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Alumni

Strategic Peer Networking for Social Workers

The Strategic Peer Networking Concept

Throughout the years, groups of SSA students and alumni have agreed to meet on a regular basis to support each other through each career stage and to create an atmosphere for professional development. These “strategic peer networking” groups vary in regards to the initial motivation and identification of group members, but are similar in that they serve as professional development and peer support groups.

The group began as support and ultimately became some of my very good friends. The trust built over the years is invaluable. You can hear things from a group you trust that you might not be able to hear and use from others.

-SSA Alumnus

What Are the Benefits of Developing a Strategic Peer Network?

  • Receive feedback on how to build a successful career

  • Obtain advice on how to handle difficult career moves or workplace-related challenges

  • Increase peer networking to find new career opportunities

  • Build a new skill

  • Obtain clinical peer support

  • Receive feedback that – because of the strong trust that evolves within the group – might be difficult to receive from others, or difficult to hear

  • Interact with individuals who have skills that complement yours – a wonderful place to learn

How Do I Form a Strategic Peer Networking Group?


  • Identify fellow students or alumni with similar interests and goals – for example – similar field of interest or jobs. However, a peer group could consist of people from the same cohort – a range of experience in group members can be just as useful as having a group with very similar career experiences. Identification of group members might occur informally – i.e., through friends – or by posting a flyer or sending out an email.

  • Schedule meeting times and frequency – i.e., monthly or quarterly (monthly is generally most recommended)

  • Before each meeting, identify issues for discussion which often depend on the career stage of the individuals in the group. The discussions have included pressures with job advancements, supervising in an administrative setting, working with Boards of Directors, difficulties with co-workers, career paths, time management, hiring and firing employees, and so on. The group might consider inviting guest speakers to some of the meetings, identifying topics for discussion before the meeting, or allowing discussion topics to develop during the meeting. The structure of the group may vary depending on group members’ interest and needs.

The SSA Alumni Association Can Help!

If you need assistance learning how to form a group, please feel free to email the SSA Strategic Peer Networking Committee at peernetworking@ssa.uchicago.edu.