CAREERS IN SOCIOLOGY
This is an exciting time to become a sociologist. The expected job growth for sociologists & political scientists between 2008 and 2018, is 21%, which is a faster growth than average for all occupations! The American Sociological Association has more information on degree trends and employment trends.
Why is this?
Many other fields are recognizing the importance of sociology and incorporating it. Sociologists receive training which gives them analytical, methodological, and conceptual ability along with quantitative and qualitative analysis and research abilities. These skills are necessary in a variety of occupations, ranging from market analysts to research assistants (for more information, see http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos314.htm). The expected growth will be in social, political and business associations/organizations (including nonprofit organizations).
What kind of pay do sociologists receive?
In May 2008, the median annual wage for a sociologist was $68,570. Individuals within the middle range make between $51,110 and $92,220. The highest 10% of individuals made more than $122,130. For sociologists in scientific research and development services, the median annual wage was $72,170. For Federal Government sociologists, in March 2009 the average salary was $100,824.
This information is from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos314.htm).
What else can I do with a BA in sociology?
For those not interested in the more analytical side, 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.
(From "Careers with an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology," published by the American Sociological Association).
Career Services, located in the University Center, has hard copy information on "What can I do with This Major" to see what you can do with a Sociology Degree. Also, the American Sociological Association has career resources for undergraduates.
Current Known Job Postings
Occasionally, various agencies will send us job postings or a faculty member sees one they would like to share. Those will be listed below...happy job hunting!!
- Post-Conviction Investigator/Mitigation Specialist (OCW), $4,167 - $5,000/month. (posted May 3, 2012)
- Investigator/Mitigation Specialist (Capital Habeas Unit), closes May 25, 2012
- Summer Job Opportunities for Students (and for graduating seniors), The Fund for the Public Interest (sent to us April 29, 2012)
- Mitigation Development Specialist in Northern Virginia Capital Defender Office, $48,183 (sent to us May 2, 2012)
Job Search Sites
Here are some tips that you might find helpful (many taken from your SOC 231 book):
- College Career Services: Search for all jobs in all fields with related expectations and skill levels.
- Internet Job Search: Search by job titles relevant to the field of interest. Make sure to search regularly to learn job titles and descriptions.
- Classified Ads: Look for jobs with skills relevant to your repertoire. Again, look regularly.
- Networking: Tell everyone about your job search, including family, friends, coworkers, clergy, neighbors, and professors. Join professional organizations such as the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology, or regional associations.
- Working part-time in a related company while attending college. This can provide not only a possible future full-time job at that company, but also networking opportunities and references (the CANPO and Regis Nonprofit Job Bank below lists many part-time positions).
- Your internship can also provide a future full-time job within that organization, as well as networking opportunities and references.
The following are some job search locations you can use in your hunt for a job. Keep in mind these are not the only locations by any means! And the list will continue to grow (if you come across a good one, please notify us at sociology@unco.edu).
- Colorado Nonprofit Association
- State of Colorado
- Regis Nonprofit Job Bank
- NonProfitJobs.org
- The Nonprofit Career Network
- PND Philanthropy News Digest
- American Sociological Association
- The Chronicle of Higher Education
- Higher Ed Job Site for Academics
- Diversity
- Career Path
- Job-Hunt.org
- New York Times & Monster
- The Washington Post
- The Chicago Tribune
- Miami Herald
- Kansas City
- USAJobs
- The Denver Post
- The Los Angeles Times
