My journey [...] has shown me how diverse and impactful this profession can be.
In honour of March being Social Work Month, we wanted to share the amazing and diverse placement experiences of some of our Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) students, in order to highlight the fact that social work is an incredibly wide-ranging field that extends into all areas of the community.
Meet Rosalie, an MSW student currently completing her placement at Saxion University in the Netherlands.
Here's what she had to say about her experience at her placement, studying at Renison's School of Social Work, and the broader field of social work.
Tell us a bit about yourself, what brought you to Renison and Social Work?
I’m passionate about serving my community and have been a long-time volunteer with Hope with Wheels, supporting people experiencing homelessness in downtown Toronto. I have a deep commitment to advocating for housing, mental health, and community well-being and bring over a decade of experience in social services, working in healthcare, long-term care, and community support. My current work focuses on supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges, including helping transition Dual Diagnosis–Alternate Level of Care (DD-ALC) patients from hospital settings to community housing, ensuring they have the right supports to thrive.
As someone interested in health and medical social work, Renison’s MSW program aligns perfectly with my professional goals. It is Canada’s first MSW program specializing in health-related social work, designed to prepare students for leadership roles in clinical practice, community health, health promotion, policy development, and research. The program’s flexible online delivery with in-person integration is ideal for me, as it allows me to further my education while continuing my full-time work in the field.
Tell us a bit about the work you’re doing in your placement – what are your general responsibilities?
I am currently completing my practicum in the Netherlands through the Cross-Cultural Responsive & Accessible Technologies for Societal Impact (CCTS) international exchange program. This opportunity is made possible through the University of Waterloo’s collaboration with Saxion University of Applied Sciences in Enschede, Netherlands, with funding from Erasmus+ KA171. I believe this is the first initiative of its kind for Renison, making it an exciting and groundbreaking experience.
So far, I have engaged with Saxion’s various research groups in Social Work, Technology, Health & Care, as well as staff from the social service agency Wijkracht. I hope to further explore technology-driven solutions for health equity and examine the barriers and opportunities for technology adoption among marginalized communities. This practicum offers a unique opportunity to integrate social work and technology for real-world impact, and I am immensely grateful to be part of it.
How do you think your studies in Renison’s School of Social Work have helped you in your placement?
My studies at Renison’s School of Social Work have been instrumental in shaping my experience during my ongoing placement. The program’s health-focused curriculum has deepened my understanding of social determinants of health, trauma-informed practice, and anti-oppressive frameworks, equipping me with the skills to assess client needs and collaborate effectively within interdisciplinary teams. The emphasis on reflective practice and ethical decision-making continues to strengthen my confidence in addressing systemic barriers and advocating for clients in healthcare and community settings.
Moreover, a key factor in my positive experience so far has been the incredible support of my placement coordinator. Their ongoing guidance has been invaluable in helping me navigate challenges. Their encouragement and constructive feedback have also played a crucial role in my development, and I look forward to continuing to learn under their mentorship throughout my placement.
How do you think your placement will prepare you for your career in Social Work?
My placement is already reinforcing the importance of scaling up research programs that promote autonomy and independence among marginalized populations. This can be achieved through collaborative research initiatives and community engagement programs, which ensure that solutions are both effective and inclusive.
What has been the most surprising thing about your placement?
One of the most surprising aspects of my placement in the Netherlands has been the serious emphasis on social technology and its integration into healthcare and social services. I have been struck by how much research and innovation are dedicated to leveraging technology to enhance service delivery, streamline care coordination, and improve client outcomes. The proactive use of digital tools, data-driven decision-making, and AI-assisted interventions has broadened my perspective on how technology can transform social work practice. Experiencing this firsthand has reinforced the potential for technology to bridge gaps in service accessibility and efficiency. So far, this experience has deepened my interest in the intersection of social work, healthcare, and technology, inspiring me to explore ways to integrate these advancements into future practice.
What do you think is the biggest misconception that people have about Social Workers?
One of the biggest misconceptions about social workers is that we only help people in crisis. While crisis intervention is a key part of the profession, social workers also focus on prevention, empowerment, and long-term solutions by working collaboratively with individuals, families, and communities. Our work is deeply rooted in research, ethics, and interdisciplinary collaboration, making social workers essential in shaping and improving social and healthcare systems globally.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering studying Social Work?
For anyone considering studying social work, I would advise being open to continuous learning and self-reflection. Social work is a deeply rewarding yet challenging field that requires emotional resilience, cultural competence, and a commitment to advocacy. My journey, from community work to healthcare and now international experience, has shown me how diverse and impactful this profession can be.
I also encourage future social workers to explore different specializations, including healthcare, policy, and even technology-driven social services. The field is evolving, and integrating innovative approaches can enhance service delivery and client outcomes. Most importantly, find strong mentors and embrace every opportunity for growth.
Learn more
Want to learn more about social work? Check out Renison's School of Social Work, and stay tuned for more student features coming soon!