Opinions on social work?

[rokkuguhyo]

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I'm doing my HSC this year, and I'm still not too sure about what I want to do if I get into uni.

I've been considering psychology and journalism, but what I'm really drawn to is social work.

What I want to know is, is social work a worthwhile career? It has a low cut-off UAI at most unis, but does it mean that it's not a good job?

Thanks

[Davo1111]

Looks like you're going to earn around 60k a year on average. You must have good communication and analytical skills. A lot of the job is about actually enjoying helping other people, like it's the love of the job. So if you don't really give a shit about other people, then this probably isnt for you. Have a look at seek, they had a huge breakdown of social workers, and different fields you could enter.

[spence]

Originally Posted by rokkuguhyo

I'm doing my HSC this year, and I'm still not too sure about what I want to do if I get into uni.

I've been considering psychology and journalism, but what I'm really drawn to is social work.

What I want to know is, is social work a worthwhile career? It has a low cut-off UAI at most unis, but does it mean that it's not a good job?

Thanks

If you're drawn to the course, then go for it. Don't worry that something has a low cutoff, it just means it isn't in high demand, doesn't say anything about the quality of the job

[Izzay]

if helping people is your thing, i dont see why not.

should look into the different jobs out there and what you could see yourself doing.

[LJCorbin]

I believe Social Work is one of the few noble professions of modern society. I personally place it on a pedestal. It isn't about money. Social Workers earn enough to get by and often land government jobs, so they can have improved job security.

The main thing about Social Work is that it requires 'life experience.' I wouldn't recommend anyone getting straight into it directly after finishing high school. Better off leaving it for a few years. Get out into the real world first.

Also be aware that different Universities have very different systems for teaching Social Work. Some only offer it as a postgraduate degree, whilst others offer it as undergraduate but with certain requirements, i.e. two years of Arts subjects before starting on Social Work units.

Going back to my previous point about money, what most Social Workers seem to do when they get bored or crave the cashola is train as psychotherapists or some other similar but better paid field.

[Shichi]

Originally Posted by LJCorbin

The main thing about Social Work is that it requires 'life experience.'

I agree with that to a certain extent - although I'd refine that comment by saying it's more about emotional maturity. You have to into social work realising that a lot of the material you will encounter can be both intellectually and emotionally challenging, and you have to make sure you are prepared to read case studies covering abuse, mental illnesses, homelessness, etc.

I'm currently studying social work and there's a few people in my course who have stepped straight in from high school without a problem.

Originally Posted by LJCorbin

Going back to my previous point about money, what most Social Workers seem to do when they get bored or crave the cashola is train as psychotherapists or some other similar but better paid field.

Don't blame social workers for wanting more pay - for a job that requires a minimum four-year degree and 980 hours of supervised placement, we are grossly underpaid.

That being said, I think a social work degree is flexible enough to take you in many directions. You don't necessarily have to work in counselling fields or clinical settings. Some social workers expand into social policy, for instance while others go into community development.

[Andi0390]

As people have said here its not the ideal career for money making. Although I think that is a good thing, because if people wanted to get into it for money then they wouldn't be in it for the people.

Saying that they money isn't horrible, you should be able to get by fine. Like most organisations, if you stuck with something then you would probably be able to work your way up, maybe to some kind of youth centre manager or something.

I always imagine social workers working with youth, and thats what i was interested in doing for a bit but I decided I don't have nearly enough compassion, patience and understanding. Maybe one day I will and then I can do an extra course in it.

I think it could be a good career, its not all stuck behind a desk. You get to meet people, probably go places, and really get involved in peoples lives, unlike doctors or anything. But there will be the burdens, and you will probably responsible sometimes, its hard meeting people and seeing that their lives aren't great and feeling helpless about it. But it makes you grateful, and makes you care. Sorry, i'm rambling. I wish I did social work instead.

Anyway if you are unsure, and its possible that later you change your mind, instead of doing just a B of Social Work do a BArts/BSocial Work, so you sort of have a fall back of Arts. I think its only a year extra, if any, and you can do Sociology, which is my major and fun and probably relevant.

If you want to do it, then do it, screw the money.

[Arabique]

Don't even worry about a low score requirement. Social work is in demand, has job security and you'll be helping the community at large.

Personally, I would recommend it alot! Good luck!

[rokkuguhyo]

Okay, thanks so much for the advice, everyone. Now I know I want to be a social worker

[dsam]

Hey guys,

this thread has answered several of my questions.

I am wondering if I could get the same job/payment prospects through studying Social Sciences?

Thanks

[blerkles]

Originally Posted by dsam

I am wondering if I could get the same job/payment prospects through studying Social Sciences?

Not really. There are counselling jobs, youth worker jobs, community service jobs etc that would still be available but you'd be hard pressed to get a "Social Worker" job (e.g. with a govt dept) without AASW accreditation - check the job ad's to confirm. Social Workers are 4 year trained, many Social Science degrees are 3 years long, which impacts a bit on starting salaries.

There is no legal registration for Social Workers in any States of Australia. However, the AASW is the standard-setting body for social work in Australia and many jobs require eligibility for membership of the AASW. In order to be eligible for membership, you need to complete one of the AASW approved degrees.
From: Social Work Education - What We Do - AASW - Australian Association of Social Workers

[ay0_x]

Originally Posted by dsam

Hey guys,

this thread has answered several of my questions.

I am wondering if I could get the same job/payment prospects through studying Social Sciences?

Thanks

May as well do youthwork/community services work in TAFE if you're gonna do Social Sciences.