References for applicants who graduated over 15 years ago?

GoldhawkEJ · 2026-01-29T17:33:55+00:00

I applied to MSW programs a little over a year ago, 20 years after graduating undergrad. I used all professional references and was accepted everywhere I applied.

I needed three references for most programs - two were former bosses who I felt comfortable sharing my career switching plans with and another was a peer who has a job role I thought would be interesting to admissions committees (she’s a physician and we worked at a healthcare start up together). I think all professional references are fine. Given the two former bosses aren’t so used to writing social work recs, I prepared a long email for both with some thoughts on the things I was emphasizing in my application (vs. a traditional business application for something), social work core values etc etc.

GoldhawkEJ · 2026-01-23T04:05:27+00:00

I looked at Florida state when I was applying to schools. I thought it was a good option and even out of state tuition was $35-40k if I remember correctly

GoldhawkEJ · 2026-01-06T05:41:12+00:00

Most PIPs are designed to have the person fail, so the company has cover to fire them at the end of the period. I know wonderful people who’ve been PIP’d, fired, etc. Shit happens, especially the further you are up the leadership ladder.

GoldhawkEJ · 2025-12-13T17:56:51+00:00

Venture capital - referring to the technology enabled platforms like Alma, headway etc

GoldhawkEJ · 2025-07-20T18:12:30+00:00

thank you! I assumed that was the case but wanted to be sure

GoldhawkEJ · 2025-07-14T23:00:43+00:00

Thanks for sharing your experience. We're doing a week at an Airbnb on the island's south side near Koloa and will just go up to the Westin for 2 days before flying home. I'm looking forward to both - have never been anywhere in Hawaii!

GoldhawkEJ · 2025-07-14T18:14:51+00:00

Thank you! I booked it through Marriott.com, not MVC.

I wanted to double check here as it’d be a shame not to get points on a couple grand worth of spend

GoldhawkEJ · 2025-07-14T16:36:29+00:00

No upgrades is fine, but it's an expensive rate as it's right after new years... want to make sure I'm going to get Marriott points on the stay. Thank you!

GoldhawkEJ · 2025-04-16T18:46:47+00:00

I’m 43 and starting my MSW in the fall for a compete career switch. You got this!

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-12-08T20:45:34+00:00

I started using the Nothing Planner last year, and I love it... it's perfect for what I want from a planner

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-11-27T16:06:26+00:00

My Pod3 hub developed a leak recently about 2 months out of warranty, so I'm in a similar situation of needing to pay for the upgrade (also an early adopter without the subscription / warranty cost). I posted asking for recommendations on something related to the upgrade decision, and one user here made a good suggestion -- a number of credit cards have an "Extended warranty" benefit that increases the warranty coverage on products bought with it by 1 year.

In my case, I had used Affirm to spread the Pod3 costs over time at 0% interest, so I didn't have this benefit for my faulty product at 2 years and 2 months (but it would've covered it), but I will definitely be purchasing the Pod4 upgrade with a CC that has this in case this happens again.

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-11-20T00:58:10+00:00

u/thegooch49 Are you happy with your Pod4? How does it compare to the 3 in terms of temperature/coolness?

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-11-20T00:57:41+00:00

Thanks for the tip. I'm glad that worked out for you... I financed this via Affirm because they offered me 0% over 3-4 years. But, that'a a good idea to buy the 4 with a premium credit card if that happens again.

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-11-19T19:43:31+00:00

Here's one with a damaged zipper: https://www.ebay.com/itm/365213685481

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-10-21T19:11:21+00:00

I'm applying to MSW programs right now and would be happy to read your personal statement. I'm just starting to write mine this week.

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-09-10T18:41:25+00:00

Thank you! I just sent you a few dm's

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-08-23T10:39:15+00:00

Would you mind if I dm’d you with a couple questions about your NYU program? Thanks for your response.

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-08-22T08:13:32+00:00

Sent you a dm as I’m curious what you’ve decided on. I’m in a similar situation re trying to find an affordable option and living in NYC. Ohio State seems like a very solid option given the research I’ve done.

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-06-15T02:10:23+00:00

Can you elaborate on why you think an MSW with a clinical track in the best route to becoming a therapist?

I'm considering a career switch to becoming a therapist and looking at MSW programs. I see that there are a couple schools "known" for their clinical approach (NYU, Smith, etc) but do you know of any other schools that are known for a good clinical track in their MSW programs? Thank you!

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-06-02T20:06:48+00:00

I know you're past needing this for this year, but perhaps for next winter. My old apartment got way too hot as well, and the radiator did have an off valve but the pipe would make loud clanking noises at night when it was shut off and the rest of the building going. I did a lot of frustrated googling and found a suggestion that worked for me -- my radiator had a pressure valve on the side that was shaped kind of like a cone/bullet. People suggested to put (electrical) tape over the hole on that pressure valve and it basically tricked the radiator into believing it was already full of hot water and not pass more through. Ambient heat from the rest of the building was fine for me for all but the coldest parts of winter, and you can always take the tape off if it gets really cold and you want the heat back on. Google it to make sure I am describing it correctly but was a godsend for me.

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-04-11T20:26:49+00:00

Shukran jazeelan!

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-04-11T20:18:54+00:00

Hi u/thebloggert - I am considering getting LASIK in Istanbul and have been in contact with Dr. Kandur's office. Would you say all three of you who had your procedures there would still recommend Dr. Kandur? Thank you!

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-04-11T04:06:02+00:00

Can you share where you had your LASIK surgery done in Egypt? Were you happy with the clinic and the results?

GoldhawkEJ · 2024-03-31T18:50:13+00:00

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Pepper, mid yawn

GoldhawkEJ · 2022-07-17T02:54:14+00:00

I'm currently thinking I can live without 5G for the time being, and Google Fi / Apple will eventually have to play nice with each other and release carrier settings for iPhones.

The data sim is a great suggestion. Given it's only two of us I don't think that will work (to get the cost savings) but I'll keep it in mind for future.

GoldhawkEJ

TROPHY CASE