Jonathan W.
About me
| Jonathan W. | |
| Sociology | |
| Sociology with Education | |
| Undergraduate | |
| James | |
| 2002 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Team Manager [Social Worker] | |
| Sheffield City Council | |
| United Kingdom | |
| Social care and social work | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2010 |
More about Jonathan
Like this profile?
Add this profile to your favourites so you can return to it later from your account.
A day in the life of a Team Manager [Social Worker] in the United Kingdom
I really like my current role; very interesting and varied but not too distant from real people and real problems.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
Local Government
What do you do?
Basically, I manage a team of social workers and care managers.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
After graduation, I originally worked in social services administration for several years before deciding to re-train as a social worker through the postgraduate route and go to the front line. After several years doing this, opportunities came up during a re-organisation for additional team managers and, having given it a try, I realised I really liked it.
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
When I graduated, I had several ideas about potential avenues of interests to develop a career but, mainly due to lack of finance and other disadvantage, found realisation of such aspiration would be slow stream, if realised at all, regardless of my educational attainment. (Ultimately though, they were realised!)
Describe your most memorable day at work
One of my first days as a manager, when we were about to be re-organised, when I was faced with multiple teams with staff looking at me for answers and solutions to their questions and concerns; a new and sobering experience.
Are there any challenges associated with your job?
Constant problem solving combined with limited resources.
What’s your work environment and culture like?
Informal, friendly, fun - but hard working, challenging, demanding.
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
To be honest, mainly due to needing to work while at university A LOT, along with study commitments, my extra-curricular activities were mainly limited to societies that gave me the opportunity to socialise and have some fun: namely York Pride and Wine Society - although the opportunity to develop social skills is something useful and transferable in both work and personal contexts.
What would you like to do next with your career?
Actually, I really like my current role; very interesting and varied but not too distant from real people and real problems. Nevertheless, I may consider promotional opportunities to service management or similar roles in the future.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Be proactive in seeking opportunities - particularly educational or in employment - to develop knowledge, skills and experiences.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Open minded. If I can help, I will. If not, I will say so but suggest who might be able to help, if I can.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
Besides the experience gained at York itself and the further opportunities such may enable, the friendships you make will be great sources of support in later years.
Next steps...
If you like the look of Jonathan’s profile, the next steps are down to you! You can send Jonathan a message to find out more about their career journey. If you feel you would benefit from more in-depth conversations, ask Jonathan to be your mentor.