On a regular basis, the Sociology Department invites in professionals from the community to share how they have integrated their background in Sociology into their careers. These informative sessions allow students to examine the utility of the major in future vocations and to hear reflections from community members about the necessary tools and perspectives from Sociology needed in today's workplace.
The first presentation of Sociology in Careers was given by Dr. Susan Randall, Executive Director of the South Dakota Coalition for Children. The South Dakota Coalition for Children advocates for policies and programs to insure the well-being of South Dakota's children. In this non-profit organizational setting, Susan engages the South Dakota community in an active way on issues related to children's well-being. She writes grants, serves as a lobbyist with the South Dakota legislature, conducts research and develops public policy, monitors the implementation of laws, and encourages public engagement and awareness of issues pertaining to children. Dr. Randall is an Augustana graduate, with degrees in Sociology and English.
Executive Director,
South Dakota Coalition for Children
October 23, 2003
As a strong liberal arts major, Sociology provides several answers to this important question. 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 concerns each of these fields.
Success in most careers depends upon both long-term career preparation and short-term responses to changing circumstances. It is virtually impossible for anyone to anticipate fully what lies five years ahead, much less ten, twenty, or thirty years. Yet, because Sociology gives students a broad liberal arts preparation, it can be viewed as a solid base for many career paths. In addition, students who have developed a relatively clear idea of their preferred career path can shape their undergraduate curriculum accordingly. Furthermore, basic skills in research design, data analysis, and conceptualization of problems will help BA graduates compete for jobs across all sectors.
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.
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.
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 in research, policy analysis, program evaluation, and countless other social science endeavors.
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:
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 economics, English, a second language, political science, psychology, or education. Or, you can take a minor concentration in computer science, gerontology, or gender studies--just to name a few possibilities. Work with your advisor to develop an integrated set of courses.
Applied experiences (ie, 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 field experience. Participation in a field experience affords an excellent way to explore career options and help determine what aspects of sociology interest you. Check out recent information on Applied Sociology.
Given the breadth, adaptability and utility of Sociology, employment opportunities abound for BA graduates. You can secure entry level positions in many of the areas previously mentioned in defining the scope of Sociology. The following list of possibilities is only illustrative--many other paths may be open to you. Employment sectors include:
Some advantages accrue to entering the work force with a BA. Employers are often willing to train BA graduates in the specific skills and knowledge required for their workplace, so you could begin a good career by rising through the ranks. Many organizations might also invest in additional education or training for promising employees.
Obtaining work experience before applying to graduate school might improve your chances of acceptance and make further education more meaningful. An entry level job might also help you sharpen your interests and decide future directions--continuing to climb the career ladder, changing fields, or furthering your education.
Many undergraduate Sociology majors pursue graduate training in Sociology in preparation for academic and practice careers in the discipline. A master's degree or doctorate will be essential for higher education teaching and advanced research or applied careers. Others choose graduate work in other fields such as social work, education, public health, business administration, urban planning, or advanced degrees in law, medicine, and divinity school. Discuss graduate school interest with your advisor.
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Last updated: April 10, 2008