If you are interested in how people interact with each other and why they do so, sociology may be the right major for you. Sociology students learn to think critically about social issues and social phenomena.
Skills Acquired by Sociology Students
Sociology students learn to conduct research on the social world. They collect and analyze data using qualitative research methods and statistical tools.
Students studying sociology write reports to convey research findings and present their perspectives on social issues. They learn to think globally about issues and pay attention to details. Sociology students develop presentation skills by sharing results with professors and peers. All of these types of tasks help students develop strong communication skills.
Sociology students learn to identify problems in the world around them. They apply problem-solving skills to these social crises and exercise their creative abilities to find solutions. Sociology students learn to take a stance on an issue and build a rationale to support their viewpoint.
Job Options for Sociology Graduates
To choose the best possible job, you need to consider your skills, interests, and values alongside your sociology major. Here are some common careers you might explore when thinking about how to apply your sociology major in the job market.
Guidance Counselor
Guidance counselors use their knowledge of social learning to help students navigate the academic world. They also communicate with families to develop strategies to support students’ success. Guidance counselors use interviewing and counseling techniques to assist students in making academic and career decisions.
Guidance counselors apply problem-solving skills to mediate conflicts and resolve social issues within schools. They facilitate group sessions and educate students about social issues such as bullying, substance abuse, and safe sex.
Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for school and college counselors was $60,510 in May 2021, the latest available data. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,550, and the highest 10% earned more than $98,190.
Job Outlook: Employment for school counselors and professionals is projected to grow 10% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Human Resources Representative
Human resources representatives need to be effective and demonstrate skill in their interactions with a wide range of individuals and groups. They must be able to analyze job roles and assess candidates’ suitability for positions. Sociology students learn interviewing skills, which are essential for this assessment.
HR team members use problem-solving skills to mediate disputes and address employee issues. Human resources representatives employ analytical and decision-making skills to evaluate alternative employee benefits structures.
Salary: The BLS reported that the median annual salary for human resources representatives was $62,290 in May 2021. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,680, and the highest 10% earned more than $108,160.
Job Outlook: Employment for human resources specialists is projected to grow 8% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Lawyer
Lawyers use critical and analytical thinking skills to research and advocate for their cases. Many areas of legal practice, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, criminal law, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and employment law, are relevant to sociology.
Lawyers utilize research and writing skills to conduct their work. They must gather facts and evidence to support their thesis, just as sociology students do with their research papers.
Note: Lawyers must present their findings persuasively to convince the judge, jury, or opposing attorney of their position. This is similar to presentations in sociology classes.
Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers earned a median annual income of $127,990 in May 2021. The lowest 10% earned less than $61,400, and the highest 10% earned more than $208,000.
Job Outlook:
Employment: Job opportunities for lawyers are expected to grow by 10% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Management Consultant
Management consultants analyze business issues and seek possible solutions or improvements, offering solutions to clients. Recent university graduates often start in positions such as research analyst, research assistant, or junior consultant, where they support the work of more experienced employees.
Sociology students develop both qualitative and quantitative research skills to understand business problems. Their problem-solving skills help generate actionable solutions for these issues. Writing and public speaking skills are also essential in preparing reports and presenting analyses and solutions to clients.
Salary: The BLS estimates the median annual income for management consultants at about $93,000 as of May 2021. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,190, and the highest 10% earned more than $163,760.
Job Outlook: Employment opportunities for management consultants are expected to increase by 11% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts test products and services and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. They use social scientific research techniques, including interviews, surveys, and focus groups, to gather data. Market research analysts apply statistical methods mastered by sociology students to analyze the data.
Market research analysts often track preferences of specific consumer segments. Understanding sociology concepts related to gender, youth, aging, race, and social origin helps guide these assessments.
Understanding group processes and advanced communication skills assist sociology students in facilitating focus group interactions and conducting interviews with consumers.
Salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, market research analysts earned a median annual salary of $63,920 in May 2021. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,570, while the highest 10% earned more than $128,320.
Job Outlook: Employment opportunities for market research analysts are expected to expand by 19% from 2021 to 2031, which is faster than average.
Media Planner
Media planners assess advertising needs for clients and design a media plan to boost sales for various demographics. Like sociology students, they must be able to interpret research and analyze the preferences of their target audience.
Knowledge of sociology helps media planners study the characteristics of different groups to choose the best advertising channels for their product.
Salary: According to PayScale, media planners earn an average salary
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/top-jobs-for-sociology-majors-2059633
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