Author: Sarah

Social Work Month is here and I can’t help but reflect on my own past experiences in the field. I recall entering my MSW program knowing that the degree would put me on the right path to achieving my overall career goal of helping and empowering others. However, I quickly learned that my experiences beyond the classroom would shape my interests and direct that path. It was the people, both my clients in my field placements as well as other social work professionals, who had the greatest impact on my work and future goals.

This year’s Social Work Month theme is “All People Matter.” It is a simple statement but brings focus to the great work that social workers do in the field every day. I often meet with MSW students who are uncertain as to how they would like to apply their degree. I felt that way as a graduate student myself. With so many “options” it can feel overwhelming as graduation approaches. Social workers can be found in a variety of settings and roles, both traditional and non-traditional. Social Work Month offers a great opportunity to pause and reflect on your own experiences while learning about what others “do” in the field. Take advantage of the information presented this month by SP2, NASW, and other organizations that will highlight the important accomplishments of social work professionals, agencies, and programs. Are there stories that resonate with you? Remind you of why you entered the MSW program in the first place? You will have a wealth of information at your fingertips this month. Put these resources to good use and learn, set goals, then educate and inspire others.

I recently spent a reunion weekend with four former colleagues.  We have kept in touch over the last 10 years even as new jobs and life events have brought us to different companies and parts of the country. Our yearly weekend got me thinking about the important role our colleagues play in our own careers. We spend a majority of our waking hours at work, so who we clock those hours with on the job does matter. I would guess that most of us want to work with bright, driven, supportive people who strive to do their best. Strong leaders are probably at the top of this list, too. So, how do we determine the type of work environment a new company will offer? The interview.

Many times we are so focused on nailing the interview that we overlook our own first impressions of those we meet, most importantly, supervisors and team members. Take advantage of the time spent with these people during the interview. They are a reflection of the organization. If a supervisor or manager appears negative and aloof during the interview, then chances are that you will face these same qualities when you begin the job. Alternatively, do team members seem happy with their jobs? Do they refer to a strong team environment?

We won’t leave an interview knowing everything about everyone we meet. However, we will gain some degree of insight so that we can make an informed decision. Bring your own questions to the interview. If you interview with a supervisor or manager, be sure to ask about his or her supervision style. Inquire about a typical day on the job or specific challenges that a new hire may face in joining the group. If the answer is that the new hire will need to learn quickly without much guidance, then you have an idea of the type of supervision (or lack thereof) that you may receive. How will that suit you? Ask team members how long they have been with the organization and what they like best about the job. Do they speak highly of leadership? That’s a good sign. Does it seem like people join the company and stay? Another good sign.

I bet many of us already make these observations and ask similar questions during an interview. If you haven’t been asking questions and observing, be sure to take note. Surround yourself with good people (strong leaders and team members) who care about your career. You won’t regret it.