On January 10, 2018, a new edition of the 1st Field Day for the Social Work degree programme took place at the Faculty of Social Sciences . The event was designed to support students before their practical study phases and before entering the professional workforce, to optimize the job search and application process, and to strengthen key competencies through various programs aimed at preparing students for internships and their careers. The Practical Day opened with a presentation and discussion led by Thomas Santa from the Saxony regional chapter of the DBSH (German Professional Association for Social Work) on the topics of collective bargaining law, pay grading, and collective bargaining agreements and employment contracts in Social Work.
Afterward, students had the opportunity to talk with various professionals and alumni of the degree programme at a career fair, learn about different fields of practice and work, network, and find out about internship and career opportunities in the Görlitz district. Various organizations, institutions, and projects in the Görlitz district participated in the initiative, including Tierra – Eine Welt e.V., CaTeeDrale e.V., BBZ Bautzen, the Görlitz District Office, second attempt e.V., Christlicher Hospizdienst Görlitz, Jugendring Oberlausitz, Mobile Jugenarbeit Niesky, Verein für Straffälligenhilfe, the “Sprungbrett” day group of AWO Oberlausitz, Malteser Hilfsdienst, and the Görlitz Family Office.
At the same time, participating students had the opportunity to take part in free application coaching to prepare for job interviews and to learn about—and try out—the possibilities of “applying on one’s own behalf.” In addition, there was an opportunity to participate in an exploration of fields of practice, during which participants not only developed an overview of the various practical fields of Social Work but also discussed search and placement strategies for their practical study phases. Thanks to support from AOK Saxony and Görlitz-based photographer Paul Glaser, students were also able to have free application photos taken.
Approximately 60 students from all years of the Social Work program, as well as interested students from other fields of study, participated in the Social Work Practice Day. This event is a collaborative project between the Social Work Field Placement Office, the DBSH Saxony, and the Faculty Student Committee for the Social Sciences, as well as the support initiatives “Students Advise Students,” “Campus Social Work,” and the Career Services Office at the University of Zittau/Görlitz. We would like to thank all full-time and volunteer supporters and contributors, and above all the students, for their dedication in planning and carrying out the Social Work Field Day.
Contact
Daniela Ahrens
Office of Fieldwork, Faculty of Social Sciences
Phone: 03581 374 – 4243
Email: d.ahrens@hszg.de
Sandro Hänseroth
Student Advisor, Faculty of Social Sciences
Phone: 03581 347 – 4240
Email: s.haenseroth@hszg.de