Training

Graduates from all disciplines can opt for a Master's Course in Social Work. The course of study for a Master's degree in Social Work covers the study of subjects like sociology, psychology, philosophy, economics and a study of social and public institutions.

Some areas of specialisation are criminology and correctional administration, community work, family and child welfare, medical and psychiatric social work etc. Given the nature of the work involved, a certain amount of fieldwork is also done during the Master's Course. This fieldwork exposes the students to the realities of the situations that they as professional social workers, would be handling.

Admission to these courses is generally on the basis of a written test and an interview. The aim of the test is to ascertain the capability and interest of the candidate. Social work is not like any other profession. Total and unstinted dedication is required for a person to be a success in this field.

Career prospects in social work

The field of specialisation opted for will determine the place of work for a social worker. Employment opportunities exist in schools, special schools, reformatories, social welfare departments of the Government, voluntary and non-government agencies, urban and rural community development projects, hospitals, child clinics, rehabilitation centres, research organisations, industries, human resource departments of the corporate sector, to name a few.

Commitment is high on priority

Social workers come into contact with people from many walks of life and they help them overcome problems that are varied in nature. Social work is, in fact, a blend of counselling, mediation, liasing and problem solving.

Personal Attributes

A desire to help people coupled with a firm sense of commitment is essential to be able to succeed in this field. And success is not only in terms of money but also in being happy at having bettered someone's life. The right sort of attitude is also very essential. A social worker should have the capability to handle crisis. The most important facet of a social worker's mindset is emotional stability. It is very important that a social worker doesn't get emotionally involved in the problems he or she handles.

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