Entering the Social Work Life
(Editor’s Note: This is the final entry in the series Vision. Intention.Strategy. Your Social Work Mentor. Thank you to Dr. Veronica Hardy, LCSW, for this series!)
by Dr. Veronica Hardy, LCSW
Dear social work graduates,
Congratulations! Now is a time of celebration and preparation. You have committed yourselves to attaining a degree that is one of the most diverse I have ever seen. You are the cohort who has navigated the grips of COVID, transitioned to online learning, and engaged in contemporary graduation celebrations. You have fulfilled field placement opportunities to enhance your skills, transitioned your course learning to the “real world” environment, and did all this while maintaining a personal life at home and professional life in your workplace. This is an amazing accomplishment.
While celebrating, I believe that many of you will also be engaging in a period of preparation. This period may consist of making determinations about employment, pursuing further education, and considering what you would like your “social work life” to look like. While you are considering this, here are a few post-graduation suggestions.
Stay Connected.
In other words, stay connected to your peers, your professors, and your profession. While in school, these connections were oftentimes manufactured for you through classes, group projects, field placements, and even announcements from your professors about upcoming social work events. Keep that momentum going by proactively staying connected. Exchange contact information with your peers, and send your professors periodic emails to say “hello” and provide updates about your career. This is also a great way to stay connected with mentors–your professors. Become a part of the alumni listserv, if available, at your institution. Stay informed about continuing education opportunities through social work organizations, such as the National Association of Social Workers, and through social work publications, including The New Social Worker magazine and others.
Relax.
Relaxation? Hopefully, you will have the opportunity to relax and become rejuvenated during this period of celebration. In 2021, you may have noticed the newest additions to the NASW Code of Ethics, one of which was the aspiration of self-care. Self-care is an intentional process that you could weave into the various aspects of your life, including the workplace. Be intentional about educating your employers about the impact of self-care on work performance, workplace motivation, and work-life balance.
Be Open.
Remember, you have one of the most diverse degrees. Be open to opportunities that may come your way and that are in alignment with your career intentions. I recently conducted a podcast interview with fellow social worker, Shakeeta Torres, LCSW. In this interview, Ms. Torres shares about the multiple ways her degree has opened doors for opportunity. For example, she started a nonprofit organization focusing on human trafficking education, and she is the co-author of a best-selling book, titled Just Say No. Additionally, she is a course creator and entrepreneur. Be open to the diversity of your degree and all it has to offer.
Keep in mind, our social work theme this year is The Time Is Right for Social Work. The time is right for you to enter the social work life and bring all your incredible contributions. Congratulations on your graduation, fellow social workers!
Dr. Veronica Hardy
Dr. Veronica Hardy
Dr. Veronica L. Hardy, LCSW, is a Professor of Social Work at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke. Dr. Hardy is a social justice advocate, professional consultant, author, and mentor to new social workers and junior faculty members. She is the creator of The Social Work Lounge, a mentorship group facilitated via Facebook.