Strategic Thinking and Career Planning Highlighted at Student Forum
The 100 plus students attending NASW's Annual Student Forum had already put in a full day of class and field, but the late hour did not dampen their enthusiasm and interest. Students participated actively, asking numerous questions about planning their social work career and strategies to find employment post graduation.
Held at Hunter College School of Social Work, the event drew students from NYC area graduate social work programs. Keynote speakers, Dr. David Menefee, Associate Professor, Columbia School of Social Work, Dr. Robert Schachter, Executive Director, NYC Chapter of NASW, and Mary Pender Greene, Chief Social Worker, Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services, discussed social trends, implications for social work employment, and strategies for successful interviewing.
Think Strategically
In discussing social trends and social work, Dr. Menefee emphasized that career opportunities and social work practice are in a state of flux and evolve in response to changing social conditions. In order to develop a successful career, it is important to think strategically: anticipate the future, understand trends and forces, both short and long term, assess your strengths and weaknesses, identify where you want to be and develop a roadmap.
Understand Organizational Culture
Dr. Schachter advised that as students move into full time employment, it is important to be mindful that the environment for social work practice is changing. Being adept at dealing with change is key. The vast majority of social workers provide direct service within agencies. Across the board, organizations are moving from a hierarchical structure to a flattened organizational model. There are fewer managers and more line workers. For social workers, this means decreased supervision and less opportunity for advancement.
For new professionals, social work is more challenging than ever. They are expected to deal with complex situations and make decisions that have ethical and other serious consequences, and may find that they do not have the necessary guidance.
Dr. Schachter said that graduating students who enter the field report not getting adequate supervision 50% of the time. Case conferences, an important part of professional development, are becoming obsolete. An increased demand for productivity has eroded the time that organizations are spending on training.
For social workers, this means that they may need to seek professional support, formerly and informally, both within and without of the organization. Social workers that thrive are creative and autonomous: Find a mentor, join a professional support group, participate in continuing education, and get involved with your professional association.
Key to flourishing in organizations is the ability to hold your own in an interdisciplinary setting. Working with other professions successfully requires the skill to articulate to others what social workers do and its value. In a world this is increasingly measured by outcomes, social workers must be prepared to express their point clearly. Develop a presence and others will listen, suggested Dr. Schachter.
In organizations, there are multiple perspectives and often, one may disagree with others. It is important to be open to other points of view. Try to understand diverse perspectives. This will help in navigating conflict and enhance professional learning.
Getting the Job
Understanding social trends and organizational culture provides the framework for developing a successful social work career. Interviewing well is also key. As Chief Social Worker for the Jewish Board, Ms. Pender Greene has interviewed over 6,000 social work applicants and hired approximately 1,000. What did those applicants do that made them stand out and receive a job offer?
Interview Tips
Ms. Pender Greene emphasized that the job interview starts in the waiting room. Be pleasant with the receptionist and any one else you come in contact with. If you are antsy or irritable while waiting to be interviewed, there is a very good chance that the interviewer will hear about it. First impressions count. Dress professionally, demonstrate a good sense of self, and establish eye contact, a confident handshake.
A typical interview will last approximately 30 minutes. This means you have 10 minutes to make yourself shine. This is the moment to toot your own horn. Let the interviewer know what you are good at. Answer questions fully and give additional responses. Ms. Pender Greene terms this technique "answer plus 1". Respond to the question posed and then add to it. This is a way to demonstrate that you are a communicative, related and reflective individual.
The interview is the time to be positive. Don't complain about your former supervisor or your previous job.
Social work is a tough field and prospective employers may want to know if you can handle the stress. Ms. Pender Greene suggested that one way to illustrate this is to talk about supports that you have, family, friends, and hobbies that demonstrate a degree of personal stability.
Prior to the interview, do research. Learn what the agency does. Study its website. Talk to people familiar with the organization. Be prepared to speak knowledgably about the agency in an interview, the client population served, and the kinds of programs it offers. Be clear about what you want.
References are important. Ms. Pender Greene emphasized that all to often, references do not return calls or are weak or negative about the candidate. Make sure you talk to your references prior to giving them.
In today's market, social work jobs abound. An MSW is a very flexible degree and social workers can be found in an array of settings. To thrive in this profession takes savvy and skill. Be strategic. Plan ahead. Think organizationally. Prepare for the interview.