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"I look at society and its effect on people."

Yes, but what do you actually do as a sociologist?

What I think I do meme for sociology majors. What I actually do is work at a computer.

Sociologists study human society and social behaviour to understand and find solutions to complex social issues.

If you are interested in human behaviour, social organization, culture, and social change, a career in sociology might be for you.

Did you know?

The word “sociology” comes from the Latin word socius (companion) and the Greek word logos (speech or reason), which when put together mean “reasoned speech about companionship.”

How Will You Contribute?

The study of sociology benefits both individuals and society as a whole.

The more we understand the social issues and challenges facing us, the better we can address them.

Matrix Morpheus meme with text 'what if I told you sociology is the answer'

Because of the field's breadth and diversity, there is virtually no life area where a sociologist's contributions are not valuable.

Specialization areas include:

  • Education

  • Family

  • Race and ethnic relations

  • War

  • Peace

  • Social psychology

  • Gender roles and associations

  • Political sociology

and more!

Meme with image of sheep and top text: You know everything isn't about sociology right? Bottom text: WRONG.

What Will You Do On The Job?

  • Plan and execute research to develop and test theories.

  • Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection.

  • Collect data about people's behaviours in groups.

  • Prepare reports about research findings.

  • Present research findings at professional meetings.

  • Advise policymakers and other groups based on findings.

  • Teach sociology.

Smug Wonka meme, Top text asks, What can u do with a sociology degree? Reply Oh I don't know, deconstruct your social reality

The Skills You Will Develop:

  • Understand group dynamics and different perspectives.

  • Construct and examine persuasive arguments.

  • Collect, manage, and interpret complex forms of data.

  • Communicateeffectively through written and oral presentations.

Contemplative baby boy with top text: 'Do I wear blue because I'm a boy.' Bottom text: 'Or am I a boy because I wear blue?'

Quiz

Rupal wants to choose a career path that will allow her to support communities and ensure vulnerable people are safe from harm. She prefers working directly with individuals and does not enjoy paperwork or a desk job. Is she a good fit as a sociologist?

Where Can You Work?

Because of its far-reaching nature, a degree in sociology can open up a diverse range of career options in fields such as:

Flaticon IconCriminology

Flaticon IconGuidance counselling

Flaticon IconHigher education lecturing

Flaticon IconHuman resources (HR) representation

Flaticon IconMarket research analysis

Flaticon IconPolitical analysis

Flaticon IconSocial work

Flaticon IconSurvey research

Sociology jobs typically require a Master's degree, and most sociologists hold a Ph.D. Many bachelor's degree holders can find jobs in related fields.

Quiz

Which of the following jobs is a sociologist trained for?

Did you know?

What do Martin Luther King Jr, Robin Williams, and Michelle Obama have in common? They are all sociology graduates!

How Much Can You Make?

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In the US, the average salary for sociologists is $83,000 USD

Entry-level positions start at $47,000 USD

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In Canada, the average salary for sociologists is $90,000 CAD

Entry-level positions start at $69,000 CAD

You Will Love It If You:

  • Are fascinated with how people interact with each other.

  • Prefer working with ideas over physical activity.

  • Have an investigative nature and enjoy working with data.

Moving gif of young man saying in a serious manner: 'There are so many variables.'

Stay Away From This If You:

  • Enjoy practical, hands-on work.

  • Dislike abstract, theoretical thinking.

  • Are a risk-taker and like fast-paced working environments.

  • Are not interested in pursuing postgrad degrees.

Five minutes into sociology class meme of young man looking up dazed thinking 'I don't even know what's real anymore.'

Take Action

Think you might be interested in sociology as a career path?

Poster with image of royal crown, text underneath reads, 'Keep Calm and Commit Sociology.'

License:

This Byte has been authored by

LY

Lubna Yasin

Design Educator

English

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