Amber King juggles new career and education

Amber King juggles new career and education

After a successful senior campaign as the 2015-2016 Miss Alcorn State University, Amber King is working toward a successful career as a social worker.

King accepted a position at St. Bernard’s Behavioral Health Agency in Arkansas in August. Her duties include gathering information about her clients and helping them with their issues. She’s also working to earn a master’s degree in social work from Arkansas State University.

King believes that being a social worker is her calling because of her caring heart and passion for assisting others.

“I chose social work as my career path because I want to help the less fortunate and be an advocate for individuals and families who seek help,” said King.

With her new job, King is able to use the skills she’s learned at Alcorn to be an important asset to the St. Bernard team. She appreciates all the knowledge her instructors passed along to her.

“I love it. Alcorn’s social work program prepared me and helped me become familiar with the terminology to use while working. Being at the behavioral health agency puts me in a bigger role. I actually have one on one sessions with individuals and groups.”

King said that getting to know her clients and forming a bond with them are two advantages of being a social worker.

“I enjoy building a rapport with clients and getting a more detailed description about their problems and sicknesses. I also like being the one that builds the clients up by encouraging them and showing empathy because that’s what this job is all about.”

King plans to become a licensed clinical social worker and continue her career at St. Jude Hospital in Tennessee.