Studies as a springboard for responsibility and leadership

Iris' path into Social Work began with voluntary work in Caritas' foreign aid programme. "This experience had a huge impact on me and showed me early on that I wanted to work in the field of Social Work," she says. Her bachelor's degree in social work at the FHV laid the professional foundation for her future career. Even during her studies, she realized that she wanted to develop in this field in the long term. After completing her Bachelor's degree, she took on the role of Head of Support at Flüchtlingshilfe in Liechtenstein. "This task was both a great challenge and an enormous opportunity. I was confronted with topics such as team building, changes to the framework conditions within refugee aid and the requirements of a management role," she says, giving an insight.

New perspectives 

For Feuerstein, working with people who were often under great psychological and physical strain as a result of fleeing was particularly formative. This led to her growing interest in psychosocial issues and ultimately the decision to study for a Master's degree in Social Work with a focus on Clinical Social Work at the FHV "What I took away from my studies was above all the social work mindset and the attitude that clients are experts in their own lives," she says. At the same time, her studies helped her to put theoretical knowledge directly into practice and into her management role. "Through my management role, I realized how much professional knowledge I could pass on to employees."

Personal support and practical relevance 

She particularly appreciates the personal atmosphere and good supervisor at the FHV. "I felt very well supported throughout my studies," she says. The small groups and clearly structured curricula also helped her in her day-to-day studies. A particular highlight for her was participating in a research project in Romania as part of Contextual Studies. The international collaboration and the insights into academic work were particularly enriching for her.

Into the future with professional expertise

Iris Feuerstein is currently writing her master's thesis and will complete her studies this semester. In her thesis, she is looking at how refugees' trust in the authorities develops during the asylum process. "I am particularly interested in what experiences can strengthen or shake this trust and what perspectives for action arise from this for Social Work. Especially in the context of asylum procedure advice and work in reception centers," says Iris. 

From July, she will start working in debt counseling and is also planning to train as a supervisor. She sums up her personal conclusion from her studies and professional experience: "I've learned that you're never too old to study and learn."