Field Experience
Adult in Need of Supervision (Kat T.)
Yes, you read that right. I am 23 years old and I need supervision! As a budding social worker, supervision is a must. Internship, practicum, field education – no matter what you call it – it is where you put your knowledge to the test in social work education and your supervisor is a vital part of that professional growth.
Not only do all MSW students get placed in the “field” (field placement), but they are also assigned a field instructor (aka the supervisor at your internship). For my foundation placement, I had one-on-one supervision for an hour each week and then participated in group supervision for an additional two hours a week. Seems like plenty of time, right? I learned quickly that this is not the case — and you must learn to use this valuable time wisely.
At first, your time in supervision might be a tad daunting, mostly because you are still learning how the agency works and how you fit in. Supervision looks a little different for everyone based on both the support you need, and the differences between how you and your supervisor teach and learn. My advice is to speak up about how you learn best. You are the expert on you and your learning style, and this experience is largely dictated by you. For example, I, as a self-proclaimed Type A personality, typically created an agenda for our supervision time.
You might be wondering what exactly happens in supervision? Topics commonly discussed are client updates, review of process recordings, anything related to classwork, and how you feel the internship as a whole is going. Therefore, supervision is not a babysitting tool – it serves as a way for you to grow both professionally and personally.
In just a short time, I was lucky to form an amazing relationship with my supervisor that not only changed my view of the field, but also changed how I saw myself. She offered me a perfect balance of strong support while challenging me to go deeper. In our work together she helped me confront my inherent biases, reflect on language used in my process recordings, and role-played with me to show me how to advocate more strongly in meetings.
My First-Year Placement Experience (Jahniah S.)
From the first moment I decided to pursue social work, I knew I wanted to work within my community. I was placed at a neighborhood service center that helps individuals and families in poverty. I knew pretty quickly that this was a place where I could actually make a difference, but I wasn’t completely sure how. I had never worked in case management, or even with adults individually. After I began to get the hang of things, I was surprised when clients responded so positively to me, especially because I didn’t feel like I knew what I was doing at first. But I focused on building these relationships and really listening to their stories. Very quickly I learned that most of their experiences were not so different from my own. Over time, I realized that this connection is what made my relationships with clients so strong and positive. I was just like them — trying to navigate the journey of life the best way that I can. So every day I came to the center, I was able to bring more than just my enthusiastic smile. I also was able to demonstrate to clients that I am here, and I am here with them.
One of the greatest benefits I received from this placement was the reciprocal nature of the relationships I created. While I was able to assist and empower clients in their journey, they were doing the same for me. Because the stresses and challenges of everyday life as a woman of color balancing work, school, and family can be tough, I found myself questioning and doubting whether or not I belonged in this field. Or if I could even do well with all the obstacles in my life. Working within my community with clients who also face barriers gave me validation. The mutual support I felt reminded me why I turned to social work in the first place, and that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.
Just getting into social work graduate school was such an accomplishment for me. Being at my first-year placement challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, not just for the purpose of my learning, but for my clients. It was my clients who challenged and motivated me more than I could myself.
Fortunately, throughout the entire experience, I was also supported by the team and the faculty at BUSSW. They were not only there for me when I had to learn from my mistakes, but they helped me to accept failures, deficits, and faults much more willingly. I am a perfectionist, but I certainly learned in this field that things can’t always be perfect. However, I can and I always will try my best, because that’s what I want to help others do — as a learner, an advocate, and a social worker.