Photo credit: BigStockPhoto/Tom Wang
by Jennifer Luna, MSSW
Congratulations on reaching this significant milestone in your life! As you graduate with your degree in social work, it is essential to remember that your journey has just begun. As you venture into the world equipped with advanced knowledge, honed skills, and deep passion, the concept of your legacy may seem distant. Yet, it starts now.
Reflecting on my own journey, last fall marked the conclusion of my 30-year tenure at the Steve Hicks School of Social Work at the University of Texas, where I served as the Director of the DiNitto Center for Career Services. I was hired to develop and coordinate a career services program for the social work students at the university. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the opportunities that this position would afford to me. I’ve had the privilege of helping thousands of social workers launch their careers, consulted with universities across the country about their career programs, and come next fall, I will see the publication of a book I co-authored with two colleagues, with whom I've collaborated closely for decades. Although I am proud of my career and pleased with the legacy I’ve built thus far, I often reflect on what might have been different if I had begun to think about my legacy sooner.
As you cross this milestone, it is important to reflect on the fulfilling journey of growth and achievement that lies ahead of you. Your legacy, like mine, will unfold with each step you take, informed by the choices you make, your passions, and the values you hold. As you set forth on this next leg of your journey, consider not just the job you want, but the legacy you wish to build. Be intentional!
Understanding Your Legacy
A legacy isn’t just something you leave behind; it's something you build every day through your actions, decisions, and interactions. In the context of social work, your legacy is the impact you make on clients, organizations, communities, policies, and the profession. This also includes the professional footprint you leave and the professional reputation you develop as you progress through your career. From the moment you begin your professional journey, every step you take contributes to the legacy you are building.
Why Should We Think About It Early?
Although there isn’t a clear path in nearly any career choice, social work can be even more complex with our roles in macro, mezzo, and micro job opportunities. We can work across multiple industries and within a multitude of systems. Many of us join the profession because of the broadness of the career, but when we graduate, we can feel overwhelmed with the possibilities. By leaning into your best skills, knowledge areas, experience, and accomplishments, you can gather a baseline to use as a starting point. By giving thought to each of the aforementioned elements of your professional brand, think about these questions:
- What steps would move me to the next level of my career?
- What do I need to learn to propel myself to a higher position or a different field?
- Who is my audience, and how do I get their attention?
- In what ways can I increase my impact on the people I serve, the organizations I work with, and /or the causes I want to advocate for?
This may seem like a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be. Keep these questions close to you, and create a running list, adding items and crossing things off as you go. By doing this at the beginning of your career, this will become a roadmap to your legacy, because you will intentionally be thinking of your accomplishments and next steps along the way.
Embrace Leadership Early
Leadership doesn't require a title. It starts with self-awareness and the acknowledgment of your ability to influence others. Even as a new graduate, you are a leader of change. Your innovative ideas and fresh perspectives are invaluable as you enter the workforce. Identifying your leadership style early can greatly enhance your ability to make a significant impact. If you don’t have prior leadership experience, you can always reflect on your experiences in group projects in your classes. Were you the one who coordinated the group? Did you take the role of keeping everyone organized and on time? Were you the person who was selected to write the presentation or verbally deliver the presentation to class? Did you work on the assessment of the project or the evaluation at the end? All of these roles are important in leadership and will give you a good idea of what your strengths are.
Consider Your Professional Brand
Your professional brand is more than a résumé. It is the essence of who you are as a social worker. Your brand is how you are perceived by others, and believe it or not, you already have one. Your professional brand will evolve as your career does, reflecting your growing skills, experiences, and professional achievements. Updating your LinkedIn profile, engaging in professional networks, and continuously reassessing your brand are crucial steps to ensuring your legacy is visible and impactful.
Communication: A Critical Element of Your Legacy
In social work, effective communication is paramount. Whether it’s through writing, presentations, interpersonal interactions, or social media, how you convey your message can significantly influence your professional image and legacy.
Writing and presenting are powerful tools for social workers. They allow you to share your knowledge, influence public opinion, and contribute to the development of the field. Whether it’s through blog posts, academic papers, or speaking engagements, these activities are integral to building a respected legacy. Developing strong communication skills across multiple platforms ensures that your voice is heard and your contributions are recognized and reach your audience.
Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning
The field of social work is dynamic, requiring a commitment to lifelong learning. Pursuing continuing education not only enhances your expertise but also ensures that your practice remains relevant and effective. Select trainings that will move you forward toward your legacy by considering the following:
- Specialized theories or interventions
- Certifications or additional licensing
- The source of the continuing education, including the credibility or prestige of the provider
- The audience or opportunities for networking and building collaborations within the course of the learning program
This commitment to growth is a key component of your legacy, demonstrating your dedication to improving yourself, building your knowledge, and expanding your network.
Visibility and Influence
Increasing your visibility isn't just about being seen; it's about being active and influential in your field. Engage in professional settings, present at conferences, and contribute to online discussions. If you are a beginner, start with LinkedIn. Don’t hesitate to share posts that are of interest to your network and make comments on others’ posts. Each time you do this, you will gain confidence and likely people will turn to your profile to learn more about you. Additionally, make sure your profile is up to date! An updated LinkedIn profile is essential in crafting your legacy, and it serves as a wonderful career management tool. These activities not only enhance your professional network but also cement your reputation as a knowledgeable and dedicated social worker.
Giving Back and Lifting Others
A true legacy includes the impact you have on others. As you advance in your career, remember to lift others up along the way. Recognizing colleagues for their help, mentorship, and sharing your experiences not only enrich the lives of others but also enhance your own professional journey.
Reflecting on Your Legacy
As you move forward, take time to reflect on the legacy you wish to create. One of the best ways to reflect on a new career move is to think about the values you want to embody. Jobs come and go, but your values will stay the same, and they are another pillar of your legacy. Lastly, continue to think about impact with intention. In each step of the way, determine the impact that you can make in your job on all levels (micro, mezzo, and macro). As you think of the impact, determine steps that you can take to intentionally reach this impact. These reflections are not just about setting goals but about understanding the deeper purpose of your career in social work.
As you step into the world with knowledge and a passion to make a difference, remember that your legacy starts now. Every choice you make, every relationship you build, and every challenge you overcome contributes to the lasting impact you will have on the world. Embrace this journey with intention, passion, and a clear vision of the legacy you wish to leave behind.
Here's to the beginning of a meaningful and impactful career. Your legacy starts today!
Jennifer Luna, MSSW, writes about social work career development. Jennifer is a social worker, career coach, keynote speaker, and trainer. She serves as Program Coordinator for the Network for Social Work Managers. Jennifer utilizes a collaborative yet strategic coaching approach to assist social workers in identifying their strongest skills, areas of knowledge, key strengths, and leadership characteristics.