Purpose: This assignment is intended to help you critically reflect upon the importance and value of professionalism as student, intern, and future professional social worker.  You will also reflect on how you can grow in the area of professionalism demonstrating this growth through your interactions with clients, colleagues, supervisors, faculty, and administrators.

Instructions: This reflection paper will cover professionalism in the classroom, in your internship placement, and in your future social work practice. 

Overview of Professionalism in the Social Work Field

Briefly state who you are as a social worker. What is your personal mission as a social worker in training?  How does this differ from the behavior and practices of other helping professions that you have observed? In other words, what makes this a ïcial work identity? ow do you attempt to express your professional demeanor through your appearance, behavior, and communication skills in the classroom, at your internship, and with clientàand colleagues? Are there ways that you might improve or adapt your professionalism in these areas during your MSW studies?

Social Work Ethics and Professionalism

Reflect on the manner in which ethics should be incorporated into professionalism as a social worker.  Distinguish the difference between personal and professional values. Reflect on the use of reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations.  Discuss how social work ethics impact practice and decision making as a social worker.

Professionalism, Preparation, and Practice

Discuss how preparing yourself for professional will enhance your future practice as a social worker.  How might you effectively enhance your professionalism through the use of supervision and consultation as your career progresses? Discuss how you envision yourself continuing to grow and learn as a social worker over the next 5 years of your career?