Foundation Field Internship and Identity Formation

Authors

  • Maya Angelica Williams University of Texas at Austin

Keywords:

foundation field internship, internship, refugee services, refugees, asylees, displaced people, social work, identity formation, intersectionality, cultural humility, sociocultural membership identity, identity negotiation theory, Relationships, Helping, Clients, Practice

Abstract

Foundation field internships present social work students with the opportunity to understand the intersection of their identities, to better serve vulnerable populations. We develop the professional use of self through several processes which aid in this understanding: identity formation, recognizing intersectionality, and cultural humility. At the University of Texas at Austin, students are able to reflect on their internship experiences with their cohort during their Social Work Practice course. I was able to hone my social work skills and strengthen my concept of identity as I worked at the Refugee Services of Texas (RST) for my foundation field internship. During this experience, I learned the best way to serve clients from various cultural backgrounds who interacted with me in certain ways due to my racial identity. Since I was one of two African American women working at RST at the time, I was challenged to address racial biases. Unfamiliar with these types of interactions, I began learning, accepting, and embracing my identities while being authentic to myself and clients. The acceptance of my unique identities and improved client interactions, ultimately increased my learning and growth as a working professional.

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Published

2017-12-07

How to Cite

Williams, M. A. (2017). Foundation Field Internship and Identity Formation. Reflections: Narratives of Professional Helping, 22(4), 18–21. Retrieved from https://reflectionsnarrativesofprofessionalhelping.org/index.php/Reflections/article/view/1494

Issue

Section

Practicum Education