NQSW Q&A Case study - Winston Morson
What attracted you to the social work profession?
Social work ties into my political sensibilities in relation to human rights, especially children’s rights. It also is about using theories, but not being dominated by these, as in other disciplines. I also feel the desire to assist those who are marginalised as those that generally need the most help are often those least able to secure it.
How easy have you found securing your first job in social work?
My approach was very systematic. I applied for several jobs during a 4-6 week period at start of the winter period during my last year of study. This was to ensure I would have a job offer before graduation, meaning I would avoid all the ‘traffic’ of other final year students applying at the end of spring.
What practice area will you be working in?
I am currently working within an assessment service in relation to child protection.
How well had your training prepared you for securing employment?
I feel that my experience before undertaking the degree had a significant impact on securing a role in my current setting. Within my student placements, I had not had an opportunity to work in a statutory social work setting. Therefore there was some aspect of disadvantage compared to others who may have had this. I do not recall any specific advice offered by the faculty with regards to securing employment, though the university in general offered courses.
The course material during training was helpful with a general understanding of expectations within a statutory setting, but without an appropriate placement, it was difficult to establish the day-to-day workings of such services. However the placements I did have gave an opportunity to work creatively and demonstrate other skills useful to employers
Have you had any issues with application forms and do you have any advice for those facing them for the first time?
Some of the application forms were online. These were often laborious to navigate and I would recommend completing an application over a couple of sittings.
Have you had any disappointments or embarrassing interview moments?
I did not get the role from my first interview. They were good enough to give me extensive feedback and it was frustrating to hear them refer to things I was in fact aware of, but had not mentioned. This was useful in securing my current role, which was actually my first choice anyway.
Have you received any useful feedback from employers after interviews or applications?
As stated, the feedback from my first interview was comprehensive and very useful to take forward into future interviews. Generally the feedback given if you’re not shortlisted for interview is non-existent, despite my efforts to obtain feedback from these organisations
What advice would you give to people looking for jobs at the moment?
If you’re a final year student start early. In general, always talk to the contact person on the ad, especially if you are newly qualified. Apply for jobs that either match your skill set and experience or where you can show transferable skills. Unrealistic applications do not lead to job offers.
Published : 25th October 2011
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