Leena Taing, Master of Social Work (Professional)
After realising the similarities between social work and the work she was already doing for the people in her community, enrolling in the Master of Social Work (Professional) was the natural next step for Leena.
Leena Taing has always known her passion is to help people – and that drive for helping others is what led her to completing an undergraduate degree in Psychology.
But it wasn’t long until she realised that the work she was doing in her community was very similar to the role of a social worker.
“Applying for the Master of Social Work (Professional) was a natural step for me to take. Now I get to wake up and do what I love every day for a living!
“I feel that the MSWP combined with my undergraduate degree in psychology has prepared me for entering the workforce. Psychology was beneficial in terms of understanding people and their behaviour, whereas the MSWP enhances that knowledge and equips me with the tools I need to work with whānau.
“My experience studying with the Faculty of Education and Social Work was positive. There were times where it was challenging to balance between university, placement, work, and life in general, but staff members were very understanding and supportive.
“The best part of the MSWP for me is that it offers personal development as much as it offers professional development. The way that I saw the world was constantly challenged and I found myself questioning the world views I had prior to studying this programme. I would recommend it to those who are open to being challenged and have a passion to make a positive difference.
“My aspiration in social work is to strengthen whānau and empower them towards achieving their goals and what is best for them. Currently, I am working with whānau to improve the wellbeing of their children. The beauty of social work is that it is so broad and there are many different opportunities. No matter where you end up, you will find yourself using all the skills and knowledge from the MSWP.”
“The beauty of social work is that it is so broad
and there are many different opportunities. No matter where you end up, you will find yourself using all the skills and knowledge from the MSWP.”