Eric Martin

The college where I pursued my undergraduate degree in psychology had a strong emphasis on social justice. During my four years of study, I volunteered weekly to help feed the homeless population in the area. That was my first hands-on experience working with people, which ignited my passion for social work. The rest is history!

I’m currently the recovery services manager at Pawnee Mental Health. To prepare for this job, I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work. In this role, I oversee our recovery program, which helps people of all ages who are struggling with substance abuse or addiction (the urge to do something that’s harmful and hard to stop).

I love witnessing people find light in dark places. Seeing someone transform their life and believe there are better days ahead of them is profound. I also enjoy knowing the work I’m doing has an immediate impact on the town where I live and raise my family.

I’ve achieved many of my career goals so far, but I’m considering pursuing a PhD and maybe even writing a book. We’ll see how it goes!

If you haven’t yet graduated high school and would like to prepare for a career in this field, Advanced Placement English is incredibly impactful. It helped build confidence in my writing and encouraged me to think more independently — both important skills. Psychology and human services courses would also be beneficial if they’re available.

What I like about this career field is that you’re not confined to working with one population; you can work with kids or adults who are battling with addiction or facing mental health issues. The options are endless, which makes it fun and rewarding.