A follow-up study of Bachelor of Social Work graduates at Memorial University of Newfoundland

O'Flaherty, Frances O'Neill (1983) A follow-up study of Bachelor of Social Work graduates at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

This quantitative-descriptive study reports data on BSW graduates of Memorial University of Newfoundland, describing their career development since entering the job market. It also assesses the relationships between education/training, job preparedness and employment opportunities in the social welfare field in the province of Newfoundland. The study sample was composed of 205 persons who graduated between May 1970 and May 1982. Data were collected by means of a mailed, self-administered, structured questionnaire over a six-week period in October and November, 1982. -- The review of literature suggested that external influences, e.g., political, economic and/or social conditions, are more likely to determine employment opportunities in the social welfare field than are the types of education/training obtained by graduates. Analyses of the data indicated that the respondents were proportionately younger and more female than graduates from similar BSW programs. A cohort of mature graduates (22%), aged 25 years or older at graduation, were identified as having more social work experience, present employment in administrative/supervisory positions and a better understanding of the coursework component of the programs. The respondents found social work jobs soon (x=1.4 months) after graduation, 80% continue to live and work in Newfoundland and 70% work in cities the size of Corner Brook or larger. Furthermore, only 32% work for provincial departments of social services but 38% are working in hospitals and an additional 10% work in health-related settings. The majority of respondents (66%) were deployed in direct treatment positions, 25% were administrators or supervisors and only 9% were primarily responsible for community organization, research, planning or teaching. The respondents gave a generally positive global assessment of the BSW programs: only 8% found the preparation inadequate. Twenty-six percent were studying for, or had completed subsequent degrees. The finding that 65% belonged to professional or occupation-related organizations reflects positively on the graduates’ sense of professional socialization.

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