The mission of the social worker is to give priority to the needs of others and to strive for social justice. 'Our long-term goal is to create a better and more equitable environment for society - a more caring and loving city to live in,' says Lilian Law Suk-kwan, a board member of the Hong Kong Social Workers Association. There are more than 10,000 registered social workers in Hong Kong. They are employed by the Social Welfare Department, 300 plus non-government organisations, and hospitals, schools, clinics and private organisations. 'More business corporations are hiring social workers for their employee assistance schemes to help staff maintain a healthy work life,' Ms Law says. In 1988, the University of Hong Kong produced only seven graduates holding bachelor degrees in social work. By 1993, the university produced a record number - 90. The profession has been growing steadily partly due to increased government spending on social welfare. Moreover, the intensifying complexity of societal problems such as family violence, child and spouse abuse and juvenile delinquency, as well as a wider gap between rich and poor have called for more professional assistance. 'There is a very strong demand for graduates in the field. If they want a job, they can easily find more than one,' says Law Chi-kwong, an associate professor with the department of social science and social administration at HKU. Social work is a fairly young profession, with less than than 1 per cent of its members having reached retirement age in the recent years. It started out only in the 1950s. Most practising social workers acquire their core skills and training from an undergraduate programme. 'In addition, an increasing number of master's graduates are joining us,' says Ms Law. 'Formally trained teachers, nurses, doctors or engineers who have made a determined switch in their life or career goals can equip themselves with legitimate training.' There are a range of career opportunities - which are available along two key paths - to suit all attributes. Clinical work involves areas such as family therapy, special counselling on mental problems, and outreach to marginal youths, among other things. Then there is administration and policy work, which takes in fund-raising, drafting and promoting policies, and the development of organisations. 'Young professionals will have to identify their interest and choose a path, and then acquire and build their competencies from there onwards,' says Ms Law. Registered social workers and the experience they have is acknowledged in countries such as Australia, Britain, Canada and the United States, allowing scope for further career advancement. However, unlike other industries, the profession will not be able to directly benefit from the vast growth in China. Says Dr Law: 'The nature of the society is very different. The essence of social work exists only in a capitalist environment.' 'At present, the profession is underdeveloped in China. With the development of China's market mechanism, the country might encounter social problems that need dedicated social workers. As a result, there is potential in the years ahead, but not in the immediate future.' Ms Law says that being a social worker might not be particularly appealing to those wanting a fast-track career in finance or information technology. 'We might not be the richest people in society. However, we do earn a decent living for ourselves.' A social worker needs to be compassionate and understanding. He or she needs to have a 'heart' and to keep a calm mind. One common dilemma among social workers is that they can easily become too involved in the problems they deal with. They are strongly advised to know when to draw a line between their professional and personal lives. Dr Law says the demand for help is enormous. 'You can never satisfy all people's needs. We have to expect such dilemmas to arise and we must know how to handle them.' But there are still good things to be found. Social workers can benefit directly from the people they listen to, says Dr Law. 'They would see all the hardship of their clients, how they struggle, how they desperately seek help and, eventually, how beautiful life is. 'No matter how bad and hard a situation is, there is always the potential for change; and in these situations it's our privilege to help. It's an indescribable experience,' he says.