Pushing out of your comfort zone

For Canberra-based, aspiring social worker Madison Mills, challenging herself and advocating for others were must haves when considering a career.

“I have always had a passion for helping others. I’m also interested in advocating for social justice and challenging systems, giving those who need a voice a say in what directly impacts their life and wellbeing,” Madison said.

Australian Catholic University’s (ACU) Bachelor of Social Work ticks those boxes focussing on social justice, human rights and making a real impact in the community. It also includes professional practical experience, or field education, for students to gain first-hand knowledge. Field education gives a deeper sense of the lived experiences of inequality and the broader social issues studied in the program. 

How social work looks and feels

It was an opportunity for Madison to really challenge herself.

“I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone so I decided to go rural for my placement,” she said.

“Moving to Broken Hill, 11 hours away from my family, friends and supports, for a few months was a very anxious situation. After my very first day of placement, I could tell this opportunity would have a positive impact on my perspective of social work and provide loads of chances for self-growth.  

“Seeing how social workers interact with clients for the first time reassured me I was on the right career path. Everything I had been learning for the previous two years clicked and watching theories and conversations unfold in front of me filled me with excitement and inspiration to make a positive impact on other’s lives in the future.”

Expanding horizons

ACU works with many partners to deliver learning opportunities for students – including government, non-government, social enterprise and private practice as well as rural, remote and international settings.

“I am privileged to work with three teams of the Royal Flying Doctors Service (RFDS). I have seen the amazing work of mental health and AOD (alcohol and other drugs) counselling, allowing me to interact one-on-one with people,” Madison said.

“I am also able to work as a part of the community engagement/family and children mental health teams which involves travelling via plane or car to rural and remote communities. These teams promote and explore social and wellbeing topics in schools. It is an amazing way to get to know and build relationships with outback communities.

“The cultures in these towns are so different from one another and each is unique. Learning that some schools only have three teachers and classes combine from kindergarten to Year 6 due to the small number of students has made me reflect on how different living in the outback is compared to what I know from the city.”

Unique perspectives

Working in Broken Hill gave Madison the chance to immerse herself in a totally different lifestyle.

“I have learnt so much from working in the bush. The different experiences, challenges and ways of living out here has changed my perspective when working with future clients,” she said.

“Access to healthcare is something we take for granted in the city. For many, the RFDS is their only physical and mental health service which normally involves additional hours of travel to the airstrip or health clinic before boarding a plane. Seeing the amazing difference the RFDS make to people's wellbeing is truly inspiring.

“I have also discovered an added layer of spirituality, relating to connection to the land, is a huge part of some people’s identity. Caring for and farming the land were things I got to learn through conversations and community involvement. 

“I have also been able to become a part of the community here in Broken Hill. I think overall the connection I have made with school students across far west NSW and individuals has been so incredible to experience.” 

Learning that counts

Madison is now keen to put her own learnings and experiences to use as well as encourage others to challenge themselves with a rural placement.

“I really would encourage doing a rural placement throughout your degree, the opportunities and learnings are endless, and your self-growth is immense. I cannot emphasise how positive this experience has been,” she said.

“One of the biggest learnings I had from observing and participating in personal consults for the first time was that service users know when you are being genuine and when you are not. Use respectful curiosity to find out more about their situation and background. Recognise your bias and question why you may have come to those assumptions and conclusions. Reflecting on my values and ethics and how they made me perform in learning experiences and opportunities was vital.”

And her advice for those considering a rural placement? 

“Throw yourself into every opportunity. Don’t be scared to ask questions, this is the perfect learning environment to grow your skills and knowledge. Your placement is what you make it. If you show up to complete your hours and go home, you are not going to learn as much as those who actively make relationships with service users and providers and take every day as an opportunity to learn something new. Don’t be scared to share your feedback, as a student you have a unique position to perceive the work a service does and the impact it makes on the community.”

Ready to make a difference like Madison? Explore social work courses at ACU.