Named a Best Employer for New Grads by Forbes magazine, Advocates takes pride in creating a work environment that builds foundational skills to further careers.
To showcase what makes Advocates a special place for young professionals, we spoke with employees hired as new graduates to learn about their experiences. The following Q&A was conducted with Kimberly Gardner, a clinician with our Mobile Crisis Intervention program.
When did you graduate, and was it from an undergraduate or graduate program?
I graduated in May 2024 with my Master of Social Work degree from Simmons University.
How did you start working at Advocates?
I started working at Advocates as an intern in April 2023. Through my MSW program’s practicum, I was placed as a Mobile Crisis Intervention (MCI) clinician, primarily based in the Framingham Hospital Emergency Room. After I graduated, I took on a full-time position with the MCI team. I now conduct mobile, on-site, telehealth, and ER evaluations. I am also credentialed to perform evaluations at UMass Memorial Hospital – Marlborough and provide triage coverage as needed.
What advice would you give to current students considering internship placements or to recent graduates considering different possible employers?
As a student, if you already know your desired career path, get a head start by researching organizations you’d like to work for after graduation and reaching out about internship opportunities. If you’re unsure of your direction (which is completely normal!), consider an internship that offers a broad range of experiences and skill development. Social work, for example, spans many roles, which can feel overwhelming when choosing just one path.
When I pursued my MSW and criminal justice degree, I wanted to work in forensic mental health but also explore other areas of social work. Although I didn’t get to choose my internship, being placed at Advocates turned out to be ideal! The experience exposed me to crisis intervention, medical social work, forensic mental health, and more. I gained valuable insight into working across all system levels and with diverse individuals and families throughout the community.
Looking back, my time at Advocates provided a well-rounded foundation and helped me see how the pieces of social work connect in practice. What I thought might limit me actually opened doors to many different areas within the field. Advocates offers diverse opportunities not only for social work and mental health students but across multiple disciplines. If you’re looking for broad exposure and meaningful experience, I highly recommend considering Advocates, either as an internship site or future employer.
What is something that makes Advocates a good place to work as a recent grad?
At Advocates, you’ll build skills, experiences, and memories that last a lifetime. You’ll join a diverse and supportive team, enjoy great benefits, flexibility, and opportunities to grow through training and career advancement. With multiple locations, fun employee events, and the chance to make a real difference through service and advocacy in your community, Advocates is a place where you can truly thrive.
What are some things you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy playing trivia, watching documentaries, exploring nature, and discovering new places and activities. I’m very passionate about animal welfare, fostering cats while caring for my own four, and volunteering for causes close to my heart, including suicide prevention through the Out of the Darkness Overnight Walks. I’m a lifelong learner who enjoys taking on new challenges, improving systems that support social workers and clients, and pursuing innovative ideas and policies with broader impact.
