paid internship during their final semester. This internship provides hands-on experience across various MCDSS units, giving students a comprehensive understanding of the agency’s programs and services. Upon completion, participants are encouraged to apply for full-time employment, leveraging their internship experience to facilitate a smoother transition into the workforce.

Jessica’s journey from high school volunteer to full-time social services professional is a testament to her dedication and the robust support system at Brookdale Community College. Her story underscores the value of practical experience and mentorship in launching successful careers in social work.

For more information about Brookdale Community College’s Human Services Program and Pre-Social Work Option, visit Brookdale Community College Human Services Program.