3 answers
Antoinette
Student
Stockton, California
1
Question
Asked
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I want to major in emphasis of soical work. What things do i need to know before going into this field of study?
The reason why I'm asking about this is because I want to know from others people experience in being a social worker, what to expect and what not to expect. Mostly get more advice.
#MajorInSociology #social-work
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3 answers
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1750
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Hi Antoinette!
Social work can be very rewarding. It gives you the opportunity to make a difference in a person's life. It can make you feel good about who you are and what you do.
The thing they don't tell you about in school is the record-keeping aspect of it. Sometimes it is more about completing paperwork, meeting quotas, and things like that, to justify the agency keeping its funding, and the agency can lose sight of its mission. As an example, a state workforce center can require its employees to give out 200 -400 job referrals per month. But no one makes sure that the people receiving those referrals have a decent resume and can make it through an interview. It is more difficult to measure those sorts of things, so, instead, the focus is on the referrals. When you find yourself in those sorts of situations, the work can lose meaning to you.
However, there are enough other agencies that do things the right way. There are many worthwhile non-profits who are doing a lot of good. So, your challenge is to find the right type of place where you feel a sense of personal satisfaction.
Good question!
Kim
Social work can be very rewarding. It gives you the opportunity to make a difference in a person's life. It can make you feel good about who you are and what you do.
The thing they don't tell you about in school is the record-keeping aspect of it. Sometimes it is more about completing paperwork, meeting quotas, and things like that, to justify the agency keeping its funding, and the agency can lose sight of its mission. As an example, a state workforce center can require its employees to give out 200 -400 job referrals per month. But no one makes sure that the people receiving those referrals have a decent resume and can make it through an interview. It is more difficult to measure those sorts of things, so, instead, the focus is on the referrals. When you find yourself in those sorts of situations, the work can lose meaning to you.
However, there are enough other agencies that do things the right way. There are many worthwhile non-profits who are doing a lot of good. So, your challenge is to find the right type of place where you feel a sense of personal satisfaction.
Good question!
Kim
Angela Chan
Social services manager, Community advocate, Experienced in partnership and collaboration development
57
Answers
Sunnyvale, California
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hi Antoinetta:
You have to enjoy working with all people, those they are similar to you and those that are totally different than you. You have to have a strong ethical foundation and know that your beliefs and decisions will likely to challenged. Depending on the career path you choose, often times, social worker work with people when they are in high stress situations or in crisis so being a professional when interacting with individuals is essential. You have to be able to separate your personal feelings and beliefs from your work.
The work is rewarding and fun. Long days and hours are pretty common. Paperwork, documentation, good writing skills, and being organized and detailed orientated are necessary in this field.
Good luck,
angela
You have to enjoy working with all people, those they are similar to you and those that are totally different than you. You have to have a strong ethical foundation and know that your beliefs and decisions will likely to challenged. Depending on the career path you choose, often times, social worker work with people when they are in high stress situations or in crisis so being a professional when interacting with individuals is essential. You have to be able to separate your personal feelings and beliefs from your work.
The work is rewarding and fun. Long days and hours are pretty common. Paperwork, documentation, good writing skills, and being organized and detailed orientated are necessary in this field.
Good luck,
angela
Yandira Melon
EAP Counselor
35
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Yandira’s Answer
Hello Antoinetta
You need to know that people will always surprise you and that you have to be prepared. You will need to be learning throughout your life, which is not a bad thing.
Long hours are part of the job and sometimes the pay is not the best.
But if you enjoy what you do--then it is worth it.
Good luck!
You need to know that people will always surprise you and that you have to be prepared. You will need to be learning throughout your life, which is not a bad thing.
Long hours are part of the job and sometimes the pay is not the best.
But if you enjoy what you do--then it is worth it.
Good luck!