Identifying your unique set of experiences, skills, education, passions, and interests

Purpose

This exercise will help set the foundation for future exercises in this module and will aid in discovering your "why" to prospective recruiters, employers and practicum hosts Repeating this process as you advance through your ACSW Diploma Program will be helpful, as with new knowledge confidence and experience, your answers will evolve and become clearer and more assured over time.

Once you have completed this exercise you will have the makings of an information and effective personal summary, as well as the information you need to build an effective elevator pitch.

STEP 1

Think of what it is that makes you who you are as a future professional in this field and who it is you wish to support in community.

complete one of these two sentences:

I am an Addictions and Community Services Worker who is passionate about helping (name the population you are most passionate to assist here) to (list what you hope to help them with here).

I am a Community Services Worker who is passionate about helping (name the population you are most passionate to assist here) to (list what you hope to help them with here).

STEP 2

What is your "WHY"?

This is an opportunity to share why it is you have chose to become an Addictions and/or Community Services Support Worker and why this work is important to you.

Students who enrol in this program do so for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few:

• for some it fulfills as sense of purpose
• for others it furthers their education and abilities to assist those in a field where they are already working
• some students have lived experiences (selves, family, friends) that have fueled their passion to make a difference in community

Finish this sentence with YOUR "WHY"....

Working in this career is very important/meaningful/special to me because...(finish this sentence)

STEP 3

What are your special traits/abilities/experience/interests that make you uniquely excited about this work?

Asking yourself this question begins to address the value you already know you will bring to this field. This could be anything from your compassion, lived experience, previous education, or curiosity and commitment to lifelong learning that makes this field one you are uniquely suited to do.

List these special traits, experiences, abilities here.....list at least 5

Are there previous experiences or accomplishments that have brought you to this place in your life/education journey and career?

List them here........list at least two here

STEP 4

Creating interest and reasons for prospective employers/practicum hosts to respond/reach out to you

What could you say to encourage connection with employers, practicum hosts, industry leaders, and colleagues in community?

Encouraging connection is essential in any industry, especially in such a social and service-oriented field.

Whether you are at a networking event, building resume, reaching out to a prospective employer or looking to build connections with a mentor or colleague with an organization whose work you admire - creating a reason to respond is a great proactive action.

For example:

• if you were at a networking event, asking a colleague or mentor what they feel is most needed to make a difference in serving the population might be a great opener
• if you are building your professional summary, you might identify that you specifically wish to engage in their cause and learn more about the population they serve and to grow with their agency because of the work they do
• Think of ways YOU could encourage connection with those agencies/individuals/leaders who do work you are passionate about - list them here....list at least three

Assignment