An international view of social work

After graduating from HLA Baden and completing a voluntary social year, she briefly wavered between a primary school teaching degree and social work, tried out the teaching degree programme for a semester - and then made what is now a logical decision: "Social work makes so much sense to me." She applied to two universities of applied sciences and finally chose the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences Burgenland - the curriculum impressed her straight away.

During her studies, her specialist focus crystallised early on: women. She realised how much the work in a women's shelter, in a shared flat or in women's counselling appealed to her - especially when the support of women is combined with work with children. Her passion and clear attitude - feminist, partisan, resource-orientated - shaped her path from the very beginning.

A key experience was her long-term Erasmus internship in Dublin, in a women's shelter specialising in domestic violence. Initially reluctant to speak the language, she quickly found her feet - both professionally and linguistically. She was so fascinated by international social work that she decided to gain further experience abroad after graduating. Today, she works in Ireland in a different organisation with a completely new women's shelter that is currently being set up - a setting that she describes as "very cool" because she can actively help shape processes, team culture and procedures.

Dana is responsible for the adult women in the social work department, while social pedagogues support the children. It is precisely this teamwork, the clear mandate and the visible progress of the clients that motivate her every day. This is how she describes it:

Dana has also consistently pursued her academic focus. In her bachelor's thesis, she compared support systems in mother and child centres in Austria and Ireland. Her conclusion: both systems are on a similar level overall. Ireland scored better in terms of trauma pedagogical approaches and the legal situation in Austria is better when it comes to domestic violence.

Dana looks back fondly on her time studying at University of Applied Sciences Burgenland. "Nothing was boring, everything was exciting," she says - and emphasises the family atmosphere, the closeness to lecturers and the strong cohesion in the cohort. She remains in contact with some of her fellow students and former lecturers to this day, including visits abroad. This awakens a desire for more academic specialisation: a Master's degree is highly conceivable for her.

Her message to students and prospective students is clear and encouraging: she can "wholeheartedly" recommend opting for social work. "The field is enormously diverse - that's what makes it fulfilling. Yes, setting boundaries is challenging, but the social relevance and concrete effectiveness are what make it worthwhile. For Dana, social work also means breaking down patriarchal patterns and actively contributing to a better future. And: going abroad is worthwhile - professionally, personally and linguistically."