Thinking about social work? Here's everything you need to know about starting this amazing career

Are you the type of person who genuinely wants to help others and make a real difference? Then, social work might just be the perfect career path. It can be one of the most rewarding jobs out there – supporting people when they need it most while building a stable, meaningful career for yourself.

What do social workers actually do?

Social workers are rare trained professionals who help people overcome challenges, find the right resources, and generally improve their lives.

Here's what you'll be doing as a social worker:

Helping individuals and families - You'll work directly with people facing difficulties like mental health issues, substance problems, domestic violence, money troubles, or family drama. You'll offer counselling, step in during crises, and give practical help to get people through tough times.

Connecting people to resources - A massive part of the job is helping clients access things like community services, government benefits, healthcare, housing help, and educational opportunities. You're basically the bridge between people who need help and the services that can actually help them.

Fighting for your clients - Social workers advocate for their clients' rights and what's best for them. This might mean speaking up for a child in care, helping an elderly person get proper healthcare, or making sure someone with disabilities gets the support they deserve.

Doing assessments - You'll regularly check in on your clients' needs and progress. These assessments help you figure out what services would help most and whether your current support plans are actually working.

Managing cases - Most social workers juggle multiple clients at once, coordinating different services and tracking everyone's progress. This means keeping detailed records, scheduling appointments, and making sure clients get consistent support.

Different types of social work (there's loads of options!)

Child and family workers – Working with children, teenagers, and families who are going through tough times. You might work in child protection, helping families stay together safely, or supporting children in foster care.

Mental health social workers – Providing therapy and support to people with mental health conditions. You'll find them in hospitals, community centres, private practice, or residential facilities.

Healthcare social workers - Working in hospitals and clinics, these workers help patients and families cope with illness and navigate the healthcare system.

School social workers – Supporting students and families to tackle barriers to learning - things like attendance problems, family issues, or mental health concerns.

Community social workers - These professionals work on bigger community issues, developing programmes and tackling problems that affect entire neighbourhoods.

How to actually become a social worker (step by step)

Right, let's get into the practical stuff. The path takes some dedication and proper education, but it's doable if you're committed to helping people.

Step 1: Sort out your education

You'll need a degree - At minimum, you need a bachelor's degree in social work or something related. A social work programme gives you the foundational knowledge about social work theory, human behaviour, and research methods. In the UK, you need one that is officially regulated - for example, Social Work England

Got a degree in psychology, sociology, or human resources instead? No worries - you can still become a social worker, but you might need to do some extra coursework or get a master's degree in social work.

Real-world experience - All proper social work programmes require hands-on field experience (called fieldwork or practicum). You'll work directly with clients under supervision, so you get real experience before you graduate.

Step 2: Think about advanced education

Master's degree - While a bachelor's can get you started, many social work jobs want or require a Master's in Social Work. It typically takes two years and gives you more specialised training.

Step 3: Get your required field experience

Most places require social workers to complete a certain number of supervised practice hours. This might be part of your degree or additional hours needed for licensing.

What you'll learn during the field experience:

• Work directly with clients under experienced supervision
• Apply what you learned in class to real situations
• Develop professional skills and confidence
• Build relationships with potential mentors and employers
• Understand what social work is really like day-to-day

Step 4: Get your professional licence, then keep learning and specialising

To actually practice as a social worker, you'll need to be licensed in most places. Requirements vary but typically include:

• Graduating from an accredited social work programme
• Completing required supervised experience hours
• Passing a licensing exam
• Meeting ongoing continuing education requirements

Licensed social workers have to complete continuing education credits to keep their licenses. This makes sure everyone stays current with best practices and new research.

What's the job market like? (Spoiler: it's pretty good!)

The demand for social workers keeps growing as communities recognise how important mental health services, child welfare, and support for ageing populations really are.

Job growth - Employment of social workers is projected to grow faster than average, with particularly strong demand in healthcare, schools, and community organisations.

Where you can work:

• Government agencies
• Non-profit organisations
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Schools and educational institutions
• Private practice
• Community mental health centres
• Residential treatment facilities

Ready to get started? Here's what to do next

If you're thinking social work might be for you, here are your next steps:

1. Research social work programmes - Look for accredited BSW or MSW programmes near you or online. At UEL, one of our most applied for programmes is the MA in Social Work, which has a unique relationship with the Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust.
2. Volunteer or work in related fields - Get experience working with people through volunteering or entry-level positions
3. Shadow a social worker - Contact local agencies to observe social workers in action
4. Talk to current practitioners - Connect with social workers to learn about their experiences
5. Think about your specialisation - Consider which populations or issues you're most passionate about helping