What do you do if you want to build a strong professional network with diverse backgrounds in social work?

Your connections need to be intentional. In my experience, making connections in this field is super easy to do. Everyone wants to be helpful and for the most part people are in this profession because they’re passionate about helping others. You need to attend conferences, volunteer to be a part of other activities at your job, attend networking events, and be open to share value without any expecting anything in return. If you have the opportunity to do something outside of your scope or experience during your internships do it. My first internship was at the state prison and my second internship was in the emergency department at the VA. My full-time job was in a non-profit behavioral health clinic. This helped me expand my connections.

Expand your connections beyond your immediate field or organization by Attending conferences, workshops, or events organized by different social work organizations or related fields. Reach out to professionals working in other areas of social work, such as community development, mental health, or youth services. Seek out mentorship opportunities by Finding experienced social workers who are willing to share their knowledge and provide guidance. Engage in formal or informal mentorship programs to learn from their expertise and gain new perspectives. Volunteer or collaborate on projects by Volunteering for initiatives that align with your interests but may have a different focus or approach. Collaborate on interdisciplinary projects.

Look beyond your immediate workplace. Attend social work conferences or online forums focused on diverse populations. Connect with organizations serving different communities to broaden your perspective and network.

Exposure to different organizations and initiatives by Volunteering allows you to engage with a wide range of social work organizations, each with their own focus, clientele, and approach. This exposure can help you connect with professionals working in various areas of social work, from child welfare to community development. Collaborative opportunities by Volunteering often involves working alongside other volunteers and staff members. These collaborative experiences can lead to the development of meaningful relationships and the exchange of valuable knowledge and perspectives. You can acquire new skills, learn different approaches, and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and nuances within the social work field.

Professional groups and associations often have a large and diverse membership, providing you with the opportunity to connect with social workers from different specialties, organizations, and backgrounds. Exposure to new ideas and perspectives by Participating in group discussions, events, or workshops can expose you to diverse viewpoints, innovative approaches, and the latest trends in the social work field. This can help you expand your own knowledge and understanding of the profession. Opportunities for collaboration and mentorship by connecting with more experienced social workers who can serve as mentors. These collaborative experiences can lead to the development of valuable professional relationships.

Leverage social media for networking by Utilizing the connections and features on platforms like LinkedIn to connect with social work professionals, request introductions, or engage in informational interviews. These connections can lead to new opportunities, collaborations, or referrals. Stay up-to-date with industry news by Following social work organizations, thought leaders, and relevant industry publications on social media to stay informed about the latest developments, events, and trends in the field. Participating in virtual events is very important. Many social work organizations and groups now offer virtual events, webinars, or online networking sessions that you can attend and engage with.

A mí lo que más me ha funcionado es tener apertura a trabajar de manera colaborativa con otros colegas de Trabajo Social. También, he priorizado leer y aprender sobre las diferentes producciones de los colegas de la profesión. Es muy importante tener la apertura de reconocer el trabajo valioso que hacen los demás profesionales de Trabajo Social y apoyar su quehacer. Es por lo anterior, que he fundado la ONG Socialwu, que precisamente tiene como objetivo potenciar el impacto social positivo de los profesionales de Trabajo Social a través de cuatro líneas de acción: investigación, educación, divulgación y conexiones estratégicas.