Man has seen a great deal of development and advancement in the last couple of centuries, especially in the twenty-first century. This advancement has not only made the world increasingly competitive but also utterly materialistic. Everybody is running to full fill one’s own desires and requirements and sometimes at the cost of others too. Although selfishness is prevailing in society yet there are many young people who want to do something for society. These are the people who feel a great deal of satisfaction in doing something for others that cannot be equaled by any high-paying job.
The social sector, indeed, offers the fulfillment of higher-level needs. Dissatisfaction with their conventional jobs causes people to opt for jobs that help solve social problems and it is happening to some extent in India too, though slowly but surely. It is noble in working for others and helps those who may not be as privileged as we are.
Career Scope in Social Services Sector: The scope of a career in the social services sector is increasingly getting wide as there is a great need for people who can provide help to the disadvantaged people of society. A large number of centers for rehabilitation for drug addicts, orphaned children, and people with disabilities. Counseling, both educational and psychological, is required these days by a large section of the population.
Besides, there are ample opportunities in health care, community policing, adoption, environmental protection, and culture to name a few of them.
The social sector consists of Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and institutions providing services to various sections of society. A lot are engaged in research and publishing while others are working for solving problems at the grassroots level.
A youngster who wants to do something for society along with earning his livelihood may adopt social services as a profession. Thus it is now becoming professionalized to some extent. Various reputed institutes offer degrees and diplomas in social work, after which permanent positions can be obtained in various national and international organizations.
Considering the importance of the sector governments and various international agencies have infused a lot of money thereby increasing the salaries of those who are professionals working in this sector.
Taking all these things into consideration social services sector can be a good option for young Turks looking for a job that can give them real job satisfaction.
Although no particular basic qualifications are required to get into the social sector except the desire to do something for society. However, a Master's in Social Welfare (MSW) degree, rural management, or any master's degree in social sciences will help to get a commanding position in the organization. The well-known institutes for these studies are the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai, the Xavier Institute of Social Science, Ranchi, and the Institute of Rural Management, Degrees in environment and forestry management are also offered by other institutes. Apart from this, diplomas can be obtained in specific areas like those for the hearing impaired, physically handicapped, and old age. Some organizations train volunteers themselves.
Once equipped with the relevant qualification one can opt for any of two distinct branches in the social services sector. The first is to work in an activist organization that actually helps the disadvantaged. The second option is to work for the high-profile NGOs featured in newspapers. They publish articles and hold seminars on various social issues like wildlife conservation, environmental pollution, child labor, and AIDS awareness. The more concerned and enterprising one can start their own set-up and try to help others.
However, it is not at all necessary to have a formal degree in social work to enter in this field. Those professionals who want to serve society on a part-time basis can work as:-
- Educators: Contribute to awareness campaigns. Provide educational counseling services.
- Doctors: Provide free medical services to the underprivileged. Help fight drug addiction.
- Psychiatrists: Provide counseling services to the mentally disturbed. Help the physically disadvantaged.
- Scientists, Engineers: Build awareness about pollution and provide solutions for energy saving and better living.
- Journalists: Awareness campaigns.
- Artists, and designers: Provide exhibition or educational material for public awareness.
- Lawyers: Provide free legal services to the underprivileged. Participate in public interest litigation.
