Becoming a Social Worker and Making an Impact on the Lives Of Others
Have you often wondered how you can make a difference in the lives of others, and have you ever thought that you can do more (and offer more) than you currently do. A role as a social worker is truly rewarding because it allows you to make an impact on the lives of others. Improving the options that people have and giving more choices can help people see what better options there are out there for them. So, to become a social worker, what do you need to consider, and most importantly, what positive action should you be taking now?
Why Social Work May Be The Right Choice for You
To begin this process successfully, you have to think about why social work is right for you. Do not just jump into the role or into the social care industry without evaluating why you want to be involved. So, for example, do you have past experiences that you can draw from (and build on), or do you want to give people the opportunity to change and make a difference in their lives. What do you want to get from social work, and most importantly, want can you offer? Social work will be right for you if you are looking for challenges and variety all mixed into one.
Making an Impact on the Lives of Others
There are many examples of social workers who have an impact on the lives of others. There are also not many roles or positions that allow you to make an impact on the lives of others. Within a social worker role, you do have the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others, from family units to addicts in a recovery period. You can be there for them, and you can help them make changes (and stick to them). As a social worker, you will take a personal responsibility to do the best for those that you are monitoring and caring for. When you take personal ownership of a case or situation, you are even more determined to see it through successfully (no matter what challenges lie ahead). When you are committed to change, you can then help others move forwards positively. Even if you find that you cannot have an impact at the grassroots level with people, you may then be able to have an mp-act further up – perhaps with policy changes and improvements.
Looking At Your Skillset
Before you go any further, you need to look at what you currently have to offer within your skillset. What can you give and provide through a new role? For instance, can you offer more empathy than most? Or can you offer a listening ear when others may turn away? What does your skillset look like, and most importantly, how can it be adapted for your new role? If you are unsure about what your skillset looks like, then why not take some time out to evaluate what you can offer to others. Look at how you have handled previous situations, and see where your strengths lie.
What is Your Motivation
Motivation within any role is essential, and within social care and social work, it is crucial. There will be times (and days) when you feel like quitting, and you will face opposition and even arguments from the people you are trying to help. However, it is important that you do not give up. Using your motivation to push yourself forwards and strengthen your offering is important. So, now then – what is your motivation, and where does it stem from?. For example, are you motivated to positively improve your local community? Or, are you motivated to make a difference in the lives of young people? When you have established where your motivation is drawn from, you will find you will never feel overwhelmed.
A Stimulating Role and Career
As no two cases are the same within social care and work, you never have to be worried about being stimulated at work. When you are stimulated by what you can achieve and by what is possible looking forwards, you will find that you push yourself that little bit harder to have a positive impact on the lives of others. Within your role, you may be out of the office for most of your week, and you may be on the road meeting and connecting with people and making valuable connections. When you are in a stimulating role, you will want to achieve success both for yourself and for those that you are working for. If a role does not stimulate or ignite you to get out of bed each day and do the best that you can, then what will you achieve, and what can you expect to achieve?
Focusing on Studying and Education
Your education and your studies are important on the path to a new career. If you are not investing in your education and in advancing your studies, then you will struggle to land the role that you want and deserve. As education is crucial to any social worker role, you must take your time to look at the various programs on offer. If this is your second career, you may find that studying for an online master of social work is more preferential than studying for a bachelor’s. Choosing the right program and selecting the right place of study will help you get the best start in your new career, so do not be tempted to rush your decision.
Working Privately or For a State Department
When you are studying, you need to start weighing up your options for moving forwards. For example, are you looking to work privately for a local firm, or would you prefer to work for a state department? Of course, each option has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, when you work privately, you may have an increased salary or enhanced working conditions. However, when you work for your local state, you may have better access to career progression and advancement. When you are studying, it is a good time to weigh up what you want to achieve within your career – and also think about ultimately how far you want to take things.
Self Improvement and Growth are Important
To make an impact and positive difference in the lives of others, you must first work on yourself. Embracing self-improvement and growth is important. When you can embrace this, you can then start working on helping and guiding others. While you are studying, and even while you are embarking on your first role, you have to improve what you do and what you offer. For example, if your communication skills are not as clear as you would like them to be, then start taking decisive action. Start learning how to communicate more effectively and efficiently.
Learning How to Be a Team Player
Even though you will work on your own as a social worker, you will have times when you will need to work with others. This may mean liaising with other departments, or it may mean cooperation with other agencies and services. To get the most out of these transactions and situations, you must learn how to be a team player. There is only so much that you can achieve on your own. When you realize the importance of others within your role, you can then get the best for those that you are helping (and after all, isn’t this what it is all about?).
Finding the Right Role For You
Not all social worker roles are the same. Some will differ in the job description, while others will differ when covering responsibilities and expectations. To make the most of your potential, you have to find the right role for you. The right role will bring out your true potential, and it will allow you to progress with success. Not all roles will be right for you, and this is something you have to understand. Establishing what is important in your new career and in your job search will be beneficial. For example, is the location of the role more important than the salary? Or, is the job description and responsibilities on offer the defining factor for you?
Becoming a Great Professional
A great professional is what you should be aiming for at all times. When you are a great professional, you can truly be sure that you are giving back and making an impact on the lives of others. If you are not a great professional, then you will not impact others, and change will not happen. Focusing on small wins, having clear and targeted plans, and being prepared to invest in yourself (and the role) will help you to become a great professional. Self-assurance and professional guidance along the way are what you must also focus on embracing. As a great professional working within social care and social work, you can elevate what you do. You can make policy changes or changes to the way in which social workers work and perform their duties.