There is a natural alignment between my personal values and the values of social work – rights-based, person and community-centered, inclusive and more.
I had just over seven year’s work experience in the telecommunications sector in a range of different roles. Craving a deeper human connection, I retrained as a secondary school maths teacher. I then taught for more than 12 years in a diverse range of local and international schools. Then, I decided to complete a Master of International Crisis Management with a focus on refugees, internally displaced persons and education in emergencies. This led me into the humanitarian sector and I jumped between teaching and international development, completing two year-long volunteer assignments in the Philippines and Samoa. I was working in Uganda when COVID hit and we were under a very long and strict lockdown. It was around this time that I realised teaching was no longer for me (especially not online teaching!) and for the first time in my life I had proper time to research and work out what I wanted to do. And the answer was a Master of Social Work!
There were lots of social work courses to choose from, but University of Melbourne was my number one choice for several reasons. The University has an excellent international reputation, and the course is accredited by the Australian Association of Social Workers. There are excellent pathways and opportunities to do a PhD after the Master of Social Work, which is a real possibility for me and something I wanted to have as an option. The University is also well renowned for research and there is a lot of very exciting things going on within the university and I was keen to be a part of that.
I really wanted a course that was going to turn me into a ‘360 degree’ social worker and Melbourne certainly fit the bill in that respect. Inclusion and diversity are key values for me, so when choosing a course, I was also looking to see how this was catered for. To my great delight, one of the very first subjects I would study at Melbourne was Social Work Practice: Indigenous Peoples, and the subject is taught by First Nations people. The University also has a very good student placement program and the staff have great contacts with lots of different agencies and organisations across the sector.
I thought that I would enjoy the course, but I had no idea I would enjoy it as much as I am! The assignments have been plentiful, but incredibly rewarding and they have really utilised the skills and knowledge learned through the lectures and tutorials. The lecturers and tutors have been very supportive and understanding at all times, and so have the rest of the students. It is a very diverse cohort in terms of age and experience, but very respectful, easy to work with and get to know, which has been excellent.
I have developed so many skills throughout the Master of Social Work, and I know so much more than I did six months ago. It is incredible. The course is really satisfying my thirst for learning! There is excellent flexibility in terms of the large range of times available for tutorials. They catered for people based overseas like me, as well as people who work full-time or part-time.
My first student placement has been truly excellent, and I have had a top-notch supervisor and tutor. It has been such a professional and enriching experience. I have gained hands-on practical skills as a result, but also deepened my knowledge. I have also developed my counselling and interviewing skills through roleplay and terrific guidance. The placement has provided me with excellent insights into the mental health sector in Australia, and particularly Victoria.
I am very interested to work in the mental health sector and am very drawn to working in the LGBTQIA+ space. I know that with the Royal Commission report into mental health there is going to be a huge shake-up of the sector with lots of exciting initiatives happening, so by the time I graduate it could be an amazing time to step into some great roles. After this first semester and my student placement, I know that when I finish the course I will be so well equipped to begin my future as a social worker.
I am inspired by passion, enthusiasm and people who believe wholeheartedly in their values and stand up for them time and time again, no matter how difficult or challenging it may be. I have been massively inspired by many of the places I have lived and by the people who have next to nothing, but still smile and derive pleasure and happiness from life. I am inspired by the idea that the world can be a better place and that there are so many changemakers out there, as well as people who support the changemakers. I am also inspired by kindness, generosity, and compassion.
Learn more about our social work and wellbeing courses at the University of Melbourne.
