Alumni Spotlight With Katie Benson (MSW '10)

UGA MSW alumna Katie Benson discusses her work with the National Crime Prevention Council and how she came to work in Washington D.C.

What is your hometown?  

Bluefield, WV

Education (institution(s))? Degree(s)? Year(s)?

Marshall University, Social Work, 2003-2005
Shepherd University, B.S.W., 2005-2007
University of Georgia, M.S.W. (Community Empowerment & Program Development; Certificate in Nonprofit Management), 2009-2010.

How did you come to pick a career in social work?

My original intentions were to pursue a career in Education, but I quickly learned that wasn’t the field for me.

My mother worked as a Church and Community Worker for the United Methodist Church. During her career she filled many roles, but the work I remember most vividly was coordinating and networking with social service agencies to provide services to low-income families. She felt proud and challenged by her work, and dedicated her life to helping others. While I did not have interest in working in the faith community, I knew I wanted the same fulfillment in my profession.

How did you hear about your job? How long have you been working there?

I knew when I moved to D.C. I wanted to work for a nonprofit organization in some sort of research capacity. The National Crime Prevention Council posted an advertisement for a Research Associate which sparked my interest. After learning more about the projects the Associate would be working on, I became very excited about the idea of working with NCPC. February 22nd marked my one year of working at NCPC (or as I like to joke, having McGruff the Crime Dog as my boss).

What are some of the things you do for the NCPC. Has your social work degree helped?

I help with a variety of tasks at NCPC, but my main role is assisting with research tasks in all departments. Program Evaluation and Research Methods courses laid a great foundation for the skills I use daily. Aside from the research role, I also assist with grant research and writing, programmatic support, and development of upcoming programs. My degree helped teach me what is important in a nonprofit organization, and also reminds me to think of the audiences we’re serving and how we can best serve their needs.

What kind of opportunities has being in D.C., working for NCPC, given you?

Many national conferences are held here in Washington, D.C., and working for NCPC has allowed me to attend them. I’ve had the privilege of hearing many notable speakers, such as Attorney General Eric Holder, Assistant Attorney General Laurie Robinson, and Elizabeth Smart, President of the Elizabeth Smart Foundation.

What are your future career goals? Do you wish to continue to work in the capitol?

My future career goals are still uncertain. I love the work I do at NCPC and hope to continue to develop my skills in the nonprofit field. I’m also interested in starting work in the Human Trafficking field. I don’t imagine I’ll leave the Washington, D.C. area anytime soon, considering I just got here a year ago, but I’m open to whatever opportunities are available to me.

What do you like best about the city?

There are so many wonderful things about this city, I don’t know if I can pick. Being so close to the museums and monuments, and great restaurants and shops is definitely a luxury.

For more information about NCPC, please visit www.ncpc.org, or email atkbenson@ncpc.org

Posted in: alumni,katie benson,school of social work