Las oportunidades laborales y su incidencia en la falta de experiencia profesional en el Trabajo Social cantón Manta 2024.

Abstract

This study analyzes job opportunities and their impact on graduates of the Social Work program due to a lack of work experience and the search for a first job or a small opportunity to gain prior experience. The research employs a qualitative approach with hermeneutic and phenomenological methodologies. Through the use of deductive, documentary, bibliographic methods, and techniques such as observation, interviews with eight key informants, and a case history, it is concluded that there is a constant concern about the difficulty of finding employment without prior experience. Although job opportunities do exist, they are limited and often require a minimum of 3 years of experience. Pre-professional internships are considered essential for gaining experience and facilitating job insertion. Identified barriers include a lack of knowledge in curriculum preparation and the use of digital tools. Therefore, the importance of having the right attitudes and skills to improve job opportunities is emphasized, as companies generally prefer to hire experienced individuals, which limits opportunities for recent graduates. Nevertheless, the need for a more practical approach in university education is highlighted to improve the employability of social workers.