Tanya Rajfel

NAME Tanya Rajfel
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE BSc social anthropology and sociology, Brunel University
POSTGRADUATE DEGREE MSc social work, London South Bank University

I’d been working in the social work field for three years since leaving university, firstly in administration and then as an unqualified social worker in various areas including children, homelessness and probation. I’d never had any problems finding work, but new rules introduced by the General Social Care Council meant that it was going to be unrealistic to try to continue in the field without a recognised qualification.

What did your first year of the course involve?

Social work methods, communication skills, social work laws, ethical dilemmas, and research methodology were some of the areas we covered. There were also six written assignments. I did a 100-day placement in a national voluntary organisation offering victim support. My role was mainly advisory and counselling, dealing with issues of racial hatred, homophobic attacks and domestic violence. I had to keep a reflective journal – this helps to show that you’ve fulfilled specific course requirements, such as showing that you’ve managed a complex case, and also develops your own self awareness and hence good working practices.

What apsects of the course have you found most and least enjoyable?

I liked the way the course was delivered, the staff have been supportive, and there has been lots of challenging, sometimes radical, debate. Financially, living in London is difficult. I had to borrow money and the demands of the course didn’t allow the time to earn any extra. On the other hand, training in London gives you access to a wide choice of placements and working in the inner city sets you up to work anywhere in the country.

What do you want to do when you've qualified?

Initially I want to work with asylum seeking children and families in England. A social work course opens up opportunities for working abroad too – eventually I’d like to work for Voluntary Service Overseas and be involved in community development in Africa.