Factors that contribute to first year students selecting social work as a profession

Abstract

In post-apartheid South Africa individuals, families and communities continue to be confronted with challenging social conditions that serve to inhibit their social well-being. The social work profession has a crucial role to play in the enhancement of the social well-being of vulnerable individuals and groups. The profession continues to attract high numbers to a career in social work. The study explores the factors that influence first year students in selecting social work as a profession. A qualitative research approach was applied. Focus groups were used in data collection. Availability sampling was utilised and the sample was drawn from the University of the Western Cape 2011 first year social work student population. Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the findings of the study. The findings noted that both intrinsic and extrinsic factors impacted on students' decision to select social work as a profession. Insights to training institutions and to the social work profession are generated.