The field placement process actually begins in February with the annual Field Fair/Career Day.  At this event, students have the opportunity to meet with prospective field instructors and agency representatives in anticipation of field placement for the next academic year. An important part of the placement process is the student interview with the prospective field instructor. The student is expected to discuss their goals, appropriate background, issues that may inhibit the successful completion of the practicum, and expectations with a field instructor. Students must apply for field placement using the Field Education’s Application for Field Placement Form.  Field forms are found on our website at http://cosw.sc.edu/field/forms/index.html

PREPLACEMENT VISIT QUESTIONS

Students are expected to interview at potential field placement sites.  Both the student and the contact person at the site should explore the appropriateness of this placement.  Below is a list of questions which you may want to consider asking during your interview.

1.    What are some of the significant things I might learn in this placement

2.    What specific skills will I be able to develop at this agency?

3.    What kinds of skills do you hope a student will bring to the agency?

4.    What activities, tasks, and/or projects will I be able to undertake?

5.    Is there an orientation process that I can go through?

6.    What is a typical day at this agency?

7.    How would you describe your style of supervision?

8.    What kinds of cases and/or projects do you anticipate assigning to me?

9.    What are the normal hours for a student to work during the week?

10.  Do you have weekends or evening hours?

11.  Will I be working with other agency staff? 

12.  Does the agency have other requirements before I can be placed such as background checks, drug screens etc.?

13.  Are there any safety issues?

14.  Are there opportunities to participate in advocacy/social change issues?

If you are comfortable doing so, you could ask some of the following questions:

15.   How long have you been at this agency?

16.  What are your responsibilities?

17.  What do you most and least like about your job?