History tells us that social work has always been a part of society, but it was not recognizable in older days under any specific field. Empathy is a universal emotion, and people worldwide are eager and passionate about enhancing the lives of the less privileged class. In the contemporary world, a systematic way of assisting groups and individuals towards the prosperity of a society is what social work encompasses.
It is a discipline that promotes development, social change for betterment, and empowerment of individuals and communities. Social work is often referred to as community service as it concerns community wellbeing at large. The practice involves understanding human thinking, social and emotional interactions, and cultural institutions. Contrary to popular idea, social work is more than guiding affected people as many a time it involves the application of research-based practices.
Social work has emerged as a full-fledged profession and one which is gaining immense popularity. It is a vast field as it encompasses many subfields. Social work offers diverse careers, and with the time, the area is further evolving, proposing many fields. Today, business corporations and educational institutes have also realized the importance of social work and have several designations. Prestigious universities now offer different degree programs and certifications for many departments of social work. Every year students in flocks register for this degree as they provide high-paying jobs all across the world. Besides, an increasing number of students are looking for fields that give them space to serve the community and offer lucrative salaries. Social work is an ideal field for them as social workers get ample opportunities to be of service, and get good earnings.
Below we are presenting a comprehensive guide for an academic path of becoming a social worker:
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Understanding of the Subject
Before enrolling in a degree program of social work, you must have an understanding of the subject. Social work is not all roses, but far from it. It is entirely different from corporate jobs and is challenging. People have a misconception that social workers only deal with abuse survivors, child welfare, and poverty. That is not true as social work degree holders now deal with people from diverse backgrounds. Experts recommend that students should have an insight into this field and know what to expect.
Advancement in technology has brought transformation worldwide and changed a lot of learning and teaching practices. Students all around the world are switching to e-learning. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments administered lockdown, which has given rise to e-learning. Moreover, students are taking advantage of online learning. Many students are enrolling in various degree programs; Master’s in Social Work Online is one of the sought after programs of this age.
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Prerequisites of Masters in Social Work
Educational institutes have sets of requirements for a Master’s degree in social work, and sometimes these prerequisites vary from institute to institute. Some institutes require you to have a bachelor’s degree in the same field at times; they even demand an internship. Whereas some universities only give admission to those students who have a particular GPA. The pursuit of Masters of Social Work is demanding, which is why institutes assess students as per their sets of criteria before taking them further on-board with the course.
- Master’s In Social Work
MSW students juggle with classes schedule as they are ever-changing, along with never-ending researches that require extensive note-taking. Students often tackle other obligations that are different than traditional classroom learning but concern their academic programs, such as workshops or conferences. The Master’s degree is about specializing in a specific subject, and it equips students with in-depth knowledge and skills that they need in the work field.
If you want to choose social work as a career, it is better to overview all the courses offered.
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Academic Path
In the earlier years of these programs, students undergo fundamental training, which is like an introduction to the subject. The curriculum covers social work through a general perspective and helps them inquire about the reasons behind human behavior. Once they have cleared the initial examinations, they can opt for a specific specialization. Significant specialties include macro social work, direct practice, social work, and clinical social work. On-campus teaching gives students theoretical knowledge, but practical implementation is also an essential aspect of the course.
Although in some settings, they also welcome volunteers, licensed and certified social workers are preferred. Social workers possess the observant eye, raise awareness about fundamental rights, and help people attain them. The course allows students to gain skills, which are needed to motivate others in enhancing victims’ lives. Social work is not only about rescuing people from unfortunate situations, but it assists affected people in coming terms with reality. Social workers deal with victims and give them the confidence to lead their lives without any hurdles. The Masters of Social Work teaches students to view the glass as half full and make the most of the available time and resources.
If students perform well during the pursuit of a degree, they may land a job while still studying. Once students have earned the degree, they can choose from a plethora of careers. The degree paves ways for a role in child welfare, educational institutes, clinics, governmental or private organizations, and nonprofit organizations. They work alongside patients who are suffering from the post-traumatic stress disorder. Social workers deal with emotional, social, and often financial issues of patients as well.
Conclusion
Social work is a demanding profession that can be emotionally exhausting and physically taxing. The pursuit of a degree is not a piece of cake, and students need to show diligence and put in earnest efforts. People who dare to overcome societal issues and uplift their communities should opt for this discipline. It is not a field for everyone but only the courageous. Injustice continues to occur worldwide, which is why the need for licensed social workers is rising. Social work is a prestigious profession, and people hold social workers in high regard.
