Careers in Sociology
"What can I do with a BA in sociology?"
As a strong liberal arts major, sociology provides several answers to this important
question:
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A BA in sociology is excellent preparation for future graduate work in sociology in
order to become a professor, researcher, or applied sociologist.
The undergraduate degree provides a strong liberal arts preparation for entry
level positions throughout the business, social service, and government worlds.
Employers look for people with the skills that an undergraduate education in
sociology provides.
Since its subject matter is intrinsically fascinating, sociology offers valuable
preparation for careers in journalism, politics, public relations, business, or
public administration--fields that involve investigative skills and working with
diverse groups.
Many students choose sociology because they see it as a broad liberal arts base
for professions such as law, education, medicine, social work, and counseling.
Sociology provides a rich fund of knowledge that directly pertains to each of
these fields.
Career Preparation
The Liberal Arts Advantage
Although some college majors seek to prepare students for a particular career, sociology
does not. Instead, liberal arts majors like sociology emphasize general skills that are
useful in many occupations. A bachelor's degree in sociology provides an excellent
liberal arts foundation for embarking on the wide range of career paths that many
liberal arts majors pursue. Your undergraduate training in sociology can open a variety
of doors in business and the human services. Sociology majors who enter the business
world work in sales, marketing, customer relations, or human resources. Those who
enter human services work with youths at risk, the elderly, or people experiencing
problems related to poverty, substance abuse, or the justice system.
Such skills include:
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writing
oral communication
critical thinking
interpersonal relations
Broadly educated graduates who possess general skills such as these are well positioned
to succeed in almost any career. They tend to advance more rapidly, because
advancement depends more on ability to think, communicate, and get along with
people than it does on technical know-how. Broadly educated graduates also tend to be
more flexible and adaptable. A broad education provides a type of insurance, in that it
makes it easier to change careers later in life.
The Sociological Advantage
According to the American Sociological Association, when we ask sociology majors who
are already employed outside academic settings to reflect on their education with the
wisdom of hindsight, they value most highly their undergraduate courses in social
research methods, statistics, and computer skills. These courses help make BA
undergraduates marketable, especially in today's highly technical and data-oriented
work environment. In addition, sociology majors develop analytical skills and the ability
to understand issues within a "macro" or social structural perspective. Learning the
process of critical thinking and how to bring evidence to bear in support of an argument
is extremely important in a fast-changing job market.
Consequently, as a sociology BA, you have a competitive advantage in today's
information society. The solid base you receive in understanding social change--as well
as in research design, data analysis, statistics, theory, and sociological concepts--enables
you to compete for support positions (such as program, administrative, or research
assistant) in research, policy analysis, program evaluation, and countless other social
science endeavors.
When students study sociology they not only strengthen these liberal arts skills; they
also develop specific skills:
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a better understanding of human behavior
able to see how broader contexts shape events
ability to recognize trends and patterns
how to conduct and interpret research
problem solving/solving social problems, including cooperative problem solving
methods
ability to work with diverse populations
application of theory and methods
planning and organizational skills
leadership and project management skills
ability to write concise reports
****the following should be linked with above items
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Understanding human behavior
The well-educated sociology BA graduate acquires a sense of history, other
cultures and times; the interconnectedness of social life; and different
frameworks of thought. He or she is proficient at gathering information and
putting it into perspective. Sociological training helps students bring breadth and
depth of understanding to the workplace. A sociology graduate learns to think
abstractly, formulate problems, ask appropriate questions, search for answers,
analyze situations and data, organize material, write well, and make oral
presentations that help others develop insight and make decisions. Sociology BA
graduates have an advantage in understanding human behavior on three levels:
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how individuals behave in organizations, families, and communities
the ways in which these social units function as groups
the wider social, political, and economic contexts in which decisions are
made and in which groups function.
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Ability to recognize trends and patterns. Sociologists must develop a keen
eye for detail and a gift for spotting relationships between pieces of
information. By cultivating patterns from otherwise abstract data,
sociologists can break through puzzling roadblocks during research
assignments.
Following these trails can lead to important discoveries and understandings
for sociologists throughout their careers. To grow their talent for uncovering
these relationships, many sociology programs expose students to new
courses in game theory and traditional classes in art. Viewing data from
unusual points of view not only breaks up the monotony of data analysis, but
it usually results in the recognition of important patterns.
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Ability to create concise reports and essays. Whether reporting to superiors
on the results of research or developing new funding proposals, sociologists
rely frequently on their ability to write effective reports. Sociology students
learn how to modulate their writing for different audiences. When preparing
reports for peers and colleagues, they can use industry shorthand and insider
terminology to keep memos and files brief. When writing external reports for
funding agencies, or politicians, or the media, they translate that jargon into
easily digestible nuggets of information.
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Strong critical thinking skills. Sociology degree programs challenge students
to build their analytical skills through a series of increasingly challenging
assignments over the course of their studies. Sociology majors spend time in
introductory courses examining the techniques that professionals use to
investigate theories. As they move through intermediate and advanced
courses, they start to use those techniques on their own research projects.
By the time they near graduation, sociology majors use their keen critical
thinking skills to solve problems and identify opportunities in their own
research.
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Oral presentation skills. In addition to powerful writing skills, sociology
majors must develop the ability to speak comfortably and clearly in front of
crowds. This skill particularly benefits students who intend to pursue careers
in academia. Meanwhile, sociology professionals who work in the private
sector also utilize this skill when presenting information to government
agencies, funding panels, or audiences at professional conferences.
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Interpersonal communications skills. Regardless of their career paths,
sociology majors will rely on strong person-to-person communications skills
throughout their working lives. Students learn early in their degree programs
to conduct effective interviews with key subjects. In addition, sociologists
often work on teams where long hours and tight deadlines can lead to
friction between colleagues. Quality sociology degree programs prepare
students for future challenges by creating realistic scenarios in which
students can improve their interpersonal communications.
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Develop skills in modern data and analysis technology. As with many other
careers, modern technology and computers have revolutionized sociology.
During the course of their degree programs, students learn to manipulate
data using complex pieces of software and hardware. By running research
data through sophisticated tools, sociology professionals can spot trends
sooner and generate results faster.
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Grant writing skills. Many sociologists must compete for funding from
government agencies, from private funders, and from academic boards.
Skilled professionals learn to apply their strong writing skills to create
attractive grant applications. By stating clear goals and framing up outcomes
that advance the agendas or the missions of funding bodies, sociologists can
collect vital funds that allow them to continue making breakthroughs in
research and understanding of human interaction.
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Research skills. Sociology majors learn to use all of the resources at their
disposal to chase down leads and build sets of information for analysis. Many
sociology degree programs introduce students to the tricks of efficient library
research early in their academic careers. Bolstered by fast searches on the
Internet, sociology majors learn to digest catalogued findings for use in their
original research projects. By the time they graduate, students learn to
conduct personal interviews and mass surveys in order to generate their own
sets of raw data for analysis.
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Management skills. Many professional sociologists rely on the help of
support personnel and other team members to conduct research and to
move projects forward. During their degree programs, students learn to
blend the best practices from the business world with the traditions of
research professionals. By the time students earn their sociology degrees,
they gain the talent to motivate the different kinds of specialists that will
help them accomplish major breakthroughs during their careers.
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Planning and organizational skills. Because most sociologists work on timesensitive projects, students learn how to plan and arrange their tasks to save
time and to work as efficiently as possible. Many colleges and universities
provide introductory courses in time management and task coordination as
part of their core programs. These skills reap huge rewards later in a
student's career, when they must marshal scarce resources under tight
deadlines.
All college majors have strengths and weaknesses. As noted above, a major strength of
sociology is that it prepares you for a whole range of careers rather than any career in
particular. This also is a major weakness of sociology as a major as students may not feel
confident in marketing themselves to employers. Employers expect college graduates to
have general skills, but they also expect them to have knowledge and skills specific to
the job (experience). Generally, these specifics can be gained through service learning
opportunities, internships and through minors or second majors, volunteer or part-time
work, participation in organizations such as SOC Club, and so forth. For this reason,
sociology majors should think carefully and often about career preparation. They should
discuss their career plans with persons working in the career field and with their adviser
on a regular basis. By devoting attention to career preparation, sociology majors can
escape the limitations of the major and still reap its benefits.
Linking to Other Majors and Minors.
You can amplify the power of your sociology major by taking a multidisciplinary
approach. Employment analysts predict that the most successful people in the 21st
century will be those who have been exposed to a wide variety of disciplines and have
taken the time to study in some depth outside their field.
You can begin the process of multiplying your perspectives as an undergraduate major
in sociology by planning a double major with criminal justice, women’s studies, ethnic
studies, economics, English, anthropology, a second language, political science, or
education. You can also major in social sciences education with an emphasis in
sociology. Or, you can take a minor or concentration in computer science, business
management, marketing, human services, law and society, social work, or pre-law--just
to name a few possibilities. Work with your advisor to develop an integrated set of
courses that will provide depth in one or more areas.
The Value of an Internship and Service Learning. Internships during or just after the
undergraduate years offer invaluable experience that can bring to life the sociological
concepts and theories you study in books and in the classroom. You can sample
potential careers, build your resume, and learn new skills during a well-chosen
internship experience. Participation in an internship affords an excellent way to explore
career options and help determine what aspects of sociology interest you.
A wide range of internships is available to sociology graduates. Whether you enjoy
working with families or learning more about statistical methods to track population
growth, you can find an organization that will give you the opportunity to gain
experience while you work toward their goals. Many agencies and institutions offer
internships, and many colleges will provide college credits for internship experience.
While some internships provide remuneration, many are unpaid. Remember that an
internship will help pave the way to subsequent employment opportunities, so working
without pay may well be worth your investment of time and energy in the long run.
Data show that sociology students who take part in internships find it much easier to
find employment later.
Courses that included service learning – volunteer work that is connected to the course
topic – are also valuable for career testing and practical experience in applying
sociological concepts, methods, and theories.
Employment Opportunities
Sociology majors obtain jobs in a variety of government, nonprofit,
Career Related
and business organizations. Many enter human service jobs in areas
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such as corrections, gerontology, social welfare, or counseling. Others
obtain positions in business organizations, especially in management, sales, and human
resources. Still others pursue careers in research, education, or other professions.
Your employment opportunities as a sociology major will depend upon which career
field you seek to enter and how much attention you devote to career preparation. In
general, employment opportunities for sociology majors are very good. After all, the job
market for college graduates has been strong, and sociology majors have skills that
employers value.
Unfortunately, many employers do not realize how well qualified you are for the
positions that they have available. To reach your full potential, you must aggressively
market yourself to employers. You must become familiar with their needs, and you must
be able to demonstrate to them that you have the qualities that meet these needs. You
should begin this process well in advance of graduation. By researching your future
career in your sophomore and junior years, you can learn which skills employers look for
in the college graduates that they hire. Once you know this, you can seek out activities
that demonstrate your mastery of these skills. For example, if employers want people
who have good leadership skills, you could obtain a leadership position in a student
organization and successfully complete a project. If employers want people with good
research skills, you could look for opportunities to assist in or conduct research in your
classes or in organizations such as the St. Cloud State Survey. If you take the time to do
this, you will have a strong resume by the time you graduate.
Although the job market for sociology majors is generally strong, demand and salaries
are higher in some career fields than others. For example, SCSU sociology majors who
have combined sociology with a second major or minor in a more technical field, such as
computer science or statistics, have had a great deal of success. Graduates of technical
programs often have weaker communication and interpersonal skills than do sociology
majors. People who are strong in both areas are very marketable. A person with a
sociology major alone, however, would have difficulty obtaining an entry-level job in
these areas. This again shows why it is important to devote some attention to career
preparation well before graduation. Your career opportunities may depend upon your
preparation. If you know what kinds of credentials employers expect, you can make sure
that you choose a supporting program of study that gives you these credentials.
When you become a sociology major, your adviser will have available at your request a
copy of Careers in Sociology, published by the American Sociological Association. This is
also available online. This brochure describes career opportunities in sociology at the
BA, MA, and PhD level, and it provides profiles of sociologists who are working in several
types of career.
Sociology continues to grow and diversify during the late 20th century. It is an excellent
liberal arts major that will help prepare students for the challenges of the century
ahead.
For more information about careers and career preparation, take advantage of the
resources of the Counseling Center and Career Services at SCSU. The Counseling Center
is especially useful when you still are uncertain about which career field you want to
enter. It offers career counseling as well as interest tests to help you narrow your career
choice. Career Services is especially useful after you have decided upon a career
direction. It offers seminars and lots of information about employers and jobs.
Job Prospects for the BA Graduate
Given the breadth, adaptability and utility of sociology, employment
opportunities abound for BA graduates. You can secure entry level
positions in many areas.
Trends for Sociology Careers
Because of the breadth of study involved in obtaining a sociology degree, career choices
are diverse. Graduates holding a degree in sociology often find employment as
researchers, consultants, or administrators for federal, state, and local governments. A
sociologist may also find employment in the private sector with educational institutions
and businesses.
Although competition for academic jobs remains fierce, many businesses and
government agencies have expanded the roles that sociology professionals play in their
organizations. Businesses invest more heavily than ever before in understanding their
customers' wants and needs. Government departments and political campaigns also
want to know everything they can about their constituents. Therefore, experts at the
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expect the job demand for sociologists to grow by
10% between 2006 and 2016.
Most careers in sociology require standard business working hours. Sociologists
generally spend most of their time behind a desk, collecting and evaluating data to be
used in preparation of written reports. Sociologists are usually called upon to attend
meetings and give oral presentations as well. Depending on their specialty, a sociologist
may be asked to travel as part of their research or to collaborate with other social
scientist.
35 Things to Think About if You're Considering
Sociology
Some "unofficial encouraging" thoughts for people planning a career in sociology...
By Stephen F. Steele
Anne Arundel Community College
General Approach
1 Be Positive, Proactive and Plausible.
2 Make Sociology Known and Indispensable.
3 Don't give up on Sociology...it's "good stuff..."
What We Do, For Whom?
4 What we do: Shifting the proportions on the teaching-research-practice
wheel...teaching and academia are great, but more practice.
5 Stop talking to ourselves. Sociology for sociologists is a losing proposition. Better
odds: Sociology for society: Business, Health Care, Government, etc.
6 Sociology: Increase the viability of sociology earlier in your career.
7 A Sociology degree is not an end in itself. So you want to become a lawyer a
business person, a computer scientist? It's o.k.
How We Do What We Do?
8 Problem-centered Sociology. Be ready to apply our tools to a variety of real social
issues and practical problems.
9 Don't get caught in the "methods trap!" Expand your tool kit. Learn Qualitative
and Quantitative methods... well!
10 Maintain high standards for your work.
11 Become leaders as sociologists and citizens. Increase your "job- worthiness!"
12 Develop and translate skills in addition to research (group process, planning,
TQM, evaluation, etc.)
13 Develop your methods and statistics skills. Don't just "get through..." these, learn
and apply them well.
14 Theory really is important... but it must be conveyed in a practical form.
15 Develop oral and written communication skills; enhance creativity and critical
thinking. Be able to conceptualize and solve problems.
16 Develop skills outside sociology. Courses and experiences in business,
government, health care, computer science, etc. Speak their language.
17 Get involved in internships, service learning and co-op courses in the community.
Volunteer.
18 Sharpen your resume and create a portfolio.
19 Translate the discipline into understandable terms. but don't trivialize it!
20 Go on information interviews.
21 Don't wait for the "Wanted: Sociologist" ad.
When We Do It? Who Does It?
22 Start your sociological socialization earlier. Start today, but encourage the
earliest possible start in thinking about a sociology career.
23 Find a mentor. Search for and associate with someone in the field (or in
other fields) who has the character and skills; who is doing the work
you want to do.
24 Network... among yourselves and with professionals and professional
organizations that can lead you where you want to go.
Enhancing the Value of Sociology
25 We must make a "plausible argument" that sociology is valuable.
26 Develop the practical side of sociology...applied sociology and
sociological practice.
27 Aggressively market the value of sociology and related skills
to all your clients; colleagues, faculty and administration.
28 Understand the value of sociology in careers...read Rick Stephens Careers in
Sociology (Allyn Bacon, 1995) or ASA's pamphlet of the same title.
29 Sociology as a "service" course is as valuable as producing majors.
30 Recruit and actively seek the best people for sociology...
In Your Formal Education and Training
31 Demand a demonstration that sociology can do something...do local, community
research, help the college solve research related problems ...sociology clubs,
awards for excellence, recognition.
32 Proactively deliver your research and practice to the community (campus
and local) in which you reside. Public relations is needed. Get your findings
in the local paper. Get local and national recognition.
33 Imbed your research work in he community ...make your work
indispensable to important community groups.
Finally, Consider the Following...
34 We really do maintain a unique perspective.
35 The tools and skills that we use (and share with other fields) to
study society are appropriate for this era.
http://www.techsociety.com/asa/resources/35things.html
A Checklist for Job Hunting and Launching a Career in Applied Sociology
Getting a Head Start on Your Career as an Applied Sociologist
By Catherine Mobley
University of Maryland, College Park
Here's a checklist to help you get started on a career in applied sociology. Work
thoroughly through the list!
Use your sociological skills:
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Research methods
Policy analysis
Evaluation
Impact Assessment
and your sociological knowledge about
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Work
Organizations
Occupations
Labor markets
..to look for work as an applied sociologist.
Then employ these Five Job-Hunting Strategies
1. Networking
What is it?
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Concept, technique and process of developing and nurturing career contacts
"Using what you have, in the broadest sense you can think of, in order to get what
you want."
Why network?
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To beat the system
Make yourself a known quantity
For advice and ideas
For leads and referrals
For moral support: to combat the isolation and alienation that can occur in the job
search
How to do it?
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Word-of-mouth
Letters
Friends and acquaintances
E-mail
Who should be involved?
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Friends
Family
Colleagues
Acquaintances and even strangers
**also important to network among each other (as students) and help others to
network
When to begin?
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The sooner the better
It takes time to develop and nurture contacts
Don't stop once you find a job
Think about the "internal networking" you need to do within your organization
Can mean the difference between successful advancement and staying in place
Additional tips
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Benefits aren't immediate: networks aren't built in a day
Avoid "crisis networking": calling on people when you are in desperate need for
employment and/or advice
* Report back to anyone that gives you a lead
Include a wide variety of people in your network: "cast your net wide"
Don't expect instant answers or results: networking is a lot like gardening. You
are planting the seeds for future benefits
http://www.techsociety.com/asa/resources/m_jobs1.htm