Sample Social Work Personal Statement
I would like to study Social Work at degree level as it is an area of great interest and personal significance to me. Having gained experience in this sphere and a strong desire to learn more about it, I feel I would be well suited to such a course.
For some time, my aim has been to become a social worker, and I have worked hard returning to education to make it a possibility. I would very much like to work in a field that involves helping and caring for others, a wish that has partly been shaped by a number of events in my life. motivation stems from bringing up a son with dyslexia and learning difficulties. At first the help provided by school was inadequate and led me to undertake research of my own into child development and the various forms of social assistance available. Experiences in life have undoubtedly increased my empathetic qualities, invaluable to becoming a good social worker.
However, my interest in social care is not merely personal. I take an academic curiosity in the theoretical foundations of the discipline, and find my current Access to Higher Education studies extremely rewarding. Psychology is particularly stimulating, whilst I have enjoyed learning about research methods in Sociology and the Victorian Era in History, especially regarding the origins of social welfare. I also like to keep up to date with current issues affecting social work through reading newspapers. With a mind that is open to different opinions, lively debates and discussions are enthusiastically anticipated in university seminars. Specific topics I look forward to studying include child protection, drug dependency and the role of communication in social work.
My experience gained from voluntary social work is considerable. I am currently involved in Parent Partnership – this consists of working alongside parents and carers of children with special educational needs and encouraging partnership with other agencies that support children. It has taught me about the values of cooperation and good organisation, and given me a taste of being in a position of responsibility. Previously, I have also raised money for Cancer Research and volunteered for Meals on Wheels. These activities have led to me coming into contact with numerous people in the social profession and enhanced my knowledge and understanding of social work.
Previous jobs have honed important skills that make me suitable for this course; in particular, my work as a sales manager required perseverance, the use of diplomacy during team quarrels and the ability to work under pressure towards deadlines, all assets I can put to use at university – for example, working towards group presentations – and beyond. The combination of my maturity developed through work, and discipline and determination through studying at NVQ and Access to Higher Education level, would allow me to become a well-rounded student.
I hold a wide range of interests and hobbies. Although one of my preferred past-times is reading novels, I am also a sociable, outgoing person and would like to contribute to university life through involvement in extra-curricular volunteering activities. I aim to actively integrate myself into the student community, and look forward to entering a new environment from which I can learn substantially.
I hope the preceding points illustrate my capabilities. I am aptly motivated and strongly committed to both the subject and the level of study. With a variety of relevant experience, a well-balanced personality and work ethic, and, most importantly, the drive to pursue a career in helping others, I have the potential to be an excellent student of Social Work.
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