Working in the field of Human Services cannot be considered an ordinary occupation where employees perform routine procedures. This career path is more of a vocation because the range of tasks that the individuals involved face requires appropriate moral principles and a strong desire to be useful. The videos provided via the attached links show the challenges that Human Services professionals can face but also demonstrate the satisfaction that comes from helping those in need: first and second (CareerOneStop, 2021; St. Louis Community College, 2019). My chosen career in the field of sociology is an opportunity for me to prove my interest in helping vulnerable categories of the population and contribute to building a healthy society.
While assessing career prospects in the Human Services field, I have discovered new aspects. For instance, according to one of the videos, sociological practice is multifaceted and can be associated with paperwork and analytics, as well as active work directly with people (St. Louis Community College, 2019). I have also learned that the number of people in need of help is constantly on the rise, making a career in sociology one of the most in-demand occupations (CareerOneStop, 2021). Therefore, I can note that the routine of this profession differs from that of other occupations through more active interaction with people.
My potential in this area is sufficient to become a product specialist. As Stipanovic et al. (2017) remark, if one wants to attend classes by all means and motivate others to help each other, the probability of success in work is high. Schmid and Almog-Bar (2020) confirm this and state that, despite the differences in how for-profit and non-profit services operate, the goal is the same – to show interest in social support. I am sure that my aspirations will be a sufficient incentive for me to succeed.
The ability to prove one’s contribution to society is a key perspective for me. After graduating from the program, I can offer my services to a wide range of organizations interested in attracting motivated employees. However, I do not intend to stop there; I plan to get a university degree, find a decent job, and continue to expand my theoretical knowledge by participating in various seminars and conferences. As Curran et al. (2019) argue, lifelong learning, achieved through the active use of available technologies, is a common form of self-development. Thus, I intend to continue developing my potential and move forward.
References
CareerOneStop. (2021). Human services overview | Career cluster/industry video series [Video]. YouTube.
Curran, V., Fleet, L., Simmons, K., Lannon, H., Gustafson, D. L., Wang, C., Garmsiri, M., & Wetsch, L. (2019). Adoption and use of mobile learning in continuing professional development by health and human services professionals. Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions, 39(2), 76-85.
Schmid, H., & Almog-Bar, M. (2020). Predictors of success and failure in cross-sectoral partnerships in nonprofit human services: Reflections and challenges. Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, 43(3), 268-287. Web.
St. Louis Community College. (2019). Human services [Video]. YouTube.
Stipanovic, N., Stringfield, S., & Witherell, E. (2017). The influence of a career pathways model and career counseling on students’ career and academic self-efficacy. Peabody Journal of Education, 92(2), 209-221.