Studying sociology makes many occupations in fields, including welfare, education, social research, and municipal and national government, possible.
Graduates in sociology can also work for non-profits, advocacy groups, and international development organisations.
Furthermore, sociology offers a solid foundation for graduate work in law, public administration, and social work.
Sociology graduates are highly regarded in various professions for their critical thinking, analytical, and communication abilities.
Sociology graduates also have significant abilities that employers highly value across a wide range of professions, including communication, research and analysis, and critical thinking.
These abilities allow students to follow various professional routes beyond conventional sociology-related professions and adapt to various work contexts.
Here are some of the best career options one can pursue with a sociology degree—
1. Community Development Worker
A person, family, or entire community may be the focus of a community development worker who helps people recognise their assets, needs, opportunities, rights, and responsibilities.
They serve as a conduit between the public and other service providers, including the police, social workers, and educators.
You will need to work on projects tackling specific issues like:
- Develop new resources in dialogue with the community.
- Establish connections with other groups and agencies.
- Help to raise public awareness.
- Prepare reports and policies.
- Raise money.
- Develop and implement strategies.
- Work with interested groups and individuals to establish new services.
- Mediate in the conflict.
- Set goals for improvement.
- Identify community skills.
Travel throughout a working day is to be expected, and working abroad with a development organisation may be an option.
2. Lecturer For Higher Education
HE teachers must be diligent and knowledgeable in their subject area to instruct students by utilising lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical demonstrations, fieldwork, and e-learning.
HE instructors might earn between £33,797 and £49,553 per year, depending on the university and their level of expertise.
Senior lecturer pay can exceed £100,000 and includes benefits including a pension, employee assistance programme, staff support counselling, subsidised gym membership, bike-to-work programme, and staff transportation.
Lecturers typically put in 35 hours a week, but they sometimes extend that to include time for administrative duties, student supervision, outreach work, research, grading, open days, and outreach activities.
They can take a professional hiatus and apply for part-time work, but they must keep up an active research profile.
Some academics take a break (often lasting up to one academic year) to concentrate more intently on their research projects.
3. Charity Officer
You can manage project management, business growth, finances, marketing and public relations, fundraising, and volunteer management as a charity officer for a sizable organisation.
The size, kind, and location of the charity, as well as the function and amount of responsibility each employee holds, all influence salary levels.
Typical core business hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Depending on the type of organisation and function, different flexible working arrangements, employment prospects, and credentials exist.
Though they are uncommon, huge charities do occasionally provide graduate programmes. Employers are interested in a candidate’s volunteer experience, character traits, dedication, and understanding of the mission of the organisation.
Experience volunteering for a nonprofit organisation is advantageous since it shows dedication to the field and particular organisations.
4. Social Researcher
To influence policy or assess the success of the current policy, social researchers plan, create, perform, analyse, and manage social research initiatives.
They look into people’s opinions, behaviours, and experiences on certain subjects using a variety of techniques, including interviews, survey questions, focus groups, and desk research.
You can check salary since it varies according to geography, industry, and level of expertise. Employment is accessible all throughout the UK, especially in towns and cities, and certain industries have a higher concentration of employment in London and the South East.
In addition to chances for independent contractors and temporary survey interviewers, research methodology experience is crucial.
It is also possible to have management or administrative experience when research is employed to assess the quality of service delivery.
5. Family Support Worker
Everyone who wishes to influence the lives of children, young people, and families should consider becoming a family support worker.
They are often engaged by charity organisations or the social services divisions of local governments to aid families with temporary or long-term problems with practical assistance and emotional support.
Funding and grants from charitable organisations may affect the public and nonprofit sectors’ job security.
A family support worker requires a driving licence, a personal car, and relevant professional experience with kids, teens, and their families.
Despite the lack of structured possibilities, working or volunteering in children’s and family support services can help you obtain experience and develop your abilities.
