Role Expectations of Social Work Students

Abstract

This study explores the role expectations of social work students. The author examines students' expectations in relation to the type of activities that they will perform and the types of clients that they will work with in their future social work jobs. A sample of 210 undergraduate and graduate social work students completed a questionnaire that included a job activities scale, a client characteristics scale, and several demographic questions. The findings indicated that social work students preferred to provide counseling services more than they wanted to provide concrete services and advocacy services. Students expected to work mainly with clients who were motivated and compliant with treatment rather than with clients who were suicidal, delusional or angry. The implications for social work education and the mission of the social work profession are discussed.