how do i write a personal statement for social work with no experience?

Question

I am applying for social work this year and have just finished a degree in psychology but have absolutely no eperience. I went straight from school into my degree and just finished it in may.it seems like u have no chance if you have no experience.

Answer 1

I have a Master's of Social Work from a very good university. What they are looking for is your personal experience with hardship -- either with yourself or others.

Social Work is about helping other people. It is a job that is difficult but can be very rewarding -- unfortunately, it is not high paid.

Your "personal" statement should be just that -- personal. Draw from any adverse experiences you have had or known about. Maybe you know someone who has a mental illness and you helped them, or just experienced the repercussions of their illness -- if you are a friend, for instance, to someone suffering from schizophrenia, and you have seen the dire effects first-hand.

Or if you come from a broken home, or a good friend does -- what does that mean to you? How would you work with people who need to have their lives put back together? Surely you must know some people who have problems -- that is probably why you got into psychology in the first place.

The programs are generally not looking for people with social work experience, but rather with life experience -- in hardships -- either your own or someone you know. How does that impact you, what have you learned from it, how could that help you to help others in the future? That is what they are looking for -- a thoughtful essay about troubles you have seen and how you have the capacity for empathy and caring to help others.

Social work is really about helping broken lives. You try to put the pieces of the puzzle back together. Surely, you have had some instances in your life where you faced problems, and had to find a way to live through them. They want to know how you handle problems, can you handle the stress of dealing with other people's problems, and can you be there and be supportive to those in need.

Your personal statement should be that: personal. It is not about work-related topics, it is not about "experience," because experience comes in many forms -- not just a job or school. You've probably heard the expression, "he learned through the school of hard knocks." That sums it up. They want to know what your personal experience with hardship has been -- and how did you help yourself or someone through that hardship?

Think about it. You may need to apply to several universities, because it is competitive, however, if you are determined, you can do it!

Good luck!

Answer 2

Personal Statements For Social Work

Answer 3

Have you travelled? Had any other kind of job? any groups you've belonged to? What have you gained from your current student life and degree programme - mention more than just the educational aspect.What makes you want to go into social work....what is it that makes you interested....what can you contribute....are you currently looking for a paid or volunteer experience position. Put it all down - sell yourself & why they should select you? - keep it concise. Good luck

Answer 4

you must have had some reason why you studied psychology and why you want to apply for social work. Why are you doing that? Because you stuck a pencil in a dictionary and it opened on the page with social work on it? Try to figure out your motivation. It should be uniquely yours and personal.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

Have you no family or friends. A little sister or brother, or a niece or nephew. A friends baby or young couzen. Draw on your experiences from helping them out.

Answer 7

if you have no experience no university will take you on for a masters - look at the requirements each one sets