Abstract
Graduate employability in the field of social work has been under the spotlight in recent years, with several researchers taking an interest in the experiences of graduates as they make the transition into the workplace. This study explores the challenges experienced by new social work graduates upon entering employment with a view of understanding their adjustment in the social workforce, their coping strategies as well as the support that they receive as new employees in the social services sector. A qualitative approach with an explorative design was used. Seven newly qualified social workers residing within the greater Johannesburg area took part in the study. The study used the human capital theory which suggests that an individual’s growth and development is primarily driven by education in a society based on the quality and the quantity of the education. This theory was used to explain the experiences of new social work graduates through the lens of their professional development in managing their work experiences and challenges.
The findings revealed that professional development is essential to obtaining employment in the social work sector. The findings further revealed that adaptation to the new work environment is related to the individual’s personal characteristics, understanding the organisational culture of the workplace, and the supervision and mentoring received. Another finding was that new graduate employees consider family and peer support essential in their experience to enhance self-care and reduce burnout.
This study will assist universities, employers, new social work graduates and work readiness programmes to understand the dilemmas faced by new graduates and thus develop strategies to assist new social workers to adjust to the workplace.