‘Niche picking’ helps Social Work students find a perfect career path
Unique networking opportunities take faculty mentorship far beyond the classroom
•
Published
"Approach everything and everyone with curiosity instead of judgment" is a quote that students will hear in Scott Osterfeld’s Family Science and Social Work classes.
But it’s not just a saying that resonates with those who are passionate about helping others. It’s also a philosophy that underpins a remarkable educational experience that goes far beyond the classroom for students.
“From the start, he shared advice that has truly shaped my outlook, and it’s something I strive to live by,” Miami student Elizabeth Sims said. “He was a major influence in my decision to switch my major to Social Work, and he has continuously provided me with opportunities to engage in conversations with other professionals within the field.”
As a visiting assistant professor, Osterfeld uses his years of clinical experience to connect students with organizations and agencies that are seeking the next generation of social work and family science professionals. To do so, he takes the concept of networking to new levels through several unique relationship-building activities called Coffee and Conversations, Talk and Tours, and Life Stories.
“What I found is that I wish I had someone who helped me figure out what I wanted to do before I graduated,” Osterfeld said. “I've hired lots of people in my career who didn’t quite know what they wanted to do and kind of fell into certain roles by accident. So I wanted to give students a way to really get to know the folks they will be working with and the types of organizations they’ll be in. We call it ‘niche picking.’ Instead of nitpicking. I want them to find their niche.”
Unbeknownst to most people, the world of social work is incredibly dynamic and multifaceted. It involves far more than those who work in child services, for example, which is just one narrow part of the field. As a result, many students interested in social work are unaware of the numerous opportunities that exist.
“Social work is so broad that students really don’t have any idea what it includes,” Osterfeld said. “So when I open them up to different careers, they’re shocked. That was also a reason I wanted to do these activities. I knew the need.”
Beyond child services, social workers also have careers in schools, hospitals, and community agencies. They do policy and advocacy work, provide substance abuse counseling, and conduct criminal justice and forensic-based social work as well. They also work with the elderly, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and many others.
To help students find their niche among these different careers, Osterfeld often hosts Coffee and Conversations, which pairs a student with a professional from these various areas, and during which Osterfeld is also present to facilitate the conversation. Talk and Tours is similar, but more in-depth. Here, Osterfeld leverages his extensive list of industry contacts to coordinate visits to organizations that match student interests.
During Life Stories, Osterfeld invites real people who have been personally and positively impacted by social work to speak to the class about their experiences. In these sessions, students hear firsthand how meaningful a career in this field can be.
“Professor Osterfeld has gone out of his way to create opportunities for students to get connected with the work they want to do,” said Megan McClure, a Social Work major. “It was so helpful to see what that kind of work looked like and to get a better understanding of my future career options. I have never met a professor who cares so much about his students. He goes out of his way because he truly cares about the work and making a difference.”
What’s more, it’s not just the students who find value in these activities and opportunities. The organizations and agencies also enjoy the process. For them, it’s a chance to network and get to know the next generation of dedicated professionals.
“Every time I speak to the students, not only do I enjoy the opportunity to share my passion for social work and offer career guidance, but I also learn from the students,” said Gina Cristiano, a medical social worker with Kettering Health. “We are reminded of new energy, fresh insights, and the ever-changing experiences of the next generation.”
But it’s not just a saying that resonates with those who are passionate about helping others. It’s also a philosophy that underpins a remarkable educational experience that goes far beyond the classroom for students.
“From the start, he shared advice that has truly shaped my outlook, and it’s something I strive to live by,” Miami student Elizabeth Sims said. “He was a major influence in my decision to switch my major to Social Work, and he has continuously provided me with opportunities to engage in conversations with other professionals within the field.”
As a visiting assistant professor, Osterfeld uses his years of clinical experience to connect students with organizations and agencies that are seeking the next generation of social work and family science professionals. To do so, he takes the concept of networking to new levels through several unique relationship-building activities called Coffee and Conversations, Talk and Tours, and Life Stories.
“What I found is that I wish I had someone who helped me figure out what I wanted to do before I graduated,” Osterfeld said. “I've hired lots of people in my career who didn’t quite know what they wanted to do and kind of fell into certain roles by accident. So I wanted to give students a way to really get to know the folks they will be working with and the types of organizations they’ll be in. We call it ‘niche picking.’ Instead of nitpicking. I want them to find their niche.”
Unbeknownst to most people, the world of social work is incredibly dynamic and multifaceted. It involves far more than those who work in child services, for example, which is just one narrow part of the field. As a result, many students interested in social work are unaware of the numerous opportunities that exist.
“Social work is so broad that students really don’t have any idea what it includes,” Osterfeld said. “So when I open them up to different careers, they’re shocked. That was also a reason I wanted to do these activities. I knew the need.”
Beyond child services, social workers also have careers in schools, hospitals, and community agencies. They do policy and advocacy work, provide substance abuse counseling, and conduct criminal justice and forensic-based social work as well. They also work with the elderly, military veterans, individuals with disabilities, and many others.
To help students find their niche among these different careers, Osterfeld often hosts Coffee and Conversations, which pairs a student with a professional from these various areas, and during which Osterfeld is also present to facilitate the conversation. Talk and Tours is similar, but more in-depth. Here, Osterfeld leverages his extensive list of industry contacts to coordinate visits to organizations that match student interests.
During Life Stories, Osterfeld invites real people who have been personally and positively impacted by social work to speak to the class about their experiences. In these sessions, students hear firsthand how meaningful a career in this field can be.
“Professor Osterfeld has gone out of his way to create opportunities for students to get connected with the work they want to do,” said Megan McClure, a Social Work major. “It was so helpful to see what that kind of work looked like and to get a better understanding of my future career options. I have never met a professor who cares so much about his students. He goes out of his way because he truly cares about the work and making a difference.”
What’s more, it’s not just the students who find value in these activities and opportunities. The organizations and agencies also enjoy the process. For them, it’s a chance to network and get to know the next generation of dedicated professionals.
“Every time I speak to the students, not only do I enjoy the opportunity to share my passion for social work and offer career guidance, but I also learn from the students,” said Gina Cristiano, a medical social worker with Kettering Health. “We are reminded of new energy, fresh insights, and the ever-changing experiences of the next generation.”
Established in 1809, Miami University is located in Oxford, Ohio, with regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown, a learning center in West Chester, and a European study center in Luxembourg. Interested in learning more about the Department of Family Science and Social Work? Visit their website for more information.
