Wondering what you can do with a sociology degree?

Past WWU grads in Sociology have taken jobs as Juvenile Rehab Counselors, Police Officers, Customer Service Managers, Job Training Coordinators, Social Science Researchers, and more. Others have gone on to graduate school. Review all the information provided here, and take a look at what our alumni are doing. Take advantage of all the resources available to you through the Career Services Center. The Center is the best resource for assistance with career planning, assessments, internships, job market information, job search services, and alumni services.

Finally, be sure to check our Department Newsletter for announcements and upcoming events.

• What can you do with a degree in Sociology?
• Which line of work is for you?
• Consider doing an internship
• Job search strategies
• Job search sites
• Salary Comparison Sites
• Considering graduate school?
• Links to other careers-related resources

What Can You Do With a Degree in Sociology?

Given the breadth, adaptability and utility of sociology, you'll find a wide variety of opportunities open to you. Few fields have such broad scope and relevance for research, theory, and application of knowledge. You can "apply sociology" in any work environment, both conceptually and methodologically. The sociological perspective gives you a unique way of looking at how society works and the intricate interrelationships between individuals and societies. Sociological theories and concepts help you to understand communities, organizations, bureaucracies, families, and small groups.

With a B.A./B.S. in Sociology, you can find entry-level positions in each of the following areas: social services, community work, corrections, business, college settings, health services, publishing, public relations, government services and teaching. Sociology majors who enter the business world work in sales, marketing, customer relations, or human resources. Those who enter social services work with youths at risk, the elderly, or people experiencing problems related to poverty, substance abuse, or the justice system. In addition, you have a competitive advantage in today's information society. The solid base you receive in research design, data analysis, statistics and sociological concepts enables you to compete for positions in research, policy analysis, program evaluation, and other social science endeavors.

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.

Which Line Of Work Is For You?

Probably the best way to figure out the "right fit" in a job is to clarify what interests you the most. Do your research. Think about the kinds of work you are interested in, and learn everything you can about your top two or three areas of interest. What inspires you most? Also think about your own natural strengths and abilities, as well as your values. How do you see yourself, and where do you see yourself working? How do you really want to spend your time? What specific goals do you wish to achieve? What type of company or organization would you like to work with? What kinds of people do you wish to work with?

Do a self-assessment to map out your personality style and top ten career options you might consider based on your career motivations. Try this free on-line career appraisal offered by MAPP (Motivational Appraisal of Personality Potential).

Look through the resources listed in this web site, and use all the resources available to you at Western's Career Services Center. The Center is the best resource for assistance with career planning, assessments, internships, job market information, job search services, and alumni services. The Career Center offers individual counseling as well as a wide variety of workshops.

We also invite you to talk with the Sociology Advisor and any faculty you wish concerning employment opportunities, graduate schools, etc.

Consider Doing An Internship

Why do an internship?

Internships and volunteer community service positions offer an excellent opportunity to explore career options and gain practical experience. Students learn a variety of skills through direct participation in settings where sociological concepts, methods and theories are applied. Internships also offer a way to build your resume and enhance prospects for employment after graduation.

A wide variety of internship opportunities are available throughout Whatcom and Skagit Counties. While some internships are paid positions, many are unpaid. Remember that an internship will help pave the way to employment opportunities, so working without pay may well be worth your investment of time and energy in the long run. Data show that sociology students who take part in internships find it much easier to find employment later.

How to find an internship position:

Most recently, Sociology students have completed internships with the following agencies/organizations. Internship positions may be open at any of these locations:

• Bellingham Planning Commission
• Bellingham Police Department
• Bellingham School District (various schools)
• Boys and Girls Club
• Brigid Collins
• Catholic Community Services
• Division of Children and Family Services
• Northwest Youth Services
• Planned Parenthood
• Whatcom County Juvenile Corrections
• Whatcom County Juvenile Court
• Whatcom County Juvenile Probation
• Whatcom County Sheriff
• Whatcom Crisis Services Sexual Assault Program
• Women Care Shelter

There are a number of other ways to find a position. Take advantage of these resources!

See the Career Services Center (Old Main 280) for internship information and announcements. The Center offers workshops on developing internships, bi-weekly listings of positions available, and links to internship web sites.

Another resource on campus is the Center for Student Work Experience, Old Main 285, X3158. Ask about their Volunteer Community Service Program, and check out their job boards with listings of temporary and/or part time positions both on and off campus.

The Whatcom Volunteer Center is another resource for finding local internships. The Center publishes a bi-weekly newsletter announcing current openings. The Sociology Advisor receives copies of these newsletters, and they are posted right outside her door--Arntzen Hall 513. The Whatcom Volunteer Center is located at 411 York Street, Bellingham WA 98225. Phone: 360-734-3055 or 1-800-VOLUNTEER.

See 1-800 Volunteer.Org for opportunities throughout Washington state, and nationwide.

If you're free to go just about anywhere in the world to do volunteer work or to find an internship--even to find a job--check out these two sites:

Idealist 20,000 organizations in 150 countries
Volunteer Match Thousands of volunteer opportunities

Sociology students can earn up to 10 credits of Soc 471 while gaining internship experience. For more about prerequisites and requirements, see Soc 471-Directed Internship.

Job Search Strategies

Use the resources available to you through Western's Career Services Center.

As early as your junior year, attend job search workshops. Learn how to research companies, promote your skills and experience, and identify the hidden job market. The Career Services Center offers several workshops throughout each quarter to help students with every topic you can think of:

• Job Search Strategies
• Resume writing
• Cover letter writing
• Interviewing techniques
• Developing an internship
• Getting into graduate school

Attend career fairs and other events. Several career fairs and other events are offered throughout the year to help students and alumni research employers and job opportunities. Check the special events schedule to see what events are scheduled for this quarter.

During your senior year, register with the Career Services Center to take full advantage of job search services, including on-campus interviews and the candidate referral program.

Also participate in on-campus recruiting. Business, industry and government organizations recruit during fall, winter, and spring quarters. School districts recruit primarily during winter and spring quarters.

Here are several other Job Search Strategies

• Contact agencies, companies or organizations you would like to work for and see if they're hiring
• Check with the state employment opportunity office
• Talk with parents and others about job possibilities in their companies
• Check local newspaper classified ads, especially on Sunday
• Consider volunteer or internship positions (these sometimes lead to paid positions)
• Call employment/temporary placement agencies
• Check the internet for job search web sites

Job Search Sites

When you register with the Career Services Center you will have online access to a weekly Job Opportunity Bulletin which lists regional openings. Also see Western's list of Job Search Websites.

Salary Comparison Sites

• Salary.com The broadest salary-comparison site. Its Salary Wizard allows you to pick a job category and a region and to quickly find median salaries by position. There's also news on compensation and benefit trends.

• SalaryExpert.com A free comprehensive salary site offering salary, benefits and cost-of-living information. Find salaries quickly by selecting Job Title and Zip.

• WageWeb Designed for human-resources professionals, who pay $169 to $219 annually for detailed salary data, the site lets others surf salaries on a national basis for free. Information is current, drawn from surveys of its members, making it a good bench-marking tool.

• NationJob This data-base for job seekers allows you to search by salary level.

Considering Graduate School?

Many undergraduate sociology majors pursue graduate training in sociology. A master's degree or doctorate will be essential for higher education teaching and advanced research or applied careers. Others choose graduate work in other fields such as social work, education, public health, business administration, and urban planning, not to mention law and medicine.

Choosing a Graduate School

Western does not currently offer an M.A. program in Sociology. However, individual faculty members at Western can recommend and evaluate various programs for you. 0ver 250 universities in the U.S. offer PhDs and/or master's degrees in Sociology. A key resource is The American Sociological Association (ASA) Guide to Graduate Departments of Sociology. This Guide contains critical information on degrees awarded, rosters of faculty and their interests, special programs, tuition and fees, the availability of fellowships and assistantships, deadlines for applications, and contact information. The W.W.U. Sociology Advisor has a copy of the most recent Guide. Just ask to borrow it. One can also be ordered from the ASA Publications Center at 1-800-877-2693.

Another excellent resource is offered by the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA). See Graduate School Information for graduate school rankings and advice for undergraduates considering graduate school. Also see Gradschools.com, "the most comprehensive online source of graduate school information".

Preparing for Graduate School

During your junior year, or early in your senior year, you should begin talking with W.W.U. faculty about how to prepare for graduate school. You should also begin contacting the schools you wish to consider. To apply to graduate school you will need to begin planning at least a year before the fall in which you intend to enter. Most schools only accept students in the fall and expect to have all of your materials in hand by the end of the previous December. Most departments require you to fill out an application form, including a personal statement on why you want to pursue graduate work. You will probably be asked to supply a transcript and at least three letters of reference. It is therefore to your advantage to get to know faculty by taking small classes, writing papers, serving as a teaching assistant, or getting involved in faculty research projects. Many departments also require applicants to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE).

Links to other career-related resources

• American Sociological Association--Comprehensive look at career options in sociology
• UNCW Career Services--Job titles for Sociology majors and links to a ton of sociology websites
• The Corrections Connection--The largest on-line resource for news and resources in corrections, including job openings
• Career Guide to Industries--Career information by industry for over 42 industries, including nature of the industry, working conditions, occupations in the industry, training and advancement, earnings & benefits, employment outlook. Browse Social Services, Management & Public Relations, & more.
• NACADA Graduate School Information--graduate school rankings, preparing for graduate school

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