Self Assessment
Becoming a social work intern in a master’s level program is a new journey that I will be experiencing along with my colleagues. The field experience allows us to implement our objectives and parameters that have been covered in our studies and lessons. Through our field experience, we can apply the theories to our clients and the cases that we encounter. Internships offer a unique, innovative, and nontraditional educational approach to the learning experience (Merritt, 2021). Internships allow us to experience real-world situations in the field. Internships are also proven effective, and research has shown a correlation between internships and a student’s ultimate career path.
New learning materials and other influences can impact our field experience. A personal and professional goal is to familiarize myself more with the NASW Code of ethics and principles. Social work’s core values and principles are services, social justice, the dignity and worth of a person, and the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. These are the personal and professional goals that social workers aspire to reach. As social workers, our primary goal is to help serve those in need and address social issues. As social workers, we challenge social injustice and honor dignity and worth in every individual. We behave in an honest and trustworthy manner and understand the importance of human relationships. As social workers, we also practice in our area of competence and look for ways to enhance our professional expertise. Another professional and personal goal would be to have learning opportunities to work at the micro, mezzo, and macro level. As a social work intern, I desire and willingness to develop the skill sets necessary to identify and utilize organizational and community strengths to empower our clients and bring change (Miller, Time & Harnek, 2008).
The agency where I will be completing my internship is Ascension Borgess Hospital. They provide services at the micro, mezzo, and macro level. Ascension Borgess Hospital is a level 2 trauma center and a comprehensive stroke center. They deliver advanced surgical care, heart center, women’s health, orthopedic and neuroscience, intensive newborn care, stroke center, and mental health services. Ascension is a faith-based organization. It is a non-profit Catholic health system in the US that delivers compassionate and personalized care, especially for those living in poverty and the most vulnerable. Ascension Borgess Hospital stands by the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics by serving and guiding everyday professionals and the expected conduct of social workers.
