Social Work Personal Statement Example 3

The one thing I have always known I'd like to do with my life is to help people. I'm applying for a course in social work because essentially making a difference in people's lives is the most important aspect of a future career to me, than any other. By taking a course and qualifying as a social worker, I believe I can achieve this and become a supportive and caring member of society. Whilst growing up, I gained some insight into the work family and child social workers do, due to a family member fostering children. I appreciated how much hard work went into the care of each child and how valuable foster parents are. This is certainly an area I would like to gain more knowledge of.

I have completed A levels in both sociology and psychology, each subject touched on areas of social work. I was especially interested in studying the unity of the family and the fundamentalist and Marxist theories associated with it. Learning about family dynamics, and how the structure, balance, and social system can affect the growth and development of a child, I found to be one of the key factors in developing my strong desire to become a social worker. More than anything, these courses gave me insight into the diversity of mankind and the hierarchy of social needs, an understanding I hope to develop.

I volunteered to work in a residential home, ranging from patients with mental illness such as Alzheimer's and dementia to patients with full mental capability. During this time at the Abbey Dale nursing home I helped the residents with basic care needs. The majority of my time was however spent talking to the residents and listening to them. On a daily basis I kept a diary of my participation in activities and experiences with my colleagues and the members of the nursing home, I found this experience extremely rewarding and the knowledge that I had truly made a difference, however small, was payment enough. It was also important to distance my emotions from the residents in order to carry out my work correctly. Whilst at Abbey Dale, I gained confidence and experience when dealing with vulnerable adults, instilling in me further the aspiration to qualify as a social worker. Working as a freelance administrator has also contributed to my personal development, demanding me to be organised, have an impeccable eye for detail and exceptional time keeping. My duties included carrying out basic administrative skills such as: filing, faxing, proof reading, etc. This role required me to be self sufficient and manage myself, time and workload efficiently in order to produce work of a high standard. This role improved my organisation, typing speed and work ethic significantly. Skills that I hope will benefit me in my future career. Recently I have taken part in a training course (Community Task Force 18-24).Whilst on the course I have met a varied and diverse group of people from dissimilar backgrounds to my own. I have taken part in group activities in order to solve problems and contributed as a member of a team. The most prominent skill I enhanced on this course was my non judgmental and open minded attitude. Working with people from different cultural and academic backgrounds proved challenging at times, but I enjoy a challenge and found that I bonded with and supported a number of people, developing an understanding of their situations and compassion for it. Empathy, patients and tolerance proved to be an important element during my time on the course, especially in regards to people of limited capability and drug addiction. Through working and volunteering I have reflected and evaluated my own approach when in socially challenging situations, keeping a diary of these experiences was one of the tools that enabled me to do this. I have been privileged enough to have gained experience in 3 sectors of social care and would relish the opportunity to enhance this knowledge in all aspects of social work at University.