Hiya, I am currently completing my UCAS application form to study for a Masters in Social Work. I am wondering if anybody could give me any tips on how to write an amazing personal statement. I am really commited to becoming a Social Worker I just need to be given a chance. I already have a degree in Primary Education and English. I previously applied for a position as a Social Work Trainee but was not successful.
I hope to hear from you soon
Thank you
Jen x
Well, when I did mine last year I just explained why I wnated to do social work, and what the reasoning behind the choice was- ie. what other careers I had considered (medicine/ teaching/ academia) but why I had eventually settled on social work. Why I had chosen my first degree subject, instead of social work initially, as I am continuing straight from my BA degree. What experience I had, how this had affected my values and thinking, and also how this made me an ideal candidate for social work. And a little bit about other interests, or hobbies etc...
Seemed to work, because I was offered interviews at every one of my chosen unis and then offered a place by them all too! And I start next month.
Hope this helps. Basically- just be honest. Don't try to sound as if you know eveything there is to know about social work if you don't, as you may have to discuss what you write in interviews- and don't lie, because they will find out! (And definitley keep a copy of your completed form, so that you can review it before going into an interview. Nothing worse than you interviewer asking about something you wrote six months before and have totally forgotton about!)
I agree,
I'm not a social worker but I can't imagine that the entry process is very different from my own profession (nursing).
Remember that you're not expected to know much - it's your potential that interviewers are interested in. You've demonstrated your academic ability already with your existing qualifications.
I'd imagine that your values will be most important now but if proper social workers say anything different then of course I'll gladly defer to them - it is their profession after all and not mine.
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Hmm. I wonder if this is the same Jen. If so, I'm the same Sam, if not... erm... I'll write out some proper advice! :-)
If at first you don't succeed, redefine success.