International Webinar on Career Prospects in Social Work Hosted by Department of Social Work, BSSS

Department of Social Work, The Bhopal School of Social Sciences (BSSS) successfully hosted an insightful and informative International Webinar on Career Prospects in Social Work. The event drew more than 100 participants from around the world, highlighting the global opportunities available to those pursuing a career in social work. The two-part webinar featured distinguished speakers from Australia and Canada, offering diverse perspectives on how social workers can excel internationally.

The webinar commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Richi Simon who introduced Social Work Department of BSSS, a NAAC A+ accredited institution known for its commitment to nurturing future professionals through its Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) programs. Dr. Rutwik Gandhe, Head of the Social Work Department, set the stage by outlining the pressing need for the webinar, i.e., the need for acquainting the participants with promising career paths available to aspiring social workers on a global level.

In the first session, Ms. Aakanksha Nagesh Subramanyam, an accomplished HR professional with dual master’s degrees from Christ University, India, and RMIT University, Australia, shared her journey in Human Resource Management and Labour Welfare. Ms. Aakanksha, currently the People & Culture Business Partner at AeraLife, Australia, provided key insights into the international HR landscape, particularly in Australia, offering valuable advice on the skills required and the steps involved in licensing and career advancement abroad.

The second session featured Mr. Praveen Varkey, a highly experienced Registered Social Worker based in Canada, with 16 years of experience. Mr. Varkey, currently working at William Osler Health System in Brampton, Canada, delivered an inspiring presentation on Medical Social Work. He discussed the diverse roles social workers play in healthcare systems globally and outlined the pathways for international students to become registered social workers in Canada. His impactful work during the COVID-19 pandemic and leadership role at Ontario Heroes Health and Social Services were also highlighted.

Both speakers captivated the audience with their experiences and practical advice, helping participants understand how their social work qualifications can open doors to international career opportunities. The webinar provided crucial insights into the skills and qualifications needed to thrive in fields such as Medical Social Work, HR, Community Development, and more.

The webinar concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants interacted with the guest speakers to gain deeper insights into the global social work profession. The event was led by Dr. Richi Simon and coordinated by and Mr. Piyush Porwal, Assistant Professors, Social Work, under the guidance of Dr. Rutwik Gandhe, HoD, Social Work.

---