“Not all of us can do great things, but we can do small things with great love”
— Mother Teresa
Are you the kind of person who has a strong desire to help people in need? Well, if yes, studying social work will help you reflect your true nature.
Driven by a strong desire to make some noticeable changes in people’s lives, social work is a profession worth exploring. It helps the vulnerable and oppressed class meet their basic and complex needs.
One thing to note here is that going for a high-standard educational program such as CSWE accredited MSW programs online is essential for professional training.
Thus, this guide will explore the personal and professional reasons behind studying social work.
But First, What Exactly is Social Work?
So, according to the IFSW (International Federation of Social Workers) — “Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people.”
In a simpler term, it is basically a profession concerned with helping vulnerable people and communities through challenges they face in their daily routines.
Here are some important skills you may find in a social worker:
- Active listening
- Critical Thinking
- Social and Problem-solving skills
- Counseling and coaching abilities
- Communication and networking skills
- A proper understanding of the mental health issue
Did You Know?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of social workers is estimated to grow by 7% from 2022 to 2032.
And from the same estimation, there could be more than 782,000 employed social workers by 2032.
And, What do Social Workers Do?
A social worker assists people from a wide array of socioeconomic backgrounds. Their core responsibility is first to recognize how their client’s background can affect their mental and emotional well-being, and then help them wrestle with their past.
While the job of a social worker solely depends on their employer, location, or their field of specialty, here are some of the core responsibilities:
- Asses their clients by understanding their socioeconomic status, family history, and all.
- Create and implement a treatment plan through individual therapy sessions.
- Secure and refer them to needful resources such as governmental food banks, health care, and unemployment services
- Monitor their client’s improvement and determine whether the current plans are working efficiently or need to be changed.
- Serve as a client’s advocate to promote awareness of community needs.
- Work with lawmakers to implement community resources for social change.
3 Reasons Why You Should Study Social Work?
Social work is a gratifying degree that protects vulnerable people from harm and abuse. Here are 3 reasons why you should study social work:
Positive Impact on Community and Society
Social work requires professionals from the diverse fields that hospitals, mental health clinics, prisons, the military, etc. commonly employ. They usually work with clients to address their relationship problems, mental illness, and personality disorders.
Social workers listen to people from young people struggling with addiction to those who are wrestling with unemployment. They help them to cope and improve their lives through tailored solutions and individual counseling.
Advancing Social Justice
Social work is often linked with justice and fairness in society due to its acts towards promoting equal economic opportunities and societal recognition.
This helping profession mitigates the impact of social injustice by assisting the vulnerable. They ensure that they have access to vital resources and provide them with mental and emotional support.
Social workers help in the prevention of domination, exploitation, and discrimination against any individual or group of any bias, thus advancing social justice.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
Resilience is the process of learning to cope in the face of adversity such as stress, trauma, tragedy, or mental illness. This is often combined with the metaphor of “bouncing back” with greater confidence.
Social workers build resilience by regularly assessing stress, cognitive restructuring, and fostering a supportive community. They help individuals reflect their positive selves by assessing them toward mindful decision-making.
Final Words
In closing, choosing social work as a profession is more than just about helping others. Instead, it is a pathway toward your individual satisfaction and personal fulfillment through meaningful, impactful work.
Social workers play a vital role in promoting social justice, building resilience, and strengthening communities. This is why, it’s professional commitment to diversity and continuous self-growth makes it an attractive field, especially for those who want to contribute to society.
