Jobs for graduates with a degree in sociology

If you are intrigued by how and why people interact with others as they do, then perhaps sociology is the main one for you. Sociology graduates learn to think critically about social problems and social phenomena. The degree is very broad. Everything in the social field is open to study, including family, marriage, deviance, criminology, group interaction, gender roles, sexuality, professional roles, public policy, aging, social inequalities, attitude development, and much more.

Sociology Skills Development

Sociology graduates learn to conduct research on the social world. They gather and analyze data using both qualitative research methods and statistical tools. Students who specialize in sociology write reports to communicate research findings and present their views on social issues. They learn to think broadly about problems and deal with details. Sociology majors hone their presentation skills by sharing results with professors and peers. All of these types of assignments help students develop strong communication skills. Sociology graduates learn to identify problems in the world around them. They apply their problem-solving skills to these social dilemmas and exercise their creative abilities to find cures. Sociology majors learn to take a position on an issue and build a logic to support their point of view.

Career Options for Sociology Majors

To choose the best possible career, you will need to consider your other skills, interests and values alongside the Sociology Major. Here are some common job opportunities to explore as you think about how to apply your sociology major to the world of work.

Guidance counsellor

Guidance counsellors use their knowledge of the sociology of learning to help students navigate the academic world. They also communicate with families to design strategies to support student success. Guidance counsellors use interview and counselling techniques to help students make academic and career choices. Guidance counsellors use their problem-solving skills to mediate conflicts and resolve social problems in schools. They facilitate group sessions and educate students about social issues such as bullying, substance abuse and safer sex.

Human Resources Representative

HR representatives must be effective and skillful in their interactions with a wide range of individuals and groups. They must be able to analyze work roles and assess the suitability of candidates for employment. Graduates in sociology acquire interview skills, which are essential for such an assessment. HR staff members use their problem-solving skills to mediate conflicts and resolve personnel problems. HR representatives use their analytical and decision-making skills to evaluate alternative benefit structures.

Lawyer

Lawyers use critical thinking and analytical skills to research and argue their cases. Many areas of legal practice, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, criminal law, personal injury, workers' compensation and labour law benefits, are related to sociology. Lawyers rely on research and writing skills to carry out their work. They must gather facts and evidence to support a thesis, just as the majors in sociology do with their position papers. Lawyers must present their findings in a convincing manner in order to convince a judge, jury or opposing counsel of their position. This is similar to presentations in sociology classes.

Management Consultant

Management consultants analyze business problems, look for possible remedies or improvements and present solutions to customers. New college graduates often start in positions such as research analyst, research assistant, or junior consultant, where they support the work of more experienced staff. Sociology graduates develop the qualitative and quantitative research skills to understand a business problem. Their problem-solving skills help them find viable solutions to these problems. Writing and public speaking skills are also essential when building reports and presenting analysis and solutions to clients.

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts test products and services and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. They use social science research techniques, including interviews, surveys, and focus groups, to collect data. Market researchers use statistical methods mastered by major sociology firms to analyze data. Market researchers often track the preferences of specific consumer groups. The sociologist's knowledge of gender, youth, aging, race, ethnicity, and social class helps to inform these assessments. An understanding of group processes and advanced communication skills help sociology majors facilitate focus group interactions and conduct consumer interviews.