Transitioning from Graduation to the Workforce: Entering a New Landscape

(Editor’s Note: I am happy to introduce Dr. Veronica Hardy, LCSW, in the first of her new series for The New Social Worker, entitled “Vision. Intention. Strategy. Your Social Work Mentor.” In this series, Dr. Hardy brings her expertise in mentoring social work students and colleagues to reach their full professional potential. Welcome, Dr. Hardy!)

by Dr. Veronica L. Hardy, LCSW

     Congratulations social work graduates! You have entered a profession that exemplifies a diverse range of knowledge, skills, and abilities. This professional toolkit will certainly allow for engagement with various systems and is critical during this ongoing collective experience of a pandemic. However, I must acknowledge that the wide-range impact of COVID-19 has also affected the work environment and employment access. Due to economic circumstances, multiple employers had to engage in unfortunate decisions including halting hiring processes or laying off personnel.

     Although the current job landscape may seem challenging in nature, it is a timely moment to explore and enter new possibilities. The pandemic has influenced several employers to think outside the box and break work-culture traditions. It has led to increased remote opportunities and new, previously inconceivable, career paths. Are you ready for your job search? As you enter your job search, keep the idea of new possibilities in mind and consider the following job search strategies.

  1. Recognize the value of your class assignments. Each of your assignments may add value to your job search. Consider the skills you developed when completing each assignment. For example, did you learn how to navigate new cutting-edge technology? Were you able to creatively develop workshops, then use research skills to measure the level of effectiveness? Did you engage in service-learning activities that contributed to the local community? What new skills have you developed that would be beneficial to a workplace during a pandemic? Recognize the knowledge, skills, and experiences gained from each assignment and how you can professionally craft these as part of the discussion during your interviews.
  2. Create a professional digital presence. It is great to have the traditional résumé, but a digital presence is key during this day and age. Professionally building a social media reputation allows employers to learn about your multiple skill layers. Through these platforms you can showcase your technological savvy, create a repository to highlight your achievements, and broaden your job search reach by enhancing your professional network with those in your field of interest.
  3. Plan for the interview. There are three primary subject areas generally explored by interviewers. I refer to these areas as “umbrella questions.” In other words, a good portion of the questions posed by interviewers fall under the umbrella of:
  • Who are you? (e.g., what have you accomplished, what is your professional identity, what are your strengths, what are areas you would like to grow in)
  • What can you offer? (e.g., what makes you unique, in what ways can you contribute to this work environment, identify how your knowledge and skills are in alignment with the position description)
  • What are you seeking? (e.g., what are you hoping to gain from this employment opportunity, why did you decide to apply here)

     Yes, the pandemic may have led to major shifts in the career landscape, but numerous doors have opened to fresh opportunities. Take advantage of this new landscape and enter the various possibilities. I hope these job search strategies can benefit you. Once again, congratulations on your graduation!

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.