Ingredients for a Successful Career in Social Work

by Kathryn Conley Wehrmann Ph.D., LCSW, and Nina Hamilton, MSW, LCSW

     Happy Social Work Month to all who are newly launched in careers or will be soon! Last year, I (Kathryn) wrote about all the career possibilities a social worker has. This year, I want to share what I have found critical to a successful career.

Professional Identity as a Social Worker

     Most importantly, think of yourself, and present yourself, as a social worker rather than an employee who happens to be a social worker. You have earned the title. Cultivate pride in your profession by knowing your value to the organization where you are employed. In addition, make it your business to know something about the contributions of social work leaders who have come before you in our profession. I highly recommend a visit to the NASW Social Work Pioneers website. I also encourage you to visit the Virginia Commonwealth University Social Welfare Library Project to fully appreciate what social workers have done over the years advocating for social justice.

Social Work Licensure

     Set a goal to get your professional license. Make sure that you know the state licensing requirements where you plan to practice. Figure out when you should be applying for and taking the licensing exam. You can look on the NASW Chapter website in your state for information about licensing in your jurisdiction. The Association of Social Work Boards is the best resource for looking at exam requirements. Once you have gotten critical licensing information, start planning how you will prepare to take the licensing exam. Preparation is key to a successful outcome. Many NASW chapters offer licensing preparation courses that are extremely helpful in getting you ready for the exam. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to study the NASW Code of Ethics. It will help you in your practice and is invaluable for the exam. Once you have passed your exam and received your license, be sure you accumulate the necessary continuing education units to maintain your license and maintain your status as a life-long learner.

Self-Care Plan

     Establish and maintain a self-care plan. Self-care is essential for sustaining a long and rewarding professional life. I encourage new social workers to think broadly about what self-care means in a career. Self-care requires strategies to manage stress and to balance professional and private life. Consider developing a plan based on five primary strategies. First, maintain your physical health by taking time away from work, making sure you are exercising enough, sleeping enough, and eating healthily. Second, improve your organizational and time management skills. Being able to manage your work time and activity effectively will pay huge dividends in reduced stress and your sense of professional accomplishment. Third, take full advantage of supervision by always being prepared. Supervision is a very precious commodity in busy organizations, and being prepared will help ensure that you get the most of this valuable support and education. Fourth, put time and energy into your private life. Nurture your relationships with friends and family, and have fun. Fifth find a mentor. A mentor can be immensely helpful in supporting a rich and fulfilling career.

Your Professional Organization

     Finally, if you haven’t already done so, join NASW. Membership in your professional organization will help you in countless ways. NASW offers assistance with finding jobs, enhancing professional skills through online continuing education opportunities, tracking your continuing education units, and providing ethics consultation. NASW is also your link to consultation with social workers across the country through an online community you can go to with questions. NASW amplifies your voice in critical social advocacy forums and is dedicated to supporting you as a social worker through advocacy for the profession in terms of the value it brings to organizations and the need for commensurate salaries. 

     Have a Happy Social Work Month 2019 and good luck in your career. It will be a rewarding one.

Kathryn Conley Wehrmann, Ph.D., LCSW, is on the faculty of the Illinois State University School of Social Work in Normal, IL. She is currently serving as the national NASW Board President. Nina Hamilton, MSW, LCSW, is an associate professor specializing in clinical practice at the Illinois State University School of Social Work in Normal, IL.