Social work is a rapidly growing field made up of emotionally strong, intelligent professionals who represent populations that have the most need. Historically, the social work profession produces passionate agents of change who are not afraid to contest and challenge outdated policies, speak up for social justice, and every day do their best to make a difference and make the world a better place. If you’re considering a career in social work, here are five of the top reasons why many social workers chose to take this career path, and be the change that they want to see in the world.
#1. They Believe Everybody Matters:
Social work is all about being there to help and assist those who need it the most. From those who come from difficult circumstances and backgrounds to people who are more privileged in society, issues that social workers can help with do not discriminate, and those working in this professional believe that everybody matters and are passionate about being there for those who need them the most. Everybody deserves to live a fulfilling life and have somebody fighting their corner, and for most social workers, the job is about filling this role in somebody’s life and making a difference on many levels.
#2. The Role is Changing:
The role of a social worker is evolving to be much more than what it has traditionally been in the past. Today, the overall focus of social work is shifting from repairing problems, to early intervention and issue prevention – something that you will learn about in more detail when taking online MSW programs and similar. Traditional social work practice approaches are expanding to include new professions and disciplines.
#3. It’s a Growing Field:
The number of career positions in social work is growing at a huge rate of 16% each year, according to figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is largely down to the fact that communities and organizations are recognizing the need for social workers more than ever before. As communities continue to grow, so does the need for highly trained, experienced and empathetic social workers to support the population. And, the changing face of social work has led to more jobs opening up in a range of non-traditional industry sectors such as public policy and business.
#4. To Give Others a Voice:
Any social worker will tell you that it’s the populations who are most at risk who need the largest amount of help, but also tend to have the most trouble when it comes to getting the assistance and support that they need. These people need somebody who is able to make their voice heard and acts as an advocate for change for them. Working as a social worker means that you will be trusted with a unique ability to speak up on behalf of others publicly, navigating systems in a way that allows you to help and benefit those in the most need.
#5. Because It’s Challenging:
If you enjoy a challenge and want a career that means you’ll need to be constantly willing to learn more while thinking on your feet, then social work could be the perfect choice for you. This career will challenge you in ways that are rare to find in other positions, and when no two cases are the same, it’s imperative that you are able to think quickly, solve problems, and come up with innovative ideas to apply your knowledge and skills. And, social workers also have a direct impact on the lives of others, which can be incredibly rewarding, but also quite emotionally taxing – meaning that there are more challenges to face in terms of your own emotional strength and resilience.
Social work is a challenging, high-growth and fast-paced profession that gives you the chance to advocate for others, stand up for what you believe in, and be the change that you want to see in the world. For most social workers, one of the main reasons they chose to get into this profession is to give others a voice and use their knowledge to help those in less advantaged positions who need somebody strong to fight their corner and help change their lives.
If you’re considering becoming a social worker to help others and challenge yourself in your career, then a masters of social work program could be an ideal choice for you, even if you’ve not previously studied social work. You will be able to apply what you learn in a variety of societal settings to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
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