Oscar Chavez Robles, a current online student in the Master of Social Work (MSW) program, was elected by his peers in fall 2024 to be the Virtual Academic Center (VAC) student organization representative. In his new position, Chavez Robles works with the administration and faculty at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work to bring attention to the needs and interests of online MSW students. He also shares important information about events, services, deadlines and opportunities with his cohort.
As the VAC representative, Chavez Robles appreciates the opportunity to show up for his fellow classmates and “share valuable resources…that have made a difference in [his own] academic journey.” He encourages his fellow students to delve into everything USC has to offer.
“There are so many ways to be involved,” he said. “There is a plethora of online webinars, job fairs and resources for online students.”
He has taken advantage of many of these opportunities, taking on leadership roles and engaging in community advocacy. He even wrote an op-ed for the student newspaper, The Daily Trojan, about advocating for legislation in Los Angeles.
“The professors, students, and staff are so supportive and encouraging,” Chavez Robles said. Sometimes, when you are doing a program online, there can be concerns about networking and connecting with classmates. Chavez Robles emphasizes that there are “plenty of networking opportunities available online” during class time, the virtual practicum and occasional “Water Cooler Wednesdays,” which he has organized as part of his role with the VAC. As an L.A. local, Chavez Robles has also had the chance to connect with his fellow MSW students outside of the classroom at on-campus events and basketball games.
Knowing that he wanted to pursue licensure, Chavez Robles was searching for a program that would provide him the flexibility to continue working in the medical field, engage in his passions such as travel, and effectively prepare him for the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) exam and post-graduation licensure requirements. The online option for an MSW at USC was the perfect match for him. “I am so grateful for the online learning option ,” Chavez Robles said. “[It] has allowed me to complete my studies, my remote work, my internship and even continue my passion for travel without having to sacrifice any of them.”
Chavez Robles currently works at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in their emergency room and at UCLA Health in case management. He was initially interested in a hospital placement for his practicum education as well, but he stayed open to other possibilities. “Working with my placement team was a breeze,” he said. They found him a role as a bilingual crisis counselor at Crisis Text Line, a global nonprofit organization providing free and confidential text-based support to people of all ages, including those who only speak Spanish.
He began his MSW studies in the adult mental health and wellness track, but switched to the children, youth and families track to better align his studies with the populations he is working with in his practicum placement. At Crisis Text Line, he works remotely, which gives him the flexibility he needs and the opportunity to connect with a larger range of clients who “may need someone like [himself] as support.”
“Sometimes, people just need resources or want someone to listen,” he said. “Not everyone is comfortable with in-person counseling or has the means for therapy, so the fact that Crisis Text Line exists has helped so many people, and I am glad I am here today.”
After graduation, Chavez Robles wants to pursue licensure to become a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and work as a medical social worker. He also hopes to open a private practice someday to provide pro bono services to clients who would otherwise not be able to afford to work with him. He’s recently become interested in working internationally. “I have taken [an] interest in travel social work,” he said. “Maybe [I’ll] even move to Australia or the U.K. in 10 years – I hear they need social workers too.”
For those interested in USC’s online MSW option, Chavez Robles had many positive things to say. Because of the supportive and encouraging environment from peers, professors and administrators, he says, “You will not feel left out or regret…choosing this program.” His advice to future Trojan MSW students: “Time will go fast, so make sure to write down every name, number and opportunity you can, attend every event, and just have fun!”