Step1 Volunteer to be a social worker's aide while you are still in high school. You need to have firsthand experience to discover what social work can entail. Step2 Be aware that a bachelor's degree in social work (B.S.W.) is required for entry-level positions in the social work field. Step3 Maintain a good grade point average throughout high school. Establish good study habits for yourself. Step4 Learn a second language in high school and continue to study it in college. Step5 Ask your guidance counselor for a list of colleges in your preferred locations that offer social work programs. Make certain they are accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. There are currently 430 B.S.W. accredited programs; each requires the student to receive at least 400 hours of supervised field experience. Step6 Write for admissions information and applications well before your senior year in high school. Step7 Look for paid internships during your college years. They can provide you with future references and perhaps open some doors to your career. Step8 Plan on working toward a master's degree in social work (M.S.W.) if you would like a position of any responsibility, including case management. There are currently 130 M.S.W. accredited programs; each requires the student to receive 900 hours of supervised field experience. Step9 Get licensing exam information for the state in which you live. After you receive your M.S.W., you must work under a licensed M.S.W. for two years before you can take the licensing exam.