It is no longer a choice of the jaded, but a favoured, thought-out career destination for the inspired. Social Work has emerged as a major academic discipline and there are many career opportunities for those who specialise.  Opportunities in the voluntary sector Social service is a sunrise career. It certainly seems so. With increased international funding in social service, ‘social work’ has become a niche area, being preferred frequently as a wellpaid, fast-growth-assured career. “Making a difference to society” is, in fact, a million-dollar industry. Once in a while, when most of us hit that stumbling block in a dead-end job or are seeking direct results the option of serving the deprived, helpless and those in distress crosses our mind.

But there are many who are driven by the need to contribute to change from the very beginning too. It’s no longer the choice of the jaded, but a favoured, thought-out career destination for professionals from varying walks of life. The NGO sector welcomes us all. Largely driven by internal funding, charity or grants, NGOs or nongovernmental organisations are voluntary groups that work towards social/economic/ cultural issues on a local, national or international level. The NGOs have specialised causes and missions to execute as their USP. Their ongoing projects, with the government and the beneficiaries, generally last between six to 18 months. Work involves campaigning, fundraising, conducting awareness programmes and peace marches.

NGOs work very closely with the government and private sector firms. Some of the common issues that NGOs deal with include women empowerment, gender issues, education, pollution, street children, poverty, health, urban  development, human rights, concerns of the less privileged, etc. The main role is to act as the messenger between the commoners and the policy makers.In India, the sector is widely spread all over the country, particularly in remote and rural areas. There are different types of NGOs:

*Volunteer sector
*Grassroots organisations
*Civic society
*Private voluntary organisations
*Transitional social movement organisations
* Self-help groups (SHG).

Non-governmental organisations and MSW academics agree that this course has become a viable alternative for many today — and boys are inevitably gravitating towards this traditionally female bastion. And as head of department of social work at premier Institute points out, “Whether you fail or pass the exam, a job is assured. A “global mission” that funds “social entrepreneurs” is “marketing”, “competition” and “strategy” were taboo words in the social sector. “Now there’s no denying that social work needs as much professionalism as the corporate sector. Jobs here would mean you could do anything — education, environment, child and women’s rights.”

Earlier social workers were that highly underpaid. Now they are reasonably well-paid. “Young people, when choosing a career, need to live too. Projects in few sectors pay well. Freshers can earn up to Rs 10,000-15,000 per month. Perhaps commitment is coming down, to some extent. However, though salaries are handsome for internationally-funded projects, these are short-term projects and may give a feeling of insecurity.” These graduates are usually looking for government jobs. There are so many UN bodies and government departments that require “programme officers”. “Men in the field are overtaking women. And they pay a hell of a lot for the course”.

As for specialisation, girls prefer psychiatric counselling, while boys opt for community development. Those with good communication skills go for human resource development, while those with a background in law opt for correctional adjustment. But it doesn’t matter what your “leverage point” is, as long as you position yourself well, “It’s an exciting, demanding job. At the end of the day, it’s a gratifying experience. You don’t have to wait till you retire to start working for a cause.”

Qualification

Until the late 90s, it was not necessary to be armed with a degree to serve the less privileged. All one needed was passion and commitment towards a cause. But with the increase in interest in this industry, colleges and institutes have begun to offer short-term courses in social service. A basic degree in social science or economics is the norm today. However, a Master’s in Social Welfare (MSW), any Master’s degree in Social Sciences or Rural Management is a definite advantage.
The courses offered in social work are:
* BSW or BA in Social Welfare/Work
* MSW or MA in Social Welfare/Work

Candidates may pursue an MPhil or PhD programme at the Masters level. Diploma and degree courses are offered by several institutes in India such as
* Indian Institute of Social Welfare & Business Management, Kolkata
*Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Mumbai
*University of Delhi
*University of Rajasthan
*Jamia Millia University

Some of the well-known, established names and organisations in India are:
*Child Relief and You (CRY)
*Red Cross Society
*National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD)

Some of the popular international NGOs are
*World Wildlife Fund
*UNICEF
*WHO
*UNESCO
*Amnesty

Qualified social workers can seek fulfilling job opportunities with NGOs. They can join NGOs as a teacher, volunteer, mentor, executive or manager. Some top NGOs offer high salaries to their employees.