The BSWSA is proud to bring you its' first ever panel discussion!
The BSWSA held it's first panel discussion on November 21st and brought together professions from across the feild of social work to discuss their area of expertise and experience.
Social Work Panel Discussion:
Practice Perspectives
Background of this discussion:
When we began planning the Practice Perspectives panel discussion, we wanted to create an event that truly reflected the breadth of the social work field. We realized that while many students are familiar with traditional roles like clinical social work or case management, there are so many other opportunities in the profession that often go unexplored.
To address this, we reached out to professionals across various sectors of social work, including research, private practice therapy, health care, criminal justice, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy. Our goal was to gather a diverse panel of speakers who could share their experiences, challenges, and the unique aspects of their roles. We envisioned this event as a chance for students to hear firsthand about different career paths and to spark ideas about where their own social work journeys might lead.
Some major take aways from our panelists:
For those that were not able to attend the event, we have decided to curate some of the major take aways we gleamed from the discussion.
1. Burnout is Real (& Boundaries are Essential): Self-care isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. During the conversation panelists stressed the importance of setting boundaries early on to protect against the emotional toll and heavy workloads inherent in social work.
2. Ethical Dilemmas are Everywhere: From resource allocation to systemic injustices, ethical challenges are unavoidable. The panel highlighted the complexities of navigating these dilemmas, the importance of having a strong ethical compass, and staying true to one's values.
3. Systems Need to Change: The panelists didn't shy away from critiquing the systems they work within, including healthcare, criminal justice, and even the licensure process. They emphasized the need for advocacy and systemic change to address deeply rooted inequities.
4. Interdisciplinary Collaboration is Key: Social work's strength lies in its holistic, person-in-environment perspective. The panelists highlighted the importance of working collaboratively with professionals from other disciplines to best serve clients. Panelists also stressed the nature of social work is completely interdisciplinary, and as such, sets it apart from similar fields.
5. Your Lived Experience Matters (But Doesn't Define You): The panel explored the inherent tension between lived experience and professional expertise. While lived experience can be a powerful tool, it's not a prerequisite for effective helping. Your skills, knowledge, and commitment are equally valuable. While you may not share a client's lived experience, that does not mean you have nothing to offer when forming a helping relationship.
6. Supervision is Crucial (Make It Work for You): Good supervision is all about having a supportive mentor who helps you navigate challenges and grow professionally. Advocate for your needs and seek out additional support if necessary. A social worker must not be afraid to self-advocate.
7. Diversify Your Experiences: Seek out internships, volunteer work, and part-time jobs in different settings to broaden your skillset and discover your niche. Embrace discomfort, try new things, and always be learning.
8. Know Your Worth (and Advocate for It): Social workers possess valuable skills and make a real difference in people's lives. Recognize your worth and advocate for fair compensation and working conditions.
9. Lifelong Learning is Essential: Social work is a constantly evolving field. Stay curious, engage in continuing education, and be open to new perspectives. Keep the conversation going.
Want to connect with a panelist?
Feel free to reach out using the contact channels below!
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