“What is it like to be(come) a social worker?” professional-identity formation from final-year social work students’ perspectives–photovoice-based study

Abstract

In applied professions achieving a professional identity is a key educational goal during the transition from student to professional. To facilitate this transition within academic teaching, it is essential to establish dedicated reflective spaces using creative methods. The study investigated the perspectives of final-year social work students on their professional identity formation as near-future social workers, using the photovoice methodology. Conducted within a dedicated research seminar course, the study involved 29 participants between 2018 and 2021, resulting in the collection of 289 photovoices. Four components of the social worker’s professional identity emerged: a) between the personal and the professional; b) professional responsibility; c) spaces of guidance, maintenance, and support; and d) personal-professional growth. From the reflexive perspective of final-year social work students, this study indicates a dynamic approach to understanding their professional identity formation as near-future social workers, shaped by the interconnectedness of knowing, being, and doing social work.