Hello Flourish Itulua-Abumere,

I have attached a link explaining what your degrees make you well-suited for (in the UK). In addition, my advice is:

1. Assess what your strengths and weaknesses are;

2.Think about what you like doing and what you do not like doing

3. Assess the labour market to find out what jobs are in demand (UK skill shortage list - see link)

4. Develop a strategy that gives you a competitive advantage versus similar graduates, that recognises skill demands and that is difficult for others to copy in a short period of time: learn a second language, a programming language, a specialized designation (see link), are examples.

5. Set goals that move you in the direction of where you want to be 1,3,5 years from now. Everything you do should bring you toward those career goals.

I hope this is of use to you,

Daryn

http://www.visabureau.com/uk/shortage-occupations-list.aspx

http://www.theguardian.com/careers/sociology-degree-career-choices

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_qualifications_in_the_United_Kingdom

Hello Flourish Itulua-Abumere,

I have attached a link explaining what your degrees make you well-suited for (in the UK). In addition, my advice is:

1. Assess what your strengths and weaknesses are;

2.Think about what you like doing and what you do not like doing

3. Assess the labour market to find out what jobs are in demand (UK skill shortage list - see link)

4. Develop a strategy that gives you a competitive advantage versus similar graduates, that recognises skill demands and that is difficult for others to copy in a short period of time: learn a second language, a programming language, a specialized designation (see link), are examples.

5. Set goals that move you in the direction of where you want to be 1,3,5 years from now. Everything you do should bring you toward those career goals.

I hope this is of use to you,

Daryn

http://www.visabureau.com/uk/shortage-occupations-list.aspx

http://www.theguardian.com/careers/sociology-degree-career-choices

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_qualifications_in_the_United_Kingdom

The jobs available to a sociology graduate will be slightly different in different countries, depending on how many jobs are available.  The necessary thing is to LEARN ON THE JOB, whether it is "community development worker, counsellor, lecturer, housing officer, teacher, probation officer, social researcher, social worker or welfare rights adviser. "  (And Sociology grads will also have to compete with those specifically trained to be educators.)

The 21st century labor market is fast-changing, increasingly global, and technology driven. The skills you need to succeed in the 21st century include: creativity, innovation, critical thinking, analytic problem-solving, communication, collaboration, multicultural and global understandings, and excellent written expression.  Furthermore, 21st century careers take place in an increasingly diverse global society and being able to work effectively with people from different cultures, ethnicities and nationalities has become a basic work-place requirement.

The good news for sociology majors is that your studies are uniquely suited to help you develop the skills you need for a successful 21st century career. Sociologists study social life, social change, diverse communities and their interactions, and they use scientific methods to find empirical answers to complex social questions. Studying sociology can help foster your creativity, innovation, critical thinking, analytic problem solving and communication skills.

As a graduate with a Sociology degree, you will have a foundation for better understanding and engaging with the globalizing world. You will be equipped with the tools needed to make sense of the shifting social world and contribute solutions to difficult social problems.

The following are the most lucrative industries for a sociologist as marked by The Bureau of Labor Statistics.

--Scientific Research and Development Services

--Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools

--Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services

--Local Government (OES Designation)

--State Government (OES Designation)

Employment sectors may be seen through link.

http://sociology.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate-program/career-options

http://www.theguardian.com/careers/sociology-degree-career-choices

http://degreeinsociology.net/career-opportunities-for-sociology-majors/

http://sociology.ucsc.edu/undergraduate/advising/Careers%20in%20Sociology.pdf

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

What can I do with a sociology degree?

Sociology is a relatively new subject and has had a hard time establishing its reputation. However, the sociology graduate has specialist skills which will be of use in the graduate careers market.

This guide should help you think about the skills you have, the jobs they can be applied to, and the options available.

You will have gained the ability to do the following things:

• think and act creatively
• maintain a flexible mind
• read pages of text and pick out the essential points
• conduct research and evaluate sources with a healthy scepticism
• lead and participate in discussions
• develop opinions, propose ideas and theories
• maintain objectivity, particularly towards other people
• play devil’s advocate
• have confidence in your opinions
• base conclusions on statistical research.

A sociologist’s ability to form and defend an argument, regardless of personal opinions, could be helpful for a career in marketing. Sociology graduates would also be well suited to jobs in the Civil Service and politics.

With further training and qualifications they could do:

• journalism
• law
• teaching
• work with charities
• human resources
• retail management.

If none of those float your boat, or you’re starting to believe that ‘sociology degree = career in fast food’ cliché, then you might want to think about these sociology graduates:

• Martin Luther King
• Ronald Reagan
• James Blunt
• Michelle Obama (previously a diversity coordinator)
• author Saul Bellow.

please, see the following links:

http://www.theguardian.com/careers/sociology-degree-career-choices

http://www.prospects.ac.uk/options_sociology.htm

http://sociology.ucdavis.edu/undergraduate-program/career-options

http://sociology.nd.edu/undergraduate-program/careers-for-sociology-majors/

http://sociology.berkeley.edu/what-can-i-do-sociology-major

It's an interesting question. I believe that this specialization is important for the development of communities. In my College for example, we have specialists in sociology, and has a role in college concerning student problems and staff.

 Dear All,

The more complex is a society, the more troubles it may have.  In complex (developed or undeveloped?) societies, sociologists should find the mistakes and troubles of system maintaining mechanisms. Also, to approach right answers is their task.  

Thanks everyone. I appreciate your comments and suggestion. I am presently very lucky to be employed. However, part of my job recently, is to take part in interviews for potential employees and I find out that even as a Sociologist, I cant see convincing reasons to select a sociology graduate for the positions in Community Development Officer position. Social Workers have been favored  all the way.

A sociology degree can offer its holder variety of careers ,e.g. in community service & development centers, public relations offices, charity fundraising, societal affairs in academic institutions, international cooperation, hostels' management,  students'  counseling, and human resources management,

However, many job offers (at present) depend really on connections, affiliations, and VIPs' endorsements. The young generation needs sympathy for this unfortunate ongoing deviation.

Because sociology seems to offer something for everyone, its career potential is almost limitless. As a result, sociology is a popular concentration for students planning future studies in business, education, law, social research, architecture, and medicine, as well as social work and public administration.

http://www.indiaeducation.net/careercenter/humanities/sociology/

Sociology is the study of people and how we interact with one another. Students learn topics such as culture, religion and identity, as well as getting to grips with the theories of thinkers such as Karl Marx and Max Weber.

Having a good understanding of human relationships can be a bonus in a range of careers, which is probably why sociology graduates can be found across all sectors, including the media and arts.

Most people who think of themselves as "sociologists" or have the word "sociologist" in their job title, have graduate training, but BAs in sociology apply the sociological perspective to a wide variety of jobs in such sectors as business, the health professions, the criminal justice system, social services, and government

What skills have you gained?

Sociology graduates leave university with a broad range of transferable skills. These include being able to work to deadlines, make reasoned arguments and think creatively.

Through doing presentations you will have learned how to present ideas orally and in writing, and developed strong research and IT skills. You will also be able to apply theoretical sociological perspectives to everyday life.

What jobs can you do?

Advertisement

Perhaps not surprisingly, social and welfare professions were the most popular career choices for 2009 sociology graduates – typical jobs include social worker, counsellor and community development officer.

"As a discipline concerned with the study of people and society, it is not surprising that many graduates target people-focused careers such as social work, advice work, counselling, careers advice, youth work, housing and the probation service," says Margaret Holbrough, a careers adviser at Graduate Prospects.

"Alternative careers can be found in educational, administrative or office-based roles such as teaching and lecturing, social research, human resources management, charity fundraising or within policymaking departments in local or central government.

"Understanding people within society can also be useful in careers such as market research, retail management, the police force and journalism."

As with all graduates, a high proportion found work in the retail/catering and clerical/secretarial sectors, reflecting the need for many to take stop-gap jobs in the tough economic climate.

 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 pertains to each of these fields.

Postgraduate study?

On completing their studies, 9.3% of sociology graduates moved on to study for a master's degree or PhD, with an additional 8.8% combining both work and study.

There are some jobs, such as social work or law, that require further training, and almost 4% of graduates went down this route

"What can I do with an MA or PhD degree in sociology?"

With advanced degrees, the more likely it is that a job will have the title sociologist, but many opportunities exist--the diversity of sociological careers ranges much further than what you might find under "S" in the Sunday newspaper employment ads. Many jobs outside of academia do not necessarily carry the specific title of sociologist:

 Sociologists become high school teachers or faculty in colleges and universities, advising students, conducting research, and publishing their work. Over 3000 colleges offer sociology courses.

 Sociologists enter the corporate, non-profit, and government worlds as directors of research, policy analysts, consultants, human resource managers, and program managers.

Practicing sociologists with advanced degrees may be called research analysts, survey researchers, gerontologists, statisticians, urban planners, community developers, criminologists, or demographers.

Some MA and PhD sociologists obtain specialized training to become counselors, therapists, or program directors in social service agencies.

Today, sociologists embark upon literally hundreds of career paths. Although teaching and conducting research remains the dominant activity among the thousands of professional sociologists today, other forms of employment are growing both in number and significance. In some sectors, sociologists work closely with economists, political scientists, anthropologists, psychologists, social workers, and others, reflecting a growing appreciation of sociology's contributions to interdisciplinary analysis and action.

You can either go for academic, research centres and consultant

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden."

                                         -------  Pierre Bourdieu

Yes,  Hazim Hashim Tahir,

I am HRM professor. For research purposes I have to study sociology, specifically for workforce diversity topics.

Thanks so much for your opinions. I have definitely learnt from your suggestions. 

This is the real purpose of RG! Dear Flourish Itulua-Abumere.

I am glad to know that you learned about the subject you asked based on the different opinions included in RG

Dear Colleagues,

Good Day,

"I got a degree in sociology, didn't read much fiction in college, and I was a pretty political, left-wing type of guy. I wanted to do some kind of work in social change and make things better for the poor man, and I was very romantic and passionate about it."

                                                                           -------  Andre Dubus III

If sociology is studied as open elective by science and engineering students, their possibility of success in career increases.

The task for sociology is to come to the help of the individual. We have to be in service of freedom. It is something we have lost sight of.

--- Zygmunt Bauman