Sociology is one of the most multi-faceted professions with countless opportunities for practice in various industries. In most cases, sociology graduates fresh from college find themselves in competition with graduates who’ve majored in different fields. Nevertheless, they are often at an advantage since they already understand most of the important factors and structures in a social setting in addition to possession of special skills in research and analysis. However, all the advantages are likely to go to waste if no steps are taken in the effort to put class theory into practice—an excellent reason for joining an internship program in one of the many available fields as soon as you leave college.
1. Social Services
It is natural for a sociology graduate to begin his or her practice in social services. While the number of graduates has been in a steady climb since 1970s, most of them still go for counseling or work with social services such as community groups, non-profit organizations and government agencies. Many of the rest are absorbed by management and administrative support fields.
In some cases, sociology graduates prefer to put their newly earned skills into use by volunteering. This not only gives them the opportunity to hone the skills but also discover an area they are most effective in—and therefore specialize in it. In addition, volunteer internship may come with additional skills such as learning a new language.
2. Research
The ability to conduct research and analyze the results is one of the basic skills that make up a competitive sociologist. After graduation you should be able to understand the link between statistic and qualitative types of information. In addition, you should be able to easily conduct an analysis on the relationship between the theoretical frameworks popular with sociology authors and the statistical nature of the trends in sociology. A sociologist who is well versed in the field of research has a lot of internship opportunities to choose from. By and large, those in need of researchers are government agencies, colleges and non-profit organizations, among others.
3. Public Policy
There have been attempts to separate sociology from public policy with the argument that public policy is too technical to leave at the mercy of a mostly theory-based professionals. However, the argument is at best, lame and haven’t found favor with many people. The fact is that a sociologist is one of the most suitable professionals in providing advice on public policy matters.
Keep in mind that the main aim of sociology is ensuring the well-being of the society. On the other hand, public policy is designed and implemented for the benefit of the same society. The professional who is most informed and skilled on trends in the society is the sociologist. As an intern, you can put your skills into use by helping in drafting government laws as well as providing advice on public policy to the private sector and non-profit organizations.
4. Journalism
Advancement in technology have had a big impact on the media industry. More than ever before, there is the need for journalists to possess the ability to study and analyze data in order to come up with a credible and well-communicated piece of information. However, these qualities are second nature to the sociology graduate and they will find it easy to intern as a journalist. In addition, journalism and sociology are unified by their direct link to the society and the common responsibility in ensuring its well-being—by providing important information and helping solve problems and conflicts.
5. Marketing
After graduating, a sociologist student will have succeeded in uncovering the society not only in regard to great issues such as the source of power and its maintenance but also the small things that drives individual members of a community. In addition, you will have had an in-depth look at racial, gender and sexual conceptions among other human characteristics. Therefore, business establishments will find you as a great help in understanding the characteristics of different target groups of people in the society, particularly when they want to make informed decisions before introduction of their products into particular demographics and improving their sales in others.
A sociology graduate is an all-round professional whose benefits to different fields are unlimited. Nevertheless, you should learn to cultivate your skills even before you graduate. For instance, joining a students’ organization is one way of gaining experience and interacting with fellow students and active professionals. Therefore, you will be ready for the job and you will be confident enough when you embark on your first internship for sociologists.
Related Resource: Best Top 10 Online Sociology Degree Programs
