Why become a social worker?

Social workers help prevent problems

Today, social workers are not just called upon after problems occur, they are more focused on primary prevention, meaning they provide interventions ahead of time before serious issues can occur in a specific person's life or the lives of a whole group.

Preventing problems in at-risk populations is extremely gratifying. You help communities grow and achieve a better quality of life.

You can make a genuine difference in people's lives

There is no better feeling related to a job than when you know what you are doing is significantly meaningful. In fact, many different outlets list social workers among the top 10 most meaningful jobs.

Social workers seek to better the lives of so many people and witnessing the positive changes in the lives of individuals and families can be a profoundly positive experience.

Social workers are able to conquer immediate issues head-on with their clients and patients, rather than dealing with systemic problems in a bureaucratic fashion.

Social workers focus on many different areas, including:

• Mental health

• Substance abuse

• Social and economic justice

• Family services and much more.

These are some of the main focuses of social work but there are many other fields as well, meaning you can find so many different ways to have a positive impact on people's lives and change them for the better.

It is a satisfying profession that enables personal growth

Helping people on a daily basis can boost your own mood and give you a sense of extreme accomplishment. Social work also often involves getting out into the field, or specific areas of your community, meaning you won't be bored behind a desk all day.

It is a highly versatile career that can keep you stimulated and help you grow personally. Many join the field because they have experienced hardships in their own lives related to poverty, violence, discrimination, or mental health issues. If you have any of this in your personal history you will find social work to be a therapeutic profession for your own pain.

Social work requires a great deal of compassion, empathy, and emotional strength, but it also requires you to utilize your creativity and problem-solving skills. Social work can be quite challenging at times, but those who welcome the challenge are usually rewarded with their own growth through helping others.