On the Way to Be(Coming) a Social Worker: Phenomenological Reflections by Social Work Students on Their Final Year as a Site of Professional Identity Exploration

Abstract In the field of social work research and practice, considerable focus has been placed on the preparedness of students as they transition from being students to becoming professionals. However, insufficient attention has been paid to the processes that occur during the final academic year of their training—a critical transition period that requires a deeper examination. Using a qualitative approach, the study examined the phenomenological perspectives of twenty-nine social work students at an Israeli university during the final academic year of their bachelor’s degree, employing the photovoice methodology. Content analysis of the results identified four key characteristics of the final academic year: (1) the liminal-transitional nature of identity work during the final year; (2) separation from the student identity; (3) the doorknob effect; and (4) entering the professional shoes. The research results are discussed and conceptualised within the framework of the theory of liminality, highlighting its relevance to understanding the transition processes that characterise professional identity work. Additionally, the study explores the implications of liminality in preparing students for entering the job market, particularly considering the distinction between being a professional and becoming a professional.