- March 10, 2011
- 12:42 pm
- Cara Young
- no comments
From Business to Social Work to Beijing
David Franczyk is not your typical social work graduate student. After spending more than 30 years working in the financial industry, he decided it was time for a major career change. A resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, David enrolled in Loyola University Chicago’s MSW program through the Carthage College cohort back in 2004—at the age of 57.
“Social work is something that’s always been in the back of my mind,” David says. “I’ve always been interested in doing work in the social services area. Also, I’m originally from Chicago, so I knew Loyola and liked the idea of attending a Jesuit school.”
David completed his MSW in 2006 while working full-time as a financial planner. He then enrolled in Loyola’s PhD social work program. David drove down from Milwaukee to Chicago every weekend to complete classes at Loyola.
“Loyola offers an excellent program. The academic challenges are what really drew me in and obviously made quite an impression on me, since I put up with that commute,” he explains. “Loyola faculty members realize that most of their students are working professionals, and my professors have always been very flexible and understanding.”
As part of his PhD studies, David completed two field placements: one at Rogers Memorial Hospital and another at Columbia St. Mary’s, both in Milwaukee. He also attended a two-week study abroad program in Beijing, China last summer. During his overseas experience, David completed a special topics course titled Global Social Welfare Issues and Social Work Responses. He and his classmates also traveled to many different social services sites, attended presentations on Chinese social issues and culture, and explored one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
David’s trip to Beijing was one of the highlights of his Loyola experience thus far.
“It was wonderful to meet so many social work professionals in China and learn how the field is developing in another part of the world,” he says. “I’d recommend the study abroad option to anyone. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to take a first-hand look at a culture you probably won’t otherwise get to experience.”
David is currently working on his dissertation, which he expects to finish in 2010. Completing a doctoral program in social work will allow David to develop higher levels of expertise in his current field of practice, which focuses on the treatment of eating disorders. David also teaches part-time at several colleges and universities, including courses in Loyola’s MSW cohort program. His ultimate career goal is to earn a full-time faculty appointment upon completion of his degree.
Now in his early 60′s, David has no plans to slow down anytime soon. He’s enjoying every aspect of his new career and the many opportunities at his disposal. According to David, attending Loyola is what made his dream of building a career in social work a reality.
“It’s a wonderful school, but in addition to that, the mission of Loyola is so aligned with my personal values and the values of social work,” David explains. “I didn’t give much thought to that initially, but as I continue to spend more time at the University, it becomes even more apparent to me.”
