{"id":4718,"date":"2020-10-27T11:19:43","date_gmt":"2020-10-27T11:19:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk\/imo\/?p=4718"},"modified":"2023-02-14T12:45:58","modified_gmt":"2023-02-14T12:45:58","slug":"what-i-wish-id-known-before-becoming-a-care-experienced-social-worker","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk\/imo\/career-experiences\/what-i-wish-id-known-before-becoming-a-care-experienced-social-worker\/","title":{"rendered":"What I wish I\u2019d known before becoming a care-experienced social worker"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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This blog was written by Steven, a care-experienced social worker and IMO contributor. For more insights into social work and the care system, follow Steven on Twitter.<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve been involved with social workers since the day I was born. I first started to think about pursuing a career in social work whilst studying my undergraduate degree, because I noticed a clear lack of involvement between social workers and the young people that were accessing their services. I thought to myself, \u201cI\u2019ve lived and breathed social work, why can\u2019t I do it too?\u201d And so, I began my journey into social work in September 2017 at the University of Sheffield, studying on their Masters program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During my training I felt that there was a distinct lack of emotional support provided. I was glad that I was fortunate enough to have support from my leaving care worker, as without it I am sure that I would have struggled to complete my studies. I also received help and guidance from an organisation in Wakefield call The Samantha Sykes foundation. They encouraged and supported me to fully reflect on my first year of social work practice, and all the emotions that come with it, and I will be eternally thankful to them for that. I also gained vital insight into what a career in social works looks like on a practical level from the IMO (in my opinion) project; I\u2019ve been in direct contact with them for some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finishing my Masters felt amazing. At times I felt like giving up and I had a bit of imposter syndrome. But when I walked across the stage at graduation, I felt such a strong sense of pride and self-fulfilment, and I hope that by sharing my story I can inspire others to succeed at university and in their careers.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve seen a significant increase in the number of care-experienced people wishing to study social work in recent years. This is amazing, as people with direct experience of the system bring something different to the profession. However I do feel it\u2019s important that care experience is backed up with professional knowledge and practice as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I trained and now work in the local authority that placed me in care, so understandably my journey has been difficult at times. Here are three things I wish I\u2019d known before training to become a social worker:<\/p>\n\n\n\n