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What specific jobs can a degree in sociology be used for?

My major is currently sociology and I absolutely love the subject. However, as I learn more about the major it does not seem to have a very specific job field. #sociology

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Elizabeth’s Answer

Hi Cheyenne, hope you are well. I also did a degree in sociology and didn't know what I wanted to do for a long time! After trying lots of different things that I didn't thrive in, I found an apprenticeship with a global company called Sage, working in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) communications. I enjoyed languages at school and have always been interested in social equity, so combining the skill for writing with improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace has been a great opportunity. It is great to hear that you are loving your degree, this is fantastic that you are studying a subject you love. I'm based in the UK, so I don't know how much this is applicable to the US, but if apprenticeships are an option in your area, I would suggest exploring this as a potential option too, as they are a good way to get into a career path with a company while learning on-the-job. Thank you for your question and I hope this is helpful!
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Kim’s Answer

Cheyenne,


That is absolutely correct! I majored in sociology, and then went on to have a very successful career in law enforcement. I used the research and writing skills to help pass budget proposals granting us specialty pays and pay raises, as well as to fight off an attempt to abolish our department ( we were a specialized dept. within a city, they were going to have the city dept. take over our area!


Working in job placement, I've met many people with degrees in Sociology. The career paths have varied: Banking, Public Relations, Human Resources, Political surveying, Social Services, and Marketing, to name just a few. Anything that depends on an understanding of people is open to us!


It will be up to you to be able to explain to people how the degree relates to the position you are applying for. Also work on shaping your career, and consider taking opportunities that you may not have originally thought of. I'd recommend taking a course that covers budgets; also, get good at public speaking. These are two weaknesses that sometimes hold people back.


Best of luck!


Kim
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Marisa’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team

Hi Cheyenne,

I was in your exact same headspace just a few years back! I was completely fascinated by my sociology courses, but sometimes worried that I wasn't gaining enough professional skills or direction. I began my career in marketing, and switched to the non-profit world -- and in both positions have been able to apply skills I earned during undergrad & succeed! While it can be nerve-racking to earn a degree in a field that doesn't align with an obvious career path, it's important to remember that your career doesn't have to be defined by your undergraduate coursework (no matter what your major is)!

Here are just a few examples of definitive skills you will take away from your sociology degree: critical thinking skills, advanced research and writing capabilities, and the ability to understand and analyze social systems. No matter what career path (or paths!) you decide to take, the knowledge base and perspective you will gain from sociology is extremely important. Try out clubs, volunteer opportunities, internships, etc that will open up opportunities to narrow your professional interest, but remember to take pride in the knowledge you're gaining from your degree and the thinking, writing, & analyzing skills you're gaining, that many people actually graduate college without!

Good luck!

- Marisa
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Justin’s Answer

Hi Cheyenne! I completely agree with Kim in the previous answer. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Sociology but I was already in the technology field. Now I have been in the tech field for 20 years and find myself using sociology principles all the time. I like to tell people that Sociology is the only discipline that enhances a business person's (in my case) ability to master and manage relationships. It is nearly impossible to succeed at business on a broad level without the ability to analyze and execute an understanding of other human beings. So my short answer is that a degree in Sociology can be useful for many different types of careers. I believe you can leverage the degree in most fields. You may want to consider a minor in another field of study that you may want to consider.
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