r/SocialWorkAustralia

Because we are consistently getting posts asking what university social work degree is best I wanted to create a master thread. I’ll get it started but if anyone can post any feedback they have on social work degrees in Australia please do.

I’ve been working as a case manager for about 18 months and I’m still building confidence in practice.

One thing I’ve noticed is that I often go a bit blank during home visits or client meetings when my team leader or another experienced coworker is present. When I’m alone, I’m usually fine, but when I’m being observed I second-guess myself, lose my flow, or rely on the other person to lead the conversation.

Afterwards I tend to overthink everything I didn’t ask or say.

I’m wondering if this is common early on, and if anyone has strategies for staying grounded and confident when you’re being shadowed or observed?

Thanks :)

I’m currently completing the Graduate Diploma of Psychology at CSU (I also completed my Bachelor of Social Work through CSU), and was wondering whether anyone else found the transition a bit challenging, and what pathway you ended up taking afterwards.

I’ve found the move from social work to psychology interesting, but I do struggle at times with how structured and rigid psychology can feel compared to social work.

At this stage, I’m planning to continue either into Honours or the Postgraduate Diploma, and then (maybe) a Master’s program.

For those who have made a similar transition, what was your experience like? Is there anything you wish you’d known earlier, or any advice you’d give someone heading down this path?

Has anyone still find not confident after graduating from SW? How did you get there?

I gotten into SW because I was case managed in the past. It was appealing to me because i thought, i like what their doing and i think i can do that job.

Now, upon placement my shyness, quietness and introversion was regarded as something not positive and questioned. All my childhood/ teen years and early adulthood, i have grown in a critical environment, comparison against siblings and others. Needless to say it impacted my self esteem and my personality. I have not remembered having a playdate and even if there is, it was prob not significant enough to have it remembered. I feel like i lack social skills and interpersonal skills.

The culture i grew up focuses on house chores because if you play 1st you are labeled lazy, I am conditioned to help my parents and adult relatives because as I understood back then those were the qualities of a "good girl/ kid - obedient. It doesnt help that as eldest daughter of 5 siblings i have to look after them and also as eldest amongst cousins i looked after them too. Prettu much i was parentified, became the bread winner and how i hate that i seem to develop people pleasing personality. It is so hard to say No.

Now with SW placement in an open space around 10 people, i find it difficult. I was not used to that kind of environment and it is hard to explained my quietness/shyness when you cannot divulge why you were like that as it is unethical! It does not include the level of stress I have to go through during residential school/stimulation and how i have to fake it to make it.

I chose SW because when i was cased managed it was a one on one basis. Now finding all of these upon placement Ifeel like i made a wrong choice. Its like I have to finish it because I started it but not use it later because i feel like my introversion is in the way.

I feel like i have to pretend for the sake of being a team. Dont get me wrong, i would love to have those qualities as well but i have been trying in so many social space, i just couldnt get there and instead i make my self socially awkward that it might come offensive for others.

A personality that was so entrenched for years it was so hard to get out of. I dont even know what im asking of you's, perhaps i just feel like i need to let it out because no one understand anyway. Im just looking perhaps for a safe outlet to release this because i feel like studying this profession might go to waste. Thank you for reading this far.

Hi everyone!

I just want to ask everyone’s experience as I feel as though I’m the only one feeling nervous and quite frustrated. I usually visit job apps and read job descriptions, I always end up feeling overwhelmed and would normally think that I’m not good enough for any of it. I‘m quite anxious with the interview process. I have been a disability support worker for nearly 6 years but I feel like it’s not enough and it’s like hindrance for me at the moment. I don’t know what to do about this feeling. Please no judgment as I’m really struggling with imposter syndrome. thank you. 🙏🏼

I’m from India and have been working in social work for the last few years across different areas including child protection, gender-based violence, disability support, and program implementation. I’ve been considering pursuing a Master’s in Social Work, preferably in Australia, but the costs are extremely high and I would likely need to take an education loan while also managing expenses independently.

I’m conflicted about whether it makes more sense to pursue my master’s in India instead, since it would be much more affordable and I could save on rent/living expenses, even though it may mean comparatively lower income and work-life balance opportunities in the long run.

I’d really appreciate advice from social work students/professionals in India or Australia, as well as international students in Australia who are independently handling education loans. Has the experience been financially and personally worth it for you?

We all know how this issue is really bad for the longest time. Im about to do placement but Im wondering how do you deal with this when clients seek your help about being homeless. Like they live in a tent, couch surfing, campervan, car and other unsecure dwellings with or without their families - what do you normally say to them because we all knew they are not the only one.. like "hang on tight, hopefully something will come up soon, or offer them information of a safe place where they can safely camp overnight? Like as an advocate for change how do we give these people some "hope"? And ofcourse we knew it starts with what we say to them too. So what do you normally tell people knowing that this problem is a difficult one.

Hi everyone,

I’m a 26-year-old woman from NSW trying to work out what direction to take my life and career in.

Between roughly 2019 and 2022, I accumulated a criminal record involving shoplifting, larceny, deception-related offences and graffiti/property damage. During that time, I was dealing with significant mental health struggles, substance misuse and periods of housing instability.

I’m not proud of that period of my life, but it’s part of my story. Since then, I’ve completed all court requirements, stayed out of trouble, maintained employment and focused on building a more stable future.

What I’m struggling with now is figuring out where my strengths fit best and what courses or careers are genuinely worth investing in.

A bit about me:

• Creative, artistic and naturally curious
• Strong interest in psychology, mental health and human behaviour
• Empathetic and good at connecting with people from different backgrounds
• Love learning and sharing knowledge
• Passionate about animals, animal welfare and nutrition
• Enjoy writing, drawing, design and creative projects
• Looking for meaningful work that combines purpose, stability and personal growth

Most of my work experience has been in retail, customer service and the pet industry.

I’ve enjoyed working with animals and still have a strong interest in that field, but I’ve realised that high-pressure hands-on roles such as grooming and dog daycare probably aren’t the right long-term fit for me. What I’ve enjoyed most is educating people, building relationships, solving problems and helping others.

At the moment I’m considering things like:

• Community services or youth work
• Graphic design
• Marketing and content creation
• Animal industry roles
• Education or training
• Peer support or advocacy work

I’m looking for a course that will genuinely build practical skills and improve my long-term career prospects, rather than studying for the sake of getting a qualification.

I’d love to hear from people who have rebuilt their lives after mistakes, work in hiring, or have experience in any of these industries.

If you were in my position, where would you focus your energy over the next 3–5 years?

Thanks for reading, and I appreciate any honest advice.

Hi all, I am graduating from my Bachelor of Social Work this month, and I have been looking for jobs for the past couple of weeks already. I am wondering about people's opinions/experience about the job market in Brisbane. As a newly grad I am pretty open to anything to be honest. For context I did my first prac at YJ and have since been working as a Youth Worker at the department (12 months), second prac at a tele-mental health service.
I have done an interview at YJ for a case worker role, which I unfortunately didn't get but received some good feedback and some constructive criticism as well. Obviously it helped that I already work in the department hence why I secured this interview, but other applicants had more experience and also I was not going to be graduated by the time the position had to be filled.
I've since applied for a few (not many) jobs in similar roles, child youth and family related case work roles, and have been rejected for those few (not even landed an interview). I know I have just started looking, but I'm starting to worry about the prospects of getting a job soon...? Appreciate any insights and tips!!

I’ve just been allocated DCP for my second placement however I currently work in Residential Care as a Youth Worker for an NGO which is contracted by DCP and I intend to continue working while completing my placement. I just realised that this is likely a conflict of interest. Does anyone have experience with similar situations and how was this managed?