personal and professional development in social work essay

10 MSW Personal Statement Examples (with Commentary)

Get inspired by some of the best MSW personal statement examples below.

These personal statement examples are inspired by actual essays from students with whom we’ve collaborated, essays that contributed to their successful admissions. For confidentiality, key details have been altered.

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Table of Contents

Example 1: NYU MSW Personal Statement Sample

Prompt: ‘why i want to be a social worker’ essay.

At the tender age of five, as my family faced the challenges of immigrating to the United States, I quickly became attuned to the complexities surrounding us. This early brush with adversity sparked my quest for understanding, especially in the realm of adolescent experiences. Growing up in a household where my mother tirelessly cared for us, while my father remained emotionally distant, I learned to seek solace in introspection and daydreaming. These experiences laid the foundation for my deep empathy towards others and a commitment to understanding them beyond surface-level perceptions.

My ability to empathize with others, particularly adolescents, has been a guiding force in my life. Working with XXXX as a counselor, I revisited my own teenage years, recognizing the crucial need for guidance during this transformative phase. This realization has fueled my determination to specialize in counseling and therapy for adolescents, a path I am eager to pursue through NYU’s Master of Social Work program. I am convinced that effective counseling during adolescence is pivotal in shaping capable, responsible adults.

My internship at XXXX Health was a turning point. Observing clinical behavioral health therapists and working alongside a psychiatrist specializing in post-incarceration life, I gained profound insights into the long-lasting impact of disrupted adolescent experiences. Hearing the narratives of former inmates underscored the importance of early intervention in defining one’s identity. This experience intensified my desire to work with young individuals struggling to find their place in the world.

Choosing NYU Silver was a natural decision. The school’s esteemed faculty, particularly Dr. Kirk Jae James, resonates with my journey as an immigrant. Dr. James’ dedication to overcoming his challenging past and disproving stereotypes is not just inspiring; it mirrors the resilience and determination I strive to embody. His work with those affected by mass incarceration aligns closely with my aspiration to be a clinical therapist who can bring change to young lives.

New York City, the vibrant and diverse backdrop of NYU Silver, also greatly appeals to me. The city’s rich history of nurturing notable figures like Andy Warhol, Roy Halston, and Jean Basquiat speaks to its capacity to foster self-discovery and belonging. I am excited to immerse myself in this melting pot of cultures and ideas, which will undoubtedly enrich my learning and practice in clinical therapy.

My personal history, particularly my father’s struggle with his traumatic childhood, has taught me that resilience and determination are key to overcoming adversity. His journey, though fraught with challenges, has instilled in me the belief that embracing the unknown and being steadfast in one’s goals can lead to remarkable achievements. Carrying this lesson with me, I step into NYU Silver poised to embark on a journey towards becoming an influential clinical therapist for adolescents.

My path to NYU Silver is more than an academic pursuit; it is a commitment to my dream of guiding adolescents through their most vulnerable years. By combining my personal experiences with the comprehensive training at NYU Silver, I am ready to make a meaningful impact in the field of clinical therapy, helping young individuals navigate their formative years with understanding and resilience.

Commentary:

Personal and Cultural Background : Effectively connects early experiences as an immigrant to developing empathy, crucial for social work.
Professional Aspirations : Clearly links past experiences with seniors and an internship to a focused interest in clinical therapy for adolescents.
Academic Motivation : Draws a parallel between personal experiences and the inspiration found in NYU Silver’s faculty and New York City’s diversity.
Resilience and Determination : Reflects on lessons learned from family, particularly the father, instilling a belief in achieving ambitious goals.
Career Vision : Articulates a strong desire to impact adolescent lives, demonstrating an understanding of the field’s challenges and opportunities.

Verdict: The personal statement is heartfelt and well-structured, showing a clear link between the candidate’s background, their professional drive, and their chosen academic path. The reflection on personal and family resilience adds depth, positioning the candidate as a motivated individual ready to leverage their experiences for meaningful social work.

Example 2: Columbia MSW Personal Statement Sample

Part 1: Reflecting upon your decision and motivation to pursue the MSW, describe how attending CSSW will enable you to meet your goals as a social worker. What are your immediate and long-term social work goals?
Part 2: Describe a social problem of significance to you. Please discuss it in regard to societal contributions to the origin of the problem, experiences that have contributed to your identification and understanding of the problem, and possible ways of addressing the problem.
Part 3: Choose two attributes and provide examples as to how you exemplify these traits. Choose one attribute you would like to improve. How will attending the MSW program at CSSW help you in doing so?

1. Motivation and Goals for Pursuing MSW:

From a young age, I have been acutely aware of the disparities and injustices in my community. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood in Chicago, I witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of poverty, limited access to quality education, and the cycle of violence. These early observations fueled my passion for social work, specifically my desire to develop community-based programs aimed at youth empowerment and education. My immediate goal is to work in a non-profit organization focused on urban youth development, while my long-term ambition is to establish a foundation dedicated to providing educational resources and mentorship programs for at-risk youth.

Attending the Columbia School of Social Work (CSSW) will provide me with the critical skills, knowledge, and network necessary to achieve these goals. CSSW’s commitment to social justice, its comprehensive curriculum, and the opportunity to learn from esteemed faculty and diverse peers will equip me with a nuanced understanding of social issues and effective intervention strategies.

2. A Significant Social Problem:

The social problem that resonates most with me is the school-to-prison pipeline, an issue rampant in many urban communities, including my own. This problem arises from a combination of societal factors such as underfunded public schools, zero-tolerance policies, and systemic racial discrimination. My understanding of this issue deepened through volunteering at a local youth center, where I encountered numerous teens who had been expelled from school and were at risk of entering the juvenile justice system.

Addressing this problem requires a multi-faceted approach, starting with policy reform to prioritize education and rehabilitation over punishment. Community-based intervention programs focusing on mentorship, counseling, and educational support can play a vital role in diverting at-risk youth from the criminal justice system. At CSSW, I hope to explore these interventions in-depth and develop effective strategies to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline.

3. Personal Attributes and Areas for Improvement:

Empathy : My empathy has been a guiding force in my social work journey. A poignant example was when I volunteered at a local youth center. There, I met a teenager named Marcus who had been expelled from school. By actively listening and engaging with him, I learned about his challenges at home and his struggles with learning disabilities. Understanding his situation, I worked with the youth center staff to develop a personalized educational plan and connect him with a mentor. This experience deepened my ability to empathize with individuals from diverse backgrounds, recognizing the unique challenges they face.

Resilience : My resilience was particularly tested when I spearheaded a community project to revitalize a rundown public park. The project faced numerous setbacks, including funding shortages and bureaucratic hurdles. Despite these challenges, I mobilized the community, organized fundraising events, and negotiated with local officials. The successful completion of the park not only provided a safe space for children but also reinforced my ability to persist in the face of adversity, a crucial trait for a social worker.

Area for Improvement – Policy Advocacy : My experience in grassroots initiatives has been rewarding, but it also highlighted the limitations of addressing social issues without policy change. For instance, while volunteering at the youth center, I realized that individual interventions, though beneficial, could not alone prevent the systemic issue of school expulsions leading to juvenile detentions. This recognition has fueled my desire to improve my skills in policy advocacy, an area where I see great growth potential. CSSW’s program, with its emphasis on policy practice, will be instrumental in helping me acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to advocate effectively for systemic changes.

Conclusion:

Attending Columbia School of Social Work will be a pivotal step in my journey to becoming an impactful social worker. I am eager to engage with the CSSW community, learn from diverse experiences, and contribute my perspective towards creating meaningful change. I am committed to using the knowledge and skills gained from CSSW to fight for social justice and empower the youth in communities like mine.

Clarity of Motivation : The essay effectively communicates the candidate’s personal experiences and observations of disparities in their community as key motivators for pursuing social work.
Goal-Oriented : Clearly outlines immediate and long-term goals, demonstrating a focused vision for a career in social work.
Understanding of a Social Issue : The candidate’s insight into the school-to-prison pipeline, informed by volunteer experiences, indicates a deep understanding of this complex social problem.
Attributes and Self-Improvement : Demonstrates empathy and resilience through specific examples. Identifies policy advocacy as an area for improvement and connects this to CSSW’s curriculum.
Personal and Professional Growth : The candidate’s experiences, challenges faced, and the growth they seek align well with the offerings of the CSSW program.

Verdict: The candidate’s personal statement is compelling and well-crafted. It showcases a strong personal connection to the field, a clear understanding of relevant social issues, and a desire for professional growth that aligns with the CSSW program.

Example 3: UC Berkeley MSW Statement of Purpose Sample

Please address each of the following in your statement:

Describe your aptitude, motivation and preparation for graduate study in the field of social welfare; your future career goals in the profession of social work; and achievements that demonstrate your professional promise and leadership potential as a social worker.
Describe your academic and professional areas of interest in social work, including your chosen area(s) of specialization.
Demonstrate your understanding of contemporary issues and challenges in the professional practice of social work by posing a question or identifying a relevant problem/current issue you would like to explore, and how you might address it from the perspective of a masters’-level social worker.

My journey into the world of social work began with a deeply personal experience – caring for my youngest daughter who faced developmental and language delays. This challenge opened my eyes to the struggles of parents with special needs children and sparked my commitment to helping vulnerable groups. I founded a non-profit organization to support children in rural Russian orphanages, which expanded my drive to assist not only children but also adults suffering from trauma and PTSD. This path has led me to pursue the Master of Social Welfare program at Berkeley, where I aim to deepen my knowledge and skills for effective global impact.

My background is richly diverse. As a mother of four bilingual, multicultural children, I developed a keen interest in early bilingualism. For my thesis at XXXX State Linguistic University, I explored bilingual language development in infants and toddlers, focusing on methods used by parents raising bilingual children. This research, recommended for publication as a guide for multilingual families, heightened my awareness of the challenges immigrant families face globally. It solidified my resolve to find research-based solutions to social issues, a commitment I bring to Berkeley’s rigorous program.

Professionally, I thrived as a XXXX Director for XXXX in Russia, where I honed leadership skills by building a team of passionate educators. A notable achievement was our collaboration with XXXX Department, providing educational programs to young patients. This experience was transformative, broadening my perspective on social change and reinforcing my desire to make a meaningful difference.

As a certified life and leadership coach, I focused on assisting Russian-speaking immigrants and refugee women, many confronting dire challenges like domestic abuse and PTSD. These encounters underscored the need for specialized social welfare skills, steering me towards a Master’s in Social Work. My goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, specializing in trauma and PTSD, and to contribute on an international scale, possibly with organizations like Doctors Without Borders.

Recognizing the critical role of language in social work, I have been learning Spanish and French to better connect with diverse patient populations. My linguistic background enhances my ability to engage effectively in multicultural settings. To gain practical experience, I completed a 90-hour training at Crisis Support Services of XXXX and began volunteering on their crisis line. This hands-on involvement, particularly during these challenging times, has further motivated me toward my LCSW goal.

UC Berkeley’s MSW program, known for its diverse student body and commitment to public service, is the ideal environment for me to grow. Surrounded by peers and faculty who share a dedication to social justice, I am eager to expand my understanding and prepare for a career dedicated to improving the lives of vulnerable individuals, families, and communities.

Personal Experience as Motivation : The statement effectively uses the candidate’s personal experience of caring for a child with developmental delays as a catalyst for their interest in social work.
Global Perspective : Showcases a strong commitment to international social issues through work with Russian orphanages and immigrant communities.
Professional Achievements : Highlights relevant professional experiences, including leadership roles and work with vulnerable populations.
Educational Goals and Alignment : Clearly articulates the desire to specialize in trauma and PTSD, aligning with Berkeley’s MSW program’s strengths.
Multicultural and Linguistic Skills : Demonstrates an understanding of the importance of cultural competence in social work, supported by multilingual abilities.

Verdict: The candidate presents a compelling mix of personal motivation, professional experience, and academic alignment with the MSW program at UC Berkeley. Their diverse background and specific career goals make them an ideal candidate for the program.

Example 4: Cal State Fullerton MSW Personal Statement Sample

The quality of the writing in the personal statement will be evaluated, as will the applicant’s ability to thoroughly address the questions outlined below:

Describe how your personal background and life experiences have influenced your decision to pursue a graduate education in social work. Please include any challenges or hardships you may have overcome on your journey.
What are your expectations of graduate education at Cal State Fullerton in terms of your own development? Indicate any problems or limitations that should be taken into account in planning your graduate program.
Specify your career objectives as a professional social worker as you now conceive them. Indicate the fields of practice in which you are interested.
Describe your experiences with diverse populations and groups, and how those experiences have contributed to your interest in social work. Which population (defined by culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, psychological and/or physical functioning) would you like to serve and why?

While managing an in-school feeding program, I watched a 7-year-old boy take a modest meal at school, and save half for his siblings at home. Another girl expressed joy for the school meals she relied on. These encounters, and others like them, deeply impacted me, highlighting the critical issue of child hunger and food insecurity. My resolve to expand our school feeding program was fueled by these experiences, successfully growing it from 7 to 1,053 schools over five years.

After graduating, I joined the Philippine XXXXX in 2001, managing the Business and Peace Program in the XXXXX Region. Here, I worked with XXXXXX, identifying young Muslims for internships that fostered leadership and peace.

In 2008, I transitioned to the XXXXX Foundation, developing community programs and managing the in-school feeding program, which fed 40,000 children at its peak. These experiences solidified my commitment to child welfare and my belief in the power of social work.

Managing the feeding program, I faced ethical challenges, like discovering fund misappropriation by a local agency officer. I addressed this by establishing direct communication with schools and conducting random checks, ensuring program integrity.

Then in 2013, I took a break to focus on family and moved to XXXXX. Motherhood enriched my perspective, making me more empathetic, resilient, and dedicated to child welfare. Now ready to re-enter the social work field, I seek an MSW degree to update my skills and knowledge.

Post-MSW, I aim to influence policies and contribute to community-based solutions in the Philippines, aspiring to work with large non-profits and eventually with international agencies like UNICEF.

The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened child poverty in the Philippines, underscoring the urgency of my mission. At CSU Fullerton, I plan to study social work theories, understand child welfare systems, and apply these learnings to the Philippine context.

With a Master of Social Work degree, I am poised to join the effort to advance children’s welfare, equipped to make a significant difference in their lives. The Filipino children cannot wait. They need all the help they can get. And with a Master of Social Work degree from CSU Fullerton, the battle will have been half-won.

Personal Narrative as Motivation : The statement effectively uses the applicant’s personal experiences with poverty, domestic violence, and addiction to illustrate a deep-rooted motivation for pursuing social work.
Community Involvement and Professional Experience : Highlights significant community engagement and professional achievements, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and positive change.
Challenges and Ethical Considerations : Discusses challenges faced during professional work, showing problem-solving skills and ethical awareness.
Academic and Career Goals : Clearly articulates how an MSW will enrich the applicant’s knowledge and skills, aiming to influence policies and create community-based solutions.
Personal Growth and Family Perspective : Reflects on the lessons learned from being a stay-at-home mother, tying this to a renewed enthusiasm for child welfare work.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded candidate with a compelling personal connection to social work, reinforced by active community involvement, ethical professional practice, and clear career goals. The applicant’s experiences and aspirations align well with the MSW program at CSU Fullerton- making them a strong candidate.

Example 5: Cal State Long Beach MSW Personal Statement Sample

How did you become interested in social work? What motivated you to choose social work as a profession?

My passion for social work and advocacy for equality is rooted in a fundamental belief: no voice should be silenced in the pursuit of a just society. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed how advocates for equality are often marginalized, their concerns unheard. This fuels my commitment to actively work towards a just world, where standing up for justice is a right for all.

As a child of Mexican immigrants, I experienced the harsh realities of a low-income household. This upbringing ingrained in me deep empathy and an intimate understanding of the struggles faced by underprivileged communities. My parents’ relentless hard work and sacrifices, despite economic hardships, have been a constant source of inspiration. They taught me resilience, compassion, and the importance of community support.

My professional journey in social work began at XXXX Community Development Corporation, where I took a lead role in organizing a landmark meeting with elected officials. We successfully voiced community concerns, addressing critical issues like infrastructure and public safety. This experience honed my skills in advocacy and highlighted the power of active listening and engagement.

Furthering my commitment, I volunteered at XXXX Volunteers in Medicine, assisting in providing healthcare to those unable to afford it. Here, I learned the critical role of accessible healthcare and the importance of educating communities about healthy living. These experiences have solidified my resolve to pursue a career in social work, focusing on advocating for essential services and support for underprivileged communities.

My aspiration to become a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in children’s mental health, aligns perfectly with the academic rigor and diverse environment offered by the Master of Social Work program at CSULB. As an undergraduate at CSULB, I was captivated by the program’s depth and the diverse perspectives it embraced. The experiences shared with students from varied backgrounds deepened my understanding of the multifaceted challenges in our society.

I am fully committed to investing my time and resources in the coursework and fieldwork placements at CSULB. The opportunity to study in a stimulating environment, surrounded by professionals who share my passion, will provide a solid foundation for my career. I bring with me a wealth of practical insights from working with low-income communities, the homeless, the elderly, and drug users. These experiences, I believe, will contribute significantly to our class discussions and align perfectly with CSULB’s mission of supporting vulnerable and oppressed populations.

My journey in social work is a commitment to those who struggle to be heard. At CSULB, I aim to further my skills, knowledge, and understanding, preparing myself to be a force for change and a voice for the voiceless. My goal is to ensure that every child, family, and community I work with gets the opportunity to thrive, just as I strive to make a meaningful impact in the field of social work.

Strong Personal Connection : The statement effectively connects the candidate’s personal background as a child of Mexican immigrants to her empathy and understanding of underprivileged communities.
Professional Experience : Highlights relevant work in community development and healthcare, which demonstrates practical skills in advocacy and community engagement.
Academic and Career Goals : Clearly articulates the ambition to specialize in children’s mental health, aligning with CSULB’s program.
Commitment to Social Work Values : Demonstrates a deep commitment to social justice, aligned with the mission of CSULB’s social work program.

Verdict: The personal statement is comprehensive and well-constructed, effectively demonstrating the candidate’s passion, relevant experience, and alignment with CSULB’s Master of Social Work program. The candidate’s background and professional aspirations make them a strong fit for the program.

Example 6: San Jose State University MSW Personal Statement Sample

In the heart of a small migrant community, where the sting of social inequities was a daily reality, my path toward a career in social work began to take shape. My childhood, marked by the challenges of racial discrimination and economic struggle, instilled in me not only resilience but a deep understanding of the complex social fabric that shapes communities. It was these formative experiences, coupled with my time volunteering at a local shelter, that solidified my dedication to advocating for social justice.

Professionally, my experiences have been closely aligned with the values at the core of social work. Serving as a community organizer, I worked alongside local leaders to tackle critical issues like housing affordability and healthcare accessibility, gaining valuable insights into the world of policy advocacy. Another pivotal role was as a counselor for at-risk youth, where I developed a keen understanding of the challenges faced by young people from diverse backgrounds. This role was instrumental in refining my skills in empathy and communication.

Looking ahead, my immediate goal is to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a focus on trauma and PTSD. In the long run, I aspire to establish a non-profit dedicated to providing mental health services to marginalized communities. These ambitions are rooted in a deep-seated commitment to effecting lasting change for those society often overlooks.

San Jose State University’s MSW program, renowned for its emphasis on culturally competent practice, particularly with Latinx and other minority groups, aligns perfectly with both my personal and professional values. The program’s exceptional faculty and comprehensive curriculum stand out as ideal for nurturing my academic and professional growth.

In conclusion, I am confident that my time at San Jose State University will not only refine my existing skills but also expand my perspectives, equipping me to become an effective, empathetic social worker. I am eager to embrace the tools and knowledge that the program offers, to champion social justice and make a tangible difference in the lives of those most in need.

This MSW personal statement sample effectively showcases the candidate’s journey and motivation towards a career in social work. It does well in several key aspects:

Personal Experience : The statement begins with a compelling narrative about the candidate’s upbringing in a diverse, challenging environment, effectively linking personal background to their interest in social work.
Professional Alignment : The candidate skillfully ties their professional experiences, like community organizing and counseling, to the core values of social work- to demonstrate a clear understanding and commitment to the field.
Future Goals & Alignment with the Program : The statement outlines specific short-term and long-term professional goals, aligning them with the strengths of San Jose State University’s MSW program. This demonstrates the candidate’s purposeful choice of program and their understanding of how it will support their career objectives.
Flow and Clarity : The essay is well-structured, with each paragraph transitioning smoothly into the next, maintaining a clear and engaging narrative throughout.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded, sincere, and focused candidate with a clear vision for their future in social work. It makes a strong case for their admission.

Example 7: Wayne State University MSW Personal Statement Sample

Your statement must address the following items:

The National Association of Social Workers set forth important guiding principles to address social workers’ ethical responsibility to clients, colleagues, employers and employing organizations, the social work profession, and society.
Describe how these ethical standards would shape your professional social work practice. How would you reconcile any conflicts between your personal values and the requirements of the profession?
Describe why you believe you are a good fit with the mission of the Wayne State University School of Social Work, particularly its urban mission.
Social workers are committed to social justice. Please describe your thoughts on a particular social and economic justice issue and how you intend to use your professional social work degree to address these issues.

As an African American with Native American roots, I have firsthand experience with the challenges faced by underserved communities. This background has deeply influenced my desire to pursue social work, driven by a belief in compassion, commitment, and competence. I aim to amplify my impact in this field by enhancing my skills, and I believe the MSW program at Wayne State University is the ideal setting for this growth.

My life in Detroit has exposed me to the myriad challenges of urban environments, from food deserts to unsafe public spaces and high crime rates. The city’s struggle with deindustrialization has led to job losses, property abandonment, and heightened poverty, which I believe positions me uniquely for Wayne’s urban mission. Understanding these issues firsthand, I feel equipped to contribute meaningfully to solutions.

In my current role with a youth assistance program, I work to prevent youths from entering the juvenile system and help rehabilitate those already involved. Our sessions include group counseling, academic enrichment, and life skills training, aimed at early intervention to improve life quality and academic performance.

My practice as a social worker is grounded in the ethical standards set forth by the National Association of Social Workers. I prioritize service above self-interest, as evidenced by my role as a Direct Care Worker for my sister with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I am committed to social justice and understand the importance of dignity and respect for every individual, regardless of their background. My experience with Wayne State University’s XXXXXX program has further reinforced the value of human relationships in social work.

I recognize the potential conflicts between personal values and professional responsibilities. In such cases, I intend to adhere to the profession’s ethical standards, ensuring that my personal beliefs do not hinder my ability to serve clients effectively.

The Wayne State University School of Social Work’s urban mission resonates with my experiences and aspirations. My understanding of Detroit’s unique challenges aligns with the school’s focus on urban social work. I am particularly interested in addressing issues of poverty and economic disparity, leveraging my post-masters degree to initiate impactful programs like fundraisers for low-income students and collaborations with local food banks.

I am aware of the challenges in understanding certain aspects of social work, such as the dynamics of gang involvement. To address this, I plan to engage in continuous learning about various community issues to enhance my ability to serve diverse populations effectively.

My journey has not been without its challenges. While I have been actively involved in addressing the needs of victims of gang violence, I recognize a gap in my understanding of gang culture. To bridge this gap, I am committed to learning more about gang dynamics, history, and the socioeconomic factors that influence gang membership. This knowledge will be crucial in my work with at-risk youth, allowing me to provide more targeted and effective interventions.

Balancing the demands of graduate studies with work, family, and financial responsibilities will be challenging, but my experience in the Wayne State University XXXXX program has equipped me with valuable skills in time management and prioritization. I am prepared to fully commit to the MSW program, confident that it will transform me into an impactful social work professional aligned with Wayne State’s mission.

Alignment with University’s Mission : The statement effectively aligns the student’s personal and professional experiences with Wayne State University’s urban mission.
Ethical Awareness : Demonstrates a clear understanding of social work ethics and a commitment to upholding these standards in practice.
Conflict Resolution : Thoughtfully addresses potential conflicts between personal values and professional responsibilities, indicating maturity and professional readiness.
Commitment to Social Justice : Shows a strong dedication to social justice, particularly in addressing economic disparities and poverty.
Continuous Learning : Emphasizes a willingness to learn and grow, especially in areas like understanding gang dynamics, which is crucial for effective social work.
Personal Experiences : Successfully uses personal experiences to illustrate a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities.
Realistic Approach : Acknowledges and prepares for the challenges of balancing graduate studies with other life responsibilities.

Verdict: The applicant shows a strong alignment with the program’s focus, demonstrates ethical awareness, and possesses a clear commitment to social justice and continuous learning. The statement shows maturity and readiness for the challenges of graduate study in social work.

Example 8: University of Pittsburg MSW Personal Statement Sample

Please describe in your personal statement the following:

Influences in your life that led you to select social work as a profession
Why you are applying to the University of Pittsburg School of Social Work
How an MSW will help you achieve your career goals
Your special skills and abilities, your strengths as well as your limitations
How your abilities will contribute to your development as a professional social worker
Discuss a contemporary issue that is of concern to you

Printed on my grandfather’s funeral brochure was an old Irish proverb: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; love leaves a memory no one can steal.” This sentiment has resonated with me deeply, as I have experienced significant loss in my life, from cancer to accidents and suicide. These experiences have not only shaped my understanding of grief but also steered me towards a career in social work, specifically in gerontology and hospice care.

During my final quarter at XXXXXXX State College, I met a hospice social worker whose impact on families dealing with end-of-life situations was profound. Her approach to helping families accept, celebrate life, and find peace in farewells deeply inspired me. It was then that I realized the power of social work in providing comfort and dignity in life’s final stages.

I am applying to the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work because of its strong gerontology program and its commitment to addressing contemporary issues like the impact of COVID-19 on the aging population. The pandemic has starkly highlighted the disparities in our healthcare system, especially concerning end-of-life care. I aim to contribute to this field by developing solutions to these emerging challenges, ensuring dignity and comfort for all in their final moments, regardless of their racial or socioeconomic status.

My work experience in childcare and hospitality has equipped me with patience, empathy, and a strong work ethic, qualities essential for a career in social work. Additionally, my volunteer work with XXXXXXX and the XXXXXXX has given me valuable experience in community service. However, I recognize my tendency to be overly trusting as a limitation. In the field of social work, discernment is crucial, and I am actively working on balancing empathy with professional objectivity.

At the University of Pittsburgh, I am particularly interested in courses like Grief and Loss: Interventions, Implications, and Understanding, and Direct Practice with Older Adults. These courses, coupled with field education in aging, hospice, or hospital settings, will be instrumental in achieving my career goals.

My commitment to serving the Pittsburgh community stems from my deep-rooted connection to the city. Witnessing the impact of the university’s alumni in the field has further motivated me to pursue my MSW here. I am fully aware of the challenges that lie ahead in the field of social work, but I am confident that the guidance and training offered by the University of Pittsburgh will equip me to tackle these challenges effectively.

My personal experiences with loss, combined with my professional aspirations and commitment to social justice, make me a suitable candidate for the MSW program. I am eager to contribute my skills, work ethic, and unique perspectives to the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work and to grow into a compassionate and effective social worker.

Connection of Personal Experience to Career Choice : Effectively links personal encounters with loss to a passion for social work, particularly in gerontology and hospice care.
Alignment with Program’s Strengths : Clearly identifies why the University of Pittsburgh’s program, with its focus on gerontology, is a strong fit for the candidate’s career goals.
Discussion of Contemporary Issues : Addresses the impact of COVID-19 on the aging population, showing awareness of current challenges in social work.
Self-awareness and Growth : Acknowledges personal limitations, like being overly trusting, and the intention to work on balancing empathy with professional objectivity.
Relevant Skills and Experience : Highlights experiences in childcare, hospitality, and volunteer work, which showcase skills valuable in social work.

Verdict: The statement demonstrates a clear connection between personal experiences and professional aspirations. It aligns effectively with the program’s focus, displays awareness of current social issues, and shows a commitment to personal growth- making the candidate a strong fit for the University of Pittsburgh’s MSW program.

Example 9: Case Western Reserve University MSW Personal Statement Sample

Discuss significant factors influencing your decision to pursue a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA).

Your essay should include information regarding your interest in the social work profession, your intended concentration/specialization, and career goals.
Please reflect on how any past school, community, volunteer, professional work, and leadership experiences will contribute to your success as a graduate student.
Describe how you see yourself contributing to the vibrancy of our student body and school community.
Describe any strengths or limitations that might influence you being successful in your field placement.
Finally, please include why the Mandel School is a good fit for your educational goals.

My decision to pursue a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) at the Mandel School is deeply rooted in personal and professional experiences that have highlighted the profound impact of social work. My journey began with observing the complexities of mental health within my family, which instilled in me a passion for understanding and advocating for mental health care.

Growing up, I watched a beloved family member struggle with mental health challenges. Witnessing their battle and the ripple effect it had on our family stirred in me a resolve to support others facing similar trials. This resolve only deepened with the birth of my daughter, Eve, when I encountered my postpartum mood disorders. Through receiving treatment and support, I was empowered to overcome these challenges, which further fueled my aspiration to assist women grappling with similar issues.

In my professional role as a Health Coach and Personal Trainer, I’ve had the privilege of supporting clients like John and Anna, whose mental well-being was intertwined with their physical health goals. These experiences have honed my ability to listen empathetically and devise holistic approaches to wellness that I believe will be invaluable in my social work practice.

My immediate career goal is to establish a private practice focused on women’s mental health, particularly addressing postpartum mood disorders. I am inspired to create a space where women can seek help without stigma or silence. In the long term, I aspire to influence mental health policy, advocating for accessible care and support systems that recognize and address the silent struggles many women face.

The Mandel School’s commitment to academic excellence and its vibrant student body resonate with my educational and professional ethos. The school’s innovative approach to social work education, particularly in mental health, makes it an exceptional fit for my aspirations. My compassion, coupled with my professional experience and personal journey through mental health challenges, will contribute to the rich tapestry of the Mandel School community.

Ultimately, I envision my time at the Mandel School as a transformative experience that will not only deepen my understanding of social work but also equip me with the skills to make significant contributions to the field. With a community that fosters diversity of thought and experience, I am confident that my educational journey here will prepare me for a fulfilling and impactful career in social work.

Personal Connection : The statement effectively establishes a personal connection to social work through the candidate’s family experiences with mental health.
Professional Relevance : It highlights relevant work experience that translates well into social work competencies, particularly in understanding clients’ holistic needs.
Clear Career Objectives : The candidate articulates well-defined short-term and long-term goals that align with their personal experiences and professional aspirations.
School Alignment : There is a strong emphasis on how the Mandel School’s ethos resonates with the candidate’s goals, suggesting a thoughtful choice in their application.
Contribution to Community : The statement outlines how the candidate’s unique experiences and compassion will add value to the student body and fieldwork.

Verdict: The candidate’s personal statement is compelling, demonstrating a strong, authentic motivation for pursuing an MSSA and a clear vision for how the Mandel School will help fulfill their career objectives.

Example 10: University of Pittsburg MSW Personal Statement Sample

Influences in your life that led you to select social work as a profession.
Why you are applying to Pitt’s School of Social Work.
How an MSW will help you achieve your career goals.
How your abilities will contribute to your development as a professional social worker.
discuss a contemporary issue that is of concern to you.

At just seven years old, I witnessed the harsh realities of poverty, domestic violence, and addiction within my family. These experiences instilled in me a passion for social work, especially after seeing how social workers supported our family through my parents’ mental health and addiction challenges. This inspired me to pursue a career in this field to use my background and skills gained from an MSW program to assist individuals and families in their recovery processes.

Growing up, our family was caught up in a custody battle, leading my siblings and me to frequently navigate foster care and courtrooms. My parents’ struggle with addiction was alleviated by the support of social workers and case managers, who provided housing, food assistance, service coordination, and counseling. Tragically, both my parents eventually succumbed to drug overdoses. Though painful, these experiences further reinforced my commitment to social work and helping others facing similar struggles.

In recent years, I have been actively involved in social justice activism. My roles as a community organizer and development director for XXXXX Summer Camp, a non-profit empowering girls and non-binary youth through music and mentorship, highlighted the need for improved mental and behavioral health services. Volunteering as a delivery driver and food packager with XXXXX Aid during the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of community support for those in need.

My experience in event coordination, donor relationship building, and electoral campaign work has enabled me to contribute to meaningful change in my community, such as the successful XXXXX Wage initiative in Oregon, which improved the lives of countless workers. Serving on the XXXXX Democratic Committee for Ward Four, I have amplified community voices and supported candidates who advocate for accessible mental and behavioral health services, safe and affordable housing, and environmental protection.

A contemporary issue that concerns me is the effectiveness of harm reduction techniques in treating mental health and dual-diagnosis clients. I aim to explore how these techniques can be integrated into traditional substance abuse treatment models to better meet the mental health needs of individuals like my parents. Additionally, I am interested in how mental health professionals and addiction treatment providers can collaborate to provide comprehensive care for dual-diagnosis clients.

Obtaining an MSW will empower me to become a skilled, compassionate, and trauma-informed clinician. My goal is to contribute to accessible mental and behavioral health services, particularly for trauma survivors, and advocate for inclusive, culturally responsive, and restorative justice practices.

I am empathetic and easily connect with people, and my resilience in adversity will contribute to my development as a professional social worker. These qualities have supported me in helping my sister Cheyan and in my social justice work.

I chose the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Social Work for its highly-ranked program and specialization in mental health. This program aligns with my goal of employing harm reduction strategies for dual-diagnosis clients. Additionally, its proximity to my family will enable me to support them while pursuing my education.

I am eager to return to the University of Pittsburgh and embark on this transformative journey to become a professional social worker. The MSW program will enable me to make a significant difference in the lives of those who need compassionate and trauma-informed care. I am confident that this program will honor my family’s legacy and empower me to create positive change for countless individuals and families in need.

Personal Experience as a Motivation : The applicant compellingly uses their personal history of overcoming poverty, domestic violence, and addiction to demonstrate a deep-rooted motivation for pursuing social work.
Community Involvement : The statement highlights significant community engagement and activism, showcasing a commitment to social justice and change.
Professional Development : Details about event coordination, campaign involvement, and leadership roles show the applicant’s ability to effect change and work collaboratively.
Academic and Career Goals : The applicant clearly articulates their interest in harm reduction techniques and their intent to enhance their skills through the MSW program.
Personal Qualities : Empathy and resilience are emphasized as strengths that will aid in their development as a social worker.

Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded candidate with a powerful personal connection to social work, backed by active community involvement and clear professional goals. Their commitment to addressing complex social issues, coupled with their personal strengths, shines throughout the statement.

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Social Worker’s Personal and Professional Ethics Essay

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The profession of social work is a difficult and delicate one. Social workers have their own beliefs and values and these often differ from those of their clients. In order to have an organized system of doing social work, there is a code of ethics that governs how clients are treated to avoid chaos and to ensure that all parties involved get their rights. Some of the core values that guide the social workers are service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, integrity, importance of human relationships, and competence (NASW 1).

In social work, we learn that we should always leave our personal views behind and embrace professional ones. For example, as a social worker, I am expected to respect client’s right to self-determination. Every client has a goal in life and as a social worker, one should strive to identify that goal and help the client to achieve it. There are times when this proves to be difficult especially with regard to religion. My personal values on religion and how it is followed may conflict with professional work values or ethical standards.

Following the code of ethics means that I do not agree with abortion, homosexuality or certain religious activities. I have to let go of my personal opinions and view the client objectively. It is disturbing when I come across a client who desperately need medical attention but cannot accept treatment due to religious beliefs. There are times when would like to help but find it difficult to cross that religious barrier. This conflict may prevent me from seeing clearly and trying to find alternative solutions.

My personal values are that religion cannot be followed blindly. Any religion that allows my clients to remain on hallucinogens, fast for days while suffering bad health or avoid hospital is wrong. It does not mean that my values are the ‘right’ values and they may come in conflict with the values that I should adhere to.

To me, any religion that preaches poverty as a way of life is wrong. I fail to understand why some religious groups would encourage poverty as penance or as a gateway to another realm. It is difficult to deal with such clients because they may not understand that their actions are costing other people their tax money in social work. I may not be in a position to make them understand that for their own wellbeing and that of their families, they have to drop this religion. This is a personal view and I cannot judge them based on their religion.

With time I have come to learn that we all have different personal values and what makes us good or bad social workers is what we do with them. The best social worker is one who is aware of their values. They put them aside and focus wholly on the client. The secret also lies in knowing when to apply these personal values whenever necessary. When uncertain, or conflicted, it is always advisable to consult senior colleagues who have a lot of experience and are always willing to help.

There are people all over the world who are vulnerable, oppressed, discriminated against and living in abject poverty. These are the people who need social workers the most. The aim of social work is to enhance their wellbeing and to empower them to stand on their own two feet. This is done by identifying the contributing factors to their predicament. They may be environmental, emotional, and may be rooted deeply in their past. The social worker identifies the root cause, eliminates it and puts the person back into society through the established programs and agencies.

Some people say the best things are free. When I am talking to a client, I think to myself, “What can I give that is free yet ethically acceptable?” One of my personal values is my belief in the strength of human relationships. The vulnerable probably have no one to protect them. The oppressed have nowhere to run. They need someone to listen to them. If clients have no one to talk to, they may sink deeper into despair. I actively listen to my clients so that I can understand where they are coming from and to decide on the next cause of action. When a vulnerable, oppressed and poor person lays out their situation to a sympathetic person, healing begins.

The path to recovery may also begin with a touch. We are taught that social workers should not engage in physical contact with clients when there is the possibility of psychological harm to the client. I know the importance of touch and whenever I touch a client, I am always governed by appropriate and culturally sensitive boundaries. This technique is employed as a healing system and claims to be useful for reducing pain and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and stimulating the body’s natural healing process (Bruno 1). Touch where children are concerned is especially important. It makes them feel loved and accepted by society. It brings them up to be good citizen which is important not just for them, but for the whole society.

As a social worker, I understand that strong human relationships are the driving forces for change. It’s my personal value that if I can get a client to partner with someone that is important to them, then I will be one step closer to our goal. I seek to strengthen relationships between family members, social organizations where the client may have an interest. I find out what causes division between my client and the people that are in his or her life. Some are judgment calls as the people in their lives may be dragging them down.

Human relationships are strengthened by understanding. To strengthen relationships with clients, I find that it helps to see their living conditions. It helps to visit the place where they call home, to see what they eat, where they sleep and how they interact with their neighbours. For those who sleep out on the street, it helps to feel their cold and misery. I believe that this brings a deeper understanding. It puts a human element in our talks with the clients as we strive to find a solution to such dire circumstances.

The mark of a good social worker is in his or her ability to enhance personal values that do not conflict with professional values. This gives them an edge over others who do not hold the same personal values. It makes it easier and more fulfilling to help clients and to make the society a much better place. Whenever I find a personal value that might facilitate a commitment to and implementation of one professional social work or ethical standard, I hold onto it and build it up to make me a better and more productive professional social worker.

Works Cited

Bruno, Leonard C. Therapeutic Touch , 1999. Web.

National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers , 2008. Web.

Businessperson' Personal Ethical Philosophy
Ethics Code in School Leadership
The Biological Basis of Sleep
Arguments on Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire
"Bus 174" Children: Oppressed, Neglected, and Stigmatised
Code of Ethics Concept: Toyota Motor
Why Abortion Is Immoral?
Ethics and Decision-Making in Public Safety
Virtue Theory, Utilitarianism and Deontological Ethics
Locating and Integrating State Laws and Ethical Codes
Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Personal Growth and Development — Personal Development Plan As A Health And Social Care Worker

Personal Development Plan as a Health and Social Care Worker

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Personal and professional development

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Discussion of personal and professional development must be set in the uncertain, demanding, complex and changing context of social work. The current emphasis on vocational training and the achievement of discrete technical competencies in a culture which promotes market forces, consumerism and managerialism (Holman, 1993; Banks, 1995; Clark, 1995; Dominelli, 1996) is at the expense of fundamental aspects of social work including:

a concern about individual people and the enhancement of their lives and relationships;

a commitment to social justice and the eradication of poverty and discrimination;

a commitment to social work as a moral and ethical activity;

an holistic approach to practice, where relationships and process as well as outcomes are addressed;

a commitment to partnership and involvement with users in developing services to meet their needs;

a commitment to evaluating practice as a means of developing it;

a recognition that the worker's use of self is integral to social work activity.

Social Work involves entering into the lives of people who are in distress, conflict or trouble. To do this requires not only technical competence but also qualities of integrity, genuineness and self awareness. (Lishman, 1994)

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Becoming a Practitioner: Professional Learning as a Social Practice

Identity and agency in professional learning, transitions to working life: securing professional competence, further reading.

Brown, A. and Bourne, I. (1996) The Social Work Supervisor: Supervision in Community, Day Care and Residential Settings (Buckingham, Open University Press). This book, although focusing on supervision, is invaluable in drawing attention to issues of professional development and support for social workers and potential blocks to them.

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Carter, P., Jeffs, T. and Smith, M. K. (1995) Social Working (Basingstoke, Macmillan). This edited collection of chapters by practising social workers identifies major issues in professional development by analysing social work practice from the perspective of experienced social workers, including the main processes: a ‘hands-on’ approach to examining and articulating practice and learning from it.

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Eraut, M. (1994) Developing Professional Knowledge and Competence (London, Falmer Press). This book contains a valuable multidisciplinary analysis of issues in professional development and pressures which deal with complexity.

Shaw, I. (1996) Evaluating in Practice (Aldershot, Arena). This book presents a model of evaluating a practice based on the reality of social work and recent developments in qualitative methodology for doing and learning research.

Yelloly, M. and Henkel, M. (1995) Learning and Teaching in Social Work: Towards Reflective Practice (London, Jessica Kingsley). This edited collection addresses issues in the post-professional education of social workers and related professionals, examining the concepts of professionalism, competence, knowledge and anti-racism, with an emphasis on how professionals learn and maintain a self-critical and reflective approach to practice.

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University of Lincolnshire and Humberside, UK

Robert Adams ( Professor of Human Services Development ) ( Professor of Human Services Development )

Department of Social Work Studies, University of Southampton, UK

Lena Dominelli ( Professor of Social and Community Development ) ( Professor of Social and Community Development )

Manchester Metropolitan University, UK

Malcolm Payne ( Professor of Applied Community Studies ) ( Professor of Applied Community Studies )

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Lishman, J. (1998). Personal and professional development. In: Adams, R., Dominelli, L., Payne, M., Campling, J. (eds) Social Work. Palgrave, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-14400-6_8

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Personal And Professional Development | Social Work

Published Date: 23 Mar 2015 Last Modified: 19 May 2017

Disclaimer: This essay has been written and submitted by students and is not an example of our work. Please click this link to view samples of our professional work witten by our professional essay writers . Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of EssayCompany.

The aim of this essay is to critically evaluate my readiness to start counselling employment. There will be a number of key issues integrated into this essay that will explore my learning needs in the context of my professional counselling. These will include personal reflexive and reflective practice where I will introduce Argyris & Schon's ( 1974) Increasing Professional Effectiveness Model, self awareness, issues of difference, placements and supervision.

I will discuss the values and moral qualities of the BACP ethical framework in relation to experiences of my placement. I shall discuss and explore the importance of professional boundaries along with contracts within the counselling setting. I will introduce Kolb's experiential learning inventory and apply its elements to how it has influenced my learning since starting my counselling degree and how it has become a part of who I am. In relation to placement and supervision I hope to discuss some of my experiences with clients in therapy, the organisation in terms of policies and procedures, as well as how I found the experience of supervision to be.

In relation to this I will also discuss beginnings and endings, my feelings around both and how I manage these. I will discuss the topic of stress and burn out and strategies for preventing the risk of this as I prepare myself for a career in the field of counselling.

The end is near, my counselling journey I mean and although I am full of mixed emotions revolving around the end, I am at a stage of this journey where I feel comfortable in relation to who I am and where I am going in terms of a career in counselling. All endings bring mixed emotions, for some it is change, rebirth and goodbyes, for me it is the question of what is expected of me next and will I meet these expectations. Schon (2001) states that change is a fundamental feature of modern life.

I never had many negative experiences around beginnings and I think one of the reasons for this is because of my top character strength which is social intelligence. I always seem to be aware of the motives and feelings of others and know what to do to put people at ease along with knowing what to do to fit in to various social situations. Although in saying this I found making the contracts with my clients a difficult task.

It wasn't that my clients didn't want to make the contract, the difficult part was collaboratively working together on a contract that best fitted each client, bearing in mind two of them were under eight years of age. I successfully managed to make a contract with each of my clients and it was a great experience, for two of them were pieces of clay. According to Molteni and Garske (1983) contracts may increase compliance with the processes of the therapeutic process.

Endings on the other hand are not as easy for me, I understand they are part of life and sometimes we need to end so we can grow and develop as individuals. This course and especially this module has helped me to bring these fears and emotions into awareness and reflect on them so I can understand what lies behind them. It is important for individuals to let go and move on as this is like the child leaving home for the very first time.

The child needs to leave to gain independence and knowledge about the world. I seem to be experiencing quite a lot of endings this year in particular. I have just recently finished a placement where I was working as a trainee counsellor with children.

I have been working with three clients close to a year and was quite worried at how these endings would go. Along with the ending work with my clients I was also ending with my supervisor who has been very supportive of me during my time there, I never once felt isolated or alone. I am quite pleased to say that these endings went extremely well as I have been working hard for a number of months with my clients on them.

During these months I would make small endings at the end of each session as it was like a countdown for my clients so when we got to the final session it wasn't a big dramatic ending, they were well aware and ready for it. I feel extremely proud of the therapeutic work I have done with each of my clients. It was not easy at times but I persevered and learned a lot from my struggles. It is not easy to hear a child introduce erotic material but I coped well.

On reflection of these endings in particular, I was surprised at how well I managed my own, I have come to the understanding that I managed mine so well because I knew my clients where ready to end and move on. This allowed me the incentive to then manage mine so well. I love the metaphor that Dallas and Stedman (2009) use to describe reflection. They describe it as a mirror reflecting our own image back to us (Dallas and Stedman 2009). Dallos and Stedman (2009) suggest that reflective practice is best seen as a process of analysing and reanalysing important episodes of activity.

The term reflection in action is used to refer to the spontaneous act of reflecting in the moment (Dallas and Stedman 2009). I have had a lot of these spontaneous acts and found myself at times getting lost in them. When working with children, metaphor and symbols act for a lot of the communication. I have often found myself questioning something in my head while I am reflecting in action and at times had to snap myself out of it as I was aware my focus was coming away from the client.

Reflecting on action which Dallas and Stedman (2009) call reflexivity is a great way to question what was going on for me at that time and what was it about that particular episode that I lost my focus. I find reflection is a great strategy for promoting self care. For me this means quiet time for myself to reflect and get lost in my own cognitions without being disturbed. I feel it is important to look after ones self as this can prevent the cause of stress and burnout. Also by having quiet time to yourself to mull over the day or week that has passed is an excellent way to manage ones stress.

The feedback from supervision has been outstanding with reference to how quickly I built trusting relationships with my clients and the depth I was able to work at despite this being my first year of any placement. The experience around ending with my supervisor was another healthy ending. I think the biggest reason for this is after all of the positive feedback I received from her I knew I was then ready to end.

This brings me to the conclusion that it isn't really the endings I have trouble with, it has more to do with how I end. What I mean is that I may not deal with a spontaneous ending as well as one I know is coming, which makes sense. Although saying this I know I would handle it better than I think I would. My counselling endings remind me of personal endings I have experienced in the past. The ending that comes to mind is when I left my family home in Ireland for the first time. I remember how lonesome I felt after moving away as myself and my family are very close. It was like the end of an era and even though I visit them quite often, every time I leave them to come back to London, its another ending in itself.

In relation to ending with my clients, if I ended and seen that they weren't ready to end, or that I knew I hadn't been doing all I could to apply emotional support to my them, then I am sure the endings would not have went so smooth for me. I have learned a valuable lesson from these ending experiences, although they went well, its ok that I feel sad, it shows that I care. The feelings I have are quite calm and peaceful , of course I wont forget my first clients and I will think about them from time to time but the important thing for me is that I don't have any emotional ties with them so It is ok for me to think about them and move on. I really don't think these endings would have gone as well if it hadn't been for all of the support I received from supervision.

My supervisor and I jelled straight away and because of my honesty and openness in supervision it allowed us to examine my work in depth and maximise my learning. I feel the greatest compliment I have received from supervision is being told that I have begun to develop my own internal supervisor.

Ongoing supervision is a requirement of the BACP (2010). The BACP (2010) believes that supervision can positively contribute to the maintenance and development of ethical professional practice. In my opinion it is a necessity for all counsellors to have ongoing supervision to support counsellors, to enhance effective practice and a supervisor can act as a safety net for the counsellor. According to Feltham (2010) supervision is mandatory for all counsellors regardless of their experience even if it is difficult to find a suitable supervisor.

The atmosphere always seemed quite calm and relaxed which I enjoyed. I like to avoid confrontation at all costs, a negative atmosphere in the work place doesn't just effect who is involved in it but affects everyone. This can have quite a negative effect on the job that one is doing and the clients whom we are working with. It can also lead to stress and burn out as research has shown that people who don't feel supported and are not happy in the work place are more prone to stress (Salami 2011). I am quite lucky as I have very rarely experienced confrontation in the work place.

On the rare occasion that I have, I dealt with it by discussing the problem and having it out in the open. We were then able to keep our professional heads, get past it and focus on the job at hand. Money could not by the experiences I have had on my placement. I followed all the rigorous procedures for dealing with a child protection matter which I dealt with very well and in context to the BACP (2010) ethical framework.

When placing myself in the context of values, moral qualities and personal boundaries of the BACP (2010) Ethical Framework I feel that I am ethically mindful when delivering these services required by the BACP(2010). My moral qualities include empathy, resilience, respect, Integrity and courage. I believe one of the reasons I am so mindful comes from my therapeutic core model which is person centred (Rogers 1961). The emphasis is on creating a safe environment to discuss issues in a warm and non judgemental way. By using the core conditions effectively I feel there is little chance of harming my clients.

I followed all of the Place 2 be policies and procedures from the no touch policy to holding the boundaries firmly. It was quite difficult at times to avoid my clients trying to hug me but after a while I was able to use my body to my advantage of avoiding my client hugging me as I would intuitively know when it was going to happen and was able to move my body to the side so it would be avoided, keeping in mind that I didn't want it to come across as rejection.

I understand that life in general can be suffering and we don't have all the answers to our issues but it is about managing that suffering so it doesn't take over our lives. Becoming a counsellor may have different meanings for many individuals. It can be the lust for power to sit in the power chair, for others it may be the need to feel needed, for me it comes down to supporting clients emotionally so they can end as much of their suffering as possible.

I believe self awareness to be one of the most significant skills I have learned during this degree. Over the duration, my self awareness has developed and I have a greater understanding of my inner and outer self. I think self awareness is crucial for understanding my own feelings as well as the client's feelings in the therapy room. I believe it is extremely important to be mindful of the diversity in the counselling profession. I am well aware of my biases towards other individuals but I will leave them outside of the therapy room.

My mentality is that I am here to provide a service and why should I let my own values and beliefs get in the way of applying emotional support to an individual. I also feel that a lot of my biases come from being uneducated around a certain culture or race. I feel it is my professional duty to educate myself around these different culture so I am not creating unnecessary boundaries. Lago (2006) states that counsellors should educate themselves about the specificities of different cultures in order to develop competence for working with what has been classed as the culturally different.

I have found reflection to be very useful in relation to areas of the Johari window (Evans 2007). The area in which I seem to struggle with the most is giving constructive feedback. The reason for this is the individual may misinterpret what I am saying if they feel the feedback is negative. I have enjoyed learning about the johari window (Evans 2007) and have used it in a number of different areas of my life.

I found supervision to be an excellent way of acquiring my blind spots. I think personal therapy would be fundamental in relation to the johari window (Evans 2007), not only would it help to discover areas within myself but I feel talking around them may to become more aware of them.

I believe this is sufficient for all trainee counsellors before they start to practice. I don't believe it is fair to start counselling without having experienced what it is like to sit in the clients chair. My plan to access a counsellor will be through a professional body such as the BACP (2010) because anyone can advertise themselves as counsellors. I believe this is the safest way as the counsellor will be an accredited member of a professional body. Personal therapy enhances professional development and relational capacities aswel as increasing personal development capacities and well being of the counsellor (Orlinsky, Schofield, Schroder and Kazantzis 2011).

In conclusion of this essay I am very pleased with my development thus far, both personally as well as professionally. I feel I am shifting every time I learn something new. I am so enthusiastic about the work with clients and I feel I would benefit from fully recognising my strengths and letting my confidence grow still further. I would also benefit from further reading of a variety of different theoretical approaches which I plan to do as should every counsellor regardless of experience. I am proud of the feedback I received from my supervisor, this has influenced my competence levels as a counsellor.

For further training and professional development needs I would like to work with adults using symbols and metaphor. My greatest influence has come from the work of Carl Jung's Archetypes (Jung 1961) and the magic of metaphor through working at the Place 2 be. I would also be interested in more work with children as I would like to gain more experience in this field. According to my supervisor I seem to have a natural style of being with children. I have really enjoyed working with them, it has been very experiential and exciting. I go from here in search of a new placement where I hope to get a similar experience although knowing if I don't I will learn something knew.

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Personal And Professional Development
Personal And Professional Development | Social Work. The aim of this essay is to critically evaluate my readiness to start counselling employment. There will be a number of key issues integrated into this essay that will explore my learning needs in the context of my professional counselling. These will include personal reflexive and reflective ...
Looking At Personal And Professional Development Social Work Essay
The purpose of this essay is to offer the reader examples of my understanding in personal and professional development. The discussions of two ethical dilemmas, offered by comments on ways of dealing with them are included. It will further conclude with an evaluation of my support and supervision during the practice placement setting.
Full article: Building professional identity during social work
As social work can be described as one of the most difficult and challenging professions (Kinman & Grant, Citation 2017; McFadden et al., Citation 2015), where building personal relationships is crucial in assisting individuals and families in different vulnerable life situations (Hasenfeld, Citation 2009), the development of professional ...
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Write a critically reflective analysis of your current development, focusing on professionalism. Discuss how you would like to develop your practice and knowledge during your first year as a qualified social worker. Your essay should draw on the concepts of professionalism discussed in Learning Guide 9, and aspects of theory and practice ...
Why I Want to Be a Social Worker Essay: A Personal Reflection-2024
1. Compassion and Empathy. At the core of my desire to become a social worker is a deep sense of compassion and empathy for others. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the struggles and hardships faced by individuals in my community, from economic inequality to systemic injustice. These experiences ignited a passion within me to help those who ...
PDF Your Philosophy of Social Work: Developing a Personal and Professional
The first states that philosophy is "The study of the truths and principles of being, knowledge, or conduct" (Quartz Hill School of Theology, n.d.). The second defines the term as "a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school" (Princeton University WordNet, n.d.).
10 MSW Personal Statement Examples (with Commentary)
Personal Qualities: Empathy and resilience are emphasized as strengths that will aid in their development as a social worker. Verdict: The statement presents a well-rounded candidate with a powerful personal connection to social work, backed by active community involvement and clear professional goals. Their commitment to addressing complex ...
Developing social work students' professional identity: the role of
Developing professional identity is a key aim of social work education. This paper argues that the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) - a holistic, capability approach to student assessment used in England's social work education programmes - is ideally placed to promote the development of students' professional identities.
Social Worker's Personal and Professional Ethics Essay
Some of the core values that guide the social workers are service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, integrity, importance of human relationships, and competence (NASW 1). In social work, we learn that we should always leave our personal views behind and embrace professional ones. For example, as a social worker, I am expected to ...
Strong Social Work Personal Statement Examples
Social Work Personal Statement Example 1. In the vast and dynamic field of social work, where every action holds the potential to transform people's lives in meaningful ways, I find myself both humbled and impassioned by the experiences that have shaped my journey. From my earliest life encounters to my current professional role, the pursuit ...
Personal Development Plan as a Health and Social Care Worker
According to Barnard (2017), a personal development plan is a written summary of self-reflection and true evaluation of one's own strengths and weaknesses with a clear set out goals which includes; improvement on the skills and acquisition of new qualities, providing a measure to monitor progress and determine achievable individual and professional skills in future because achieving success ...
Building professional identity during social work education: the role
Personal and Professional Development (PPD), taught during the first five semesters, students are trained in specific generic skills and ... (social work; field study, essay) 7.5 credits PPD - personal professional development, 2 credits S4 The Human Life Cycle and Social Work, 19 credits Law and Social Work: Methodology in
Personal and professional development
Abstract. Discussion of personal and professional development must be set in the uncertain, demanding, complex and changing context of social work. The current emphasis on vocational training and the achievement of discrete technical competencies in a culture which promotes market forces, consumerism and managerialism (Holman, 1993; Banks, 1995 ...
Professional And Personal Development in Social Work As A Result Of
The reason why this has helped towards my personal and professional development as a Social Worker is because, the role of a Social Worker is to "contribute to education and training of colleagues and students by sharing knowledge and practice wisdom" (BASW, 2014).
Social Worker Personal Statement
In the realm of social work, where individuals dedicate their lives to making a real difference in people's lives, the journey often begins with personal experiences that ignite a passion for change. As a prospective social work student, I recognised that my own life experiences, both personal and professional, could pave the way for a ...
PDF Personal Statement Master's in Social Work (MSW)
social work. This motivates me to evaluate new andexisting intervention strategies in order to ide. ld welfare through the identification of effectiveintervent. ons across home, school, and alterna. in mental health will allow me the opportunity to. develop the skills necessary to achieve this goal.
Reflective essay on social work
Reflective essay on social work. Examine your own personal and professional development in relation to the values of social work. Introduction. Social workers are usually motivated either by personal experience, something that has happened in their lives, or by a desire to see that people receive the kind of help that they need in times of crisis.
PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
About. Hi there! I'm Angy. The creator of Social Work Haven. I am a Social Worker, Practice Educator Mentor, and Best Interests Assessor. I created this motivational and educational blog focused on empowering social workers and providing content about social work, personal development, mental health so that we can increase awareness and have conversations about social work, personal ...
Personal And Professional Development
The aim of this essay is to critically evaluate my readiness to start counselling employment. There will be a number of key issues integrated into this essay that will explore my learning needs in the.
Looking At Personal And Professional Development Social Work Essay
The purpose of this essay is to offer the reader examples of my understanding in personal and professional development. The discussions of two ethical dilemmas, offered by comments on ways of dealing
A Social Worker Personal Statement Personal Development Essay
Disclaimer: This essay is provided as an example of work produced by students studying towards a personal development degree, it is not illustrative of the work produced by our in-house experts.Click here for sample essays written by our professional writers.. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily ...
Personal And Professional Development
Personal therapy enhances professional development and relational capacities aswel as increasing personal development capacities and well being of the counsellor (Orlinsky, Schofield, Schroder and Kazantzis 2011). In conclusion of this essay I am very pleased with my development thus far, both personally as well as professionally.
Looking At Personal And Professional Development Social Work Essay
Disclaimer: This essay is provided as an example of work produced by students studying towards a social work degree, it is not illustrative of the work produced by our in-house experts.Click here for sample essays written by our professional writers.. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the ...