Bettering lives
Social work is a professional and academic discipline which focuses on improving the quality of life of an individual, groups or community as a whole. A social worker can get employment both in the public and private sector.
The lowdownSocial work is a professional and academic discipline which focuses on improving the quality of life of an individual, groups or community as a whole. A social worker can get employment both in the public and private sector. There are many positions such as that of a child development project officer, integrated child development services, in the directorate of social welfare. One can also work in the directorate as a welfare officer. Those enthusiastic about reaching out to others can work as family welfare counsellors and medical social workers in medical colleges and hospitals, etc. Those intrested in the private sector can join the corporate sector as HR managers, industrial relations officers and personnel managers, etc. The civil society employs social work graduates in NGOs, international NGOs, trusts and non-profit companies. One could also work in UNICEF, WHO, and UNDP
Clockwork9am: Go to office10am: Go to the field; interact with people12 noon: Meet outreach workers1pm: Quick lunch2pm: Design training programmes4pm: Prepare and review reports5.30pm: Work on a new project6.30pm: Meet the staff, discuss plans for new project in slum areas7.30pm: Leave for home
The payoffEntry level: Anywhere between Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 a monthMiddle level: Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 50,000 a monthSenior level: Anything between Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1 lakh a month
Skills/TRAITS* Basic knowledge of human behaviour, society and its systems* You should have good listening, observation and counselling skills* Social work needs action with involvement and commitment, it’s your zeal that matters* Resilience and stamina for doing work in adverse conditions
Getting thereA bachelor or masters degree in social work is required to be a professional social worker. Students with a background in economics, political science, sociology, history, psychology and philosophy can also become social workers. A doctorate is an added advantage. In many countries, you need a license to practise social work
Institutes and URLs* Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbaiwww.tiss.edu* University of Delhiwww.du.ac.in* Department of Social Work, Jamia Millia Islamia, Delhiwww.jmi.nic.in* Madras School of Social Work, Chennaiwww.mssw.in
Pros and cons* A highly rewarding career* Work schedules are erratic; witnessing the deplorable conditions others live in could be frustrating or depressing* Pay packages are less attractive
There is a lot of scope in this profession for people who want satisfaction with their job -- Vikram Singh Verma, chief operating officer, Smile Foundation