Roxanna Chan

I used to work in corporate banking but spending my days staring at Excel and helping wealthy clients grow their assets didn’t feel meaningful to me. I realised that I felt most fulfilled when I was making a positive difference in the community. To my surprise, I also noticed that I had spent over 1000 hours volunteering. This is when I knew social work was the right path for me.

I chose the University of Melbourne because of its strong reputation, and the practical, hands-on focus of its Master of Social Work program. The degree combines theoretical learning with 1000 hours of practical placement.

Plus, Melbourne is such a diverse and welcoming city. It felt like a good place to grow personally and professionally.

I value the practical experience most. In the maternity ward placement, I supported women facing complex challenges such as family violence, substance use and mental health issues. I developed therapeutic communication skills and learned how to build rapport in emotionally charged situations by slowing down, using warm and non-clinical language, and creating a space where clients feel safe to open up.

I also improved my professional documentation skills. After conducting psychosocial assessments, I learned to write clear, factual and strengths-based case notes that captured both risks and protective factors. My notes helped the multidisciplinary team deliver more informed and person-centred care.

These experiences strengthened my skills in active listening, emotional attunement, and critical thinking. Beyond placement, the flexible structure of the Master of Social Work has allowed me to continue part-time work in my spare time, and I’m grateful for the financial support I’ve received through scholarships, as well as wellbeing support through Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and the Food Relief program.

I hope to work in a hospital setting, supporting vulnerable people. I’m committed to growing as a reflective, compassionate practitioner who can bridge health and social systems to make meaningful change.

I’d say it’s really important to think and plan ahead about finances. Tuition fees may change by the time you commence your studies, and since placements are unpaid, there are extra costs like transportation and meals. It’s worth planning early to reduce stress later.

If you are like me, someone who comes from a non-health background, don’t worry. What matters most is your passion, willingness to learn, and ability to adapt.

I would encourage you to work on how to speak comfortably under pressure. Social work involves intense emotional settings, and being able to communicate clearly is essential. For international students, this means working hard on your English language skills.

Lastly, get involved beyond the classroom. I volunteered with the Teddy Bear Hospital which gave me a hands-on introduction to working in paediatrics. It was such a valuable and joyful experience.