Everyone struggles sometimes. While some people might be facing issues in their personal life, others might be unhappy with their careers. There comes a time in your career when you get bored with work. Things might seem monotonous, and you might want to switch gears. Changing things is a natural consequence of routine, and many people switch jobs for greener pastures.
According to research, an adult shifts jobs approximately 11.7 times between 18 and 48. However, doing so is not child’s play. Some professions are even more complicated to navigate.
A career in social work is one of the broadest in the world. Furthermore, it is unhealthy to keep working in a toxic position. And social workers are more vulnerable to burnout and workplace stress. Social work is flexible with an interdisciplinary nature. There are countless career opportunities to help others and improve their lives.
What Do Social Workers Do?
Generally, social workers help others make a meaningful change in their lives. Therefore, they may work in several positions.
There are three subsets of practice for social workers. They may work at the micro-level to focus on the issues of individuals. Or they may focus on the big picture and resolve the problems of communities and social groups.
Some social workers help support groups and head task forces. So, they may work in hospitals, schools, or have private practices.
Tips To Make The Most Of Your Social Service Career:
Now that you have entered social work, let’s move on to other matters. How can you advance your career? Read to find out more about this.
1. Get An Advanced Degree In Social Work:
Like all other professions, getting a graduate degree will help you climb the career ladder. With a CSWE online MSW degree, you can become a leader in social health. The best part is that these degrees are available online. So you can manage your course load and study at your own pace. But, do your research before you choose a program.
Look through online rankings and think about the pros and cons of each degree. You can also gain experience while studying. Interestingly, some supervisors even offer stipends and scholarships to their employees.
2. Develop Your Skills:
Research suggests that employers prefer people with transferable skills. However, social workers struggle to develop these skills. Therefore, it is necessary to hone these skills to advance in your career. Employers are looking for people with excellent communication skills, leadership capabilities, and technical skills.
3. Join A Network:
Joining an organization can improve your experience and skill set. These social work organizations connect people to leaders and graduates. Many such organizations host events and seminars for members. Most of them also offer discounts to members. For example, the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry serves geriatrics patients and provides collaboration opportunities to professionals.
4. Get Experience To Contribute:
Experience is necessary for career development. This exposure gives you valuable insight into social work and the responsibilities of a social worker. However, you should get a diverse experience. Doing so will contribute to your career prospects. Try out new things, and gain experience in several positions.
5. Do Some Research:
While experience is necessary, research and knowledge are also vital to improve job prospects. Seek out classes in diverse fields and participate in independent studies. You can work with faculty members and researchers to make yourself more employable.
6. Get A Mentor:
It is not possible to do everything on your own. Therefore, you should ask experienced professionals to help you grow further. These people bring many years of experience and have inside knowledge about everything. Furthermore, they can also help your prepare for life challenges.
7. Network And Enroll In Professional Development Opportunities:
Most institutions organize events to increase knowledge and develop skills. You can enroll in workshops and courses to build your network and connect with others. Networking can improve your job prospects as well. Building relationships with other professionals can help you build enduring relations with others.
8. Take Some Time Out To Reduce Stress:
Self-care is vital for the health of social workers. You have to make time for yourself to reduce stress and avoid burnout. Take some time out to connect with friends and family every once in a while.
9. Always Act Professionally:
Social workers are witnesses to many embarrassing and humiliating things about their patients. Therefore, it is vital to follow ethical standards at all times. Handle your patient with dignity and the utmost care.
But, Why Work In Social Services?
If you are thinking of making a career change, then social work is the profession for you. On average, 6.2 million workers make a career change per year. Working in social services can put things in perspective for you. Not only is social work fulfilling, but it is also meaningful.
Social work is a growing field, and it is expanding rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for social workers will increase by 16 percent in the next few years. Therefore, there will be 110,000 new jobs until 2031.
Furthermore, the pay is not terrible either. According to BLS, the average salary is $67,000 per annum. And your wages might improve with additional certifications.
What Is The Next Step?
Now is the time to begin planning for your future. Therefore, start looking for employment opportunities. You can also enroll in graduate programs to improve your prospects. With a specialized degree in social work, you can reach the pinnacle of the career level.
Utilize these tips to make the most of your social work career. However, never forget why you chose to enter this profession.
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