With all the trouble and hardship in this world, there’s always a need for people who want to help those who can’t help themselves. If this is something that you feel called to do as a career, you may be considering following the profession of a social worker.
While this can be rewarding work, being a social worker also comes with its fair share of challenges. To help ensure that you’re ready for all this profession may entail for you, here are three things to consider before becoming a social worker.
Learn How To Law Works
As a social worker, you’ll be dealing with the law and the legalities of certain issues on a very regular basis. Because of this, it can be very helpful to have some familiarity with the law or to have people on your side who are experienced in family law and other issues.
With this in mind, SocialWorkDegreeGuide.com shares that you may want to consider getting your Juris Doctor while you’re also getting your Master of Social Work. By getting both of these degrees at the same time, you’ll be a very well-rounded social worker and be able to poise yourself for great upward mobility as you progress further and further into your career. Having knowledge in both of these areas will also help you be a greater resource to those who are dealing with legal issues, policy problems, or public welfare questions.
Become A Great Listener
Being a social worker enables you to help those who are in the greatest need of assistance. However, in order for you to be of help to most people, you’ve got to take a step back from offering your advice and really listen to what it is they need.
According to Linda Conroy, a contributor to SocialWorker.com, being a good listener will do a lot more for your career as a social worker than any amount of talking you can do. By honing your skills of being a great listener and becoming someone that people feel they can trust as they speak to you, you’ll be able to help far more people than you ever thought possible and in the ways that they truly need your help.
Prepare Yourself Emotionally And Physically
The work you’ll be doing as a social worker will be very hard on you, both physically and emotionally. Knowing this, Bethany Cartwright, a contributor to Alot Careers, advises that you really learn how to practice self care before you choose to become a social worker. If you can’t take care of yourself and ensure that you’re healthy and able to manage the stress of your job, you may not make it very long as a social worker.
If you’re thinking about becoming a social worker, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you prepare for this career path.
