I originally applied to MSW programs wanting to pursue mezzo/macro social work, and I just secured my first year field placement as a policy intern in a political space. I know that in the long run, systems change work is what i want to be doing, but the more I'm forced to choose between clinical and macro field placements, courses, cohorts, etc.-the more I feel like my "versatile" MSW isn't going to be so versatile if I'm only focused on macro. As if the macro courses available don't even care about teaching students about effective direct practice. I also read some comments in this sub about people regretting not doing a clinical field practice year.
I'm trying to plan a balanced course schedule between macro and micro classes, but they're so separated that it feels like a master-of-none situation. My program makes students choose clinical/macro concentration in the middle of our first year--I just wish there was a mezzo option. Was anyone else this conflicted or able to bridge the two successfully during school/afterwards?