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Patrick Antal completed the Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and then entered professional life as a social worker. A few years later, he decided to pursue a part-time Master’s degree to deepen his knowledge. In the meantime, in addition to his main job, he also teaches.
What I studied:
💼My job: Social Worker / Department Head at the Social Welfare Office of the City of Graz, Austria.
Part-time Lecturer at FH JOANNEUM.
How to reach me: patrick.antal@fh-joanneum.at
Me in three emojis: 👋☕🌶
In my free time: Spend time with people or take time for myself
The coolest internship was: District social work at the social welfare office
When I was little I wanted to be a magician – today I’m a social worker, who sometimes has to work magic in a figurative sense.
If I hadn’t studied Social Work, I would be: a journalist or bookbinder.
My favorite spot on campus: the terrace on the second floor
This is how I celebrated my graduation: with lovely people in a café.
If my studies were an animal, it would be: The “Murmellentenmausefüßlerkatzenschweinefantenbär” (a humorous made-up animal), because they were so varied and diverse.
The best course was: The Studium Generale, because it was diverse, varied, and instructive.
This course was a challenge for me: I didn’t really struggle; however, the course Supervision and Reflection Techniques was challenging in terms of self-reflection and self-awareness.
Fun fact from my studies? Useless knowledge? Back then, the locker labeled “Q2” always stored beer for after-class hours.
Be open to exchange and discussion — I found it very enriching for both my education and my life.
Look beyond your own horizon and form your own opinion.
Master’s graduation © Patrick Antal
Degree Program Trip SAM06 Bucharest © Patrick Antal
This is my job: I am the Head of Department for Housing, Homelessness Assistance, and Mobile Social Work at the Social Welfare Office in Graz.
In my daily work, my focus is on creating the framework that enables various professionals to provide high-quality services to clients. I organize, plan, and shape processes, always striving to take into account the needs and expectations of both the clients and the staff.
How did I get this job? After my professional internship, I started working as a social worker at the organization where I had completed my placement.
Ten years later, I applied for the leadership position when it became vacant.
What I learned in my studies for this job: In addition to legal foundations and competencies in organization and management, my studies provided me with a broad understanding of the various fields of social work. I also developed the ability to understand society on a meta level—something I learned at university and which is essential to my professional work.
Why / What do I like about my job: My job is diverse, and I enjoy having the opportunity to help shape social services in Graz. It’s very rewarding to see that the programs we implement can provide lasting support to people.
What I don’t like about my job: Realizing that interventions which “could be so simple” are often difficult to implement due to structural barriers and regulations — and witnessing severe cutbacks in the social sector that end up worsening people’s problems.
What skills and abilities are needed for the job: Also, a genuine interest in getting involved, staying engaged, and keeping one’s knowledge up to date.
Biggest success so far / a highlight from my career path: A highlight for me was being invited by the university to teach as an external lecturer, so that the knowledge I had gained in practice could benefit the students.
What are the next steps, what do you have planned: At the moment, I don’t have any concrete plans and am waiting to see what the coming years will bring.
How I balance job & studies: Back then, while completing my part-time Master’s degree programme, I reduced my working hours so I could fully focus on the course content and still have enough free time and balance in my life.
Would you like to get to know other FH JOANNEUM graduates and find out more about their studies and career paths? You can find all the portraits here.
