What inspired you to pursue a career in social work?
For as long as I can remember I knew I wanted to become a social worker. It wasn't a passing idea - it was something that became deeply ingrained in who I was growing up.
As a child I completely fell in love with the worlds that author Jacqueline Wilson created. I was particularly drawn to the Tracy Beaker series, but I didn't just enjoy the books; I was immersed in them. Now as an adult, I understand Jacqueline approached something taboo with a delicate grace that encouraged discussions and left the door ajar to be able to talk about social work.
In my late teens/early twenties, I worked at a children's breakfast, after school and holiday club and this experience helped me develop who I was and skills that are required within the social work profession. The staff pushed me to become a less timid version of myself. But, in many ways, the children were my greatest teachers. They challenged me to think differently, to be patient, and to respond with care and creativity. Through them, I learned how important it is to build trust, show consistency, and create a safe environment where people feel heard and supported.
What kind of tasks did you complete on your placement?
My first 70-day placement was within an Adult Social Care team. This experience allowed me to step away from theory and experience practice firsthand.
Much of my time was spent outside in the community, visiting people in their homes, building personal relationships, and supporting them through person-centred engagement.
In addition to direct work with individuals, my days also involved:
- attending team meetings
- ensuring documentation was clear and accurate
- participating in discussions with other professionals
- recording case notes
- reflecting on my practice with supervision.
I also completed training tailored to the placement setting. This experience not only helped me to build practical skills, but allowed me to reflect on the kind of social worker I want to become.
What part of social work brings you the most satisfaction?
Knowing that I have made a meaningful difference in someone's life. In particular, preventing or reducing feelings of isolation. Knowing you have supported somebody to feel heard, valued, and reconnected to themselves or society is a powerful and motivating aspect of social work.
Also the satisfaction of reminding somebody that they are not alone and making them aware of the available support is central to creating effective and ethical practice, especially for ethnic groups who may feel marginalised or overlooked.
What are the challenges?
A big challenge, is the way the profession is depicted in the media and perceived by wider society.
If people feel anxious, mistrustful, or fearful of social workers, they are less willing to engage openly or seek support when needed. This can make it more difficult to build trust, which is essential to support an individual. It may also discourage individuals from accessing services early, meaning interventions occur at a point of greater crisis.
Increasing awareness of the positive impact of social work and sharing more balanced narratives could help to improve understanding and support stronger engagement with the communities we serve.
Another challenge is that the profession involves both practical and emotional demands. The role often involves:
- balancing risk and autonomy
- making difficult decisions within ethical and legal frameworks
- managing complex situations.
Social workers must navigate competing demands, including organisational pressures, policy changes, and limited resources, all while advocating for the best interests of vulnerable individuals. This can contribute to stress, emotional fatigue, and, in some cases, burnout.
What three skills should all good social workers possess?
- Compassion - helps build rapport and trust. Social workers should demonstrate empathy, respect and genuine care, ensuring that individuals feel heard and valued. They should act with the same level of dignity and sensitivity that they would expect for their own family.
- Reflection - while there are times when immediate action is required, there are also times when critically reflecting on all possible actions and outcomes is vital. It is crucial to take time where possible to thoughtfully consider decisions.
- An investigative approach - when supporting somebody it is important to know as much information as possible about them to ensure that intervention is open-minded and well-informed. This includes asking appropriate questions, gathering information from multiple sources and developing a holistic understanding of an individual and their unique circumstances to inform effective decision-making and support planning.
What type of person would suit this career?
While anyone can be a social worker, I believe those most suited genuinely care about others. It's about having a real curiosity about people's stories, experiences, and wellbeing. You need to be the kind of person who listens, shows patience, and approaches others with kindness rather than judgment.
Another key characteristic is being approachable. People are more likely to open up when they feel safe, respected, and understood.
You also need to be emotionally resilient. Supporting others can be tough, and there will be moments that require strength and the ability to keep going even when things feel challenging.
Social workers often have to deal with intense situations. How do you strike a healthy work/life balance?
Social work is not a 9am-5pm job emotionally. For me, I work through emotions during my commute. I talk them through with my partner and identify what stuck with me. If a feeling has not eased after discussing it with my partner, then I discuss it during supervision and complete a written reflection about it.
I limit my screen time and do not have my emails attached to my phone. I set out time to complete tasks and do not work on weekends or after 6pm to allow my brain (and myself) to relax before I sleep.
What are your career ambitions?
They're centred around building a meaningful career within social work, while also allowing myself the freedom to travel and experience new cultures. I want my career to reflect not only my passion for supporting others, but also my curiosity about the world and the different communities within it.
As I continue through my social work training, I have realised that I want a career that challenges me. I hope to explore different areas of social work and eventually combine my professional life with travel - I would love the opportunity to see how social work is practised in different countries and learn from those experiences.
Can you debunk a myth about working as a social worker?
One myth I often hear is that social workers make decisions on their own. Before I understood the profession, I too imagined a social worker sitting at a desk, deciding what would happen to children, families, or vulnerable adults without much input from anyone else.
However, social work is built around teamwork, collaboration, and professional support systems. We have to:
- attend safeguarding meetings
- discuss cases with managers and supervisors
- follow policies, laws, and ethical guidelines.
Decisions are also often made with the involvement of the individuals and families themselves whenever possible. Social workers listen to people's experiences, wishes, and concerns before deciding on the next steps. This means that decision-making is not just shared among professionals, but also includes the voices of those directly affected.
Are you a member of a professional organisation, if so how has this aided your career?
Yes, in 2025 I was selected to become a BASW Student Ambassador for the British Association of Social Workers (BASW). Being chosen for this role was a proud achievement because it recognised my passion for social work and my commitment to becoming actively involved in the profession beyond my studies. I believe this opportunity has had a positive impact on both my personal growth and my development as a future social worker.
One of the biggest benefits has been the opportunity to network with other students, professionals, and individuals who share the same passion. Through BASW events and ambassador meetings, I have been able to build friendships and professional connections with other students who genuinely care about making a difference in people's lives.
Another way the role has aided my career is by helping me improve my confidence and communication skills. As a student ambassador, I have had opportunities to engage in professional conversations, contribute ideas, and represent student perspectives in discussions.
Being involved with BASW has also allowed me to stay informed about current issues and developments within social work. This has deepened my understanding of social work beyond what I learned in lectures and textbooks.
What advice can you give to other aspiring social workers?
As a social worker you will meet people who are facing some of the most difficult moments of their lives. At times, the emotional weight of these situations can feel overwhelming. Burnout is common in caring professions, so it is essential to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical health. Make time for rest, hobbies, family, and activities that help you recharge. During those moments, it is important to remember why you started. Even small acts of kindness, support, and understanding can change someone’s life in ways you may never fully realise.
It is also important to remember that you cannot save everyone and that is okay. Do not place pressure on yourself to fix every situation. Real change takes time, teamwork, and systemic support.
Most importantly, believe in the value of your voice and your journey. Do not compare yourself to others or let self-doubt hold you back. Every social worker brings something unique to the profession. Social work is more than just a career - it is an opportunity to stand beside people during vulnerable moments and help empower them toward a better future.
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