Sociology | Career Centre

Do you have a passion for exploring the key moments in our personal lives, our communities and our world? Are you fascinated by issues of gender and identity, social movements, ethnic cultures and identities or class and the political economy? If so, then following a major in Sociology is a great way of gaining an understanding of our cultural, political and global interactions. A diverse field of study, majoring in Sociology can provide you with the skills and knowledge to succeed in a variety of careers.

Career Options in Sociology

This list is not exhaustive but provides an idea of the options graduates have and what they have gone on to do. Some options are more directly associated with a Sociology degree than others.

Activist
Addictions Counsellor
Archivist
Case Manager
Child and Youth Worker
Child Welfare Worker
Community Worker
Consumer Advocate
Employment Counsellor
Event Coordinator
Family & Marriage Counsellor
Forensics Worker
Fundraiser
Gerontologist
Guidance Counsellor
Historian
Human Resource Specialist
Human Rights Officer
Journalist
Labour Relations Specialist
Lawyer
Legislative Aid
Life Coach

Non-profit Administrator
Lobbyist
Media Correspondent
Mediator
Mental Health Worker
Non-profit Administrator
Occupational Therapist
Office Administrator
Policy Advisor
Political Advisor
Politician
Probation Officer
Professor
Public Affairs Consultant
Public Relations Consultant
Public Speaking Consultant
Rehabilitation Counsellor
Researcher
Retirement Counsellor
Social Policy Researcher
Social Services Case Manager
Social Survey Researcher
Social Worker

Some of these career choices may require additional education or preparation in the form of graduate studies, experiential education or professional formative courses and exams. For a more in-depth description of some of the careers mentioned above visit Career Cruising (login information can be found on the home page of the Career Centre's online system) or the National Occupational Classification website.

Skills Developed through a Sociology Degree

Here are just a few of the skills a Sociology degree will help you develop:

Core Sociology Skills

Comprehensive knowledge of social causes and issues and their consequences, including social relations and power dynamics, and the ways in which human action and consciousness both shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social structures
The ability to conduct both qualitative and quantitative social research
The ability to gather various types of information, assess them, analyze and incorporate potential linkages from different fields, put them into writing and efficiently convey your message and the goal of your work, be it individual or in the context of group work in any professional environment

Communication, Data Gathering and Organizational Skills

An ability to organize, understand and analyze new sources of information and to apply novel forms of technology or new information to different professional settings and tasks
Deduction of information from various sources and the ability to concentrate on relevant resources
An ability to prepare oral and written presentations and reports using current data and technology
The ability to learn new information and apply this to professional demands
The capacity to critically analyze problems, think creatively and make sound and well-reasoned decisions while considering different sides of each argument

Management and Teamwork

The ability to interpret and analyze information presented by peers and efficiently and constructively support or challenge their proposals, theories, ideas and reports in order to achieve a project's intended and successful end result
Logical thinking skills and the ability to lead and interact with a variety of people with different approaches and personal and professional backgrounds
Skills enabling you to work effectively in group situations, partaking in decision-making, leading and contributing in various capacities to the ultimate success of the team and task
The capability to identify priorities and proper courses of action, to plan the execution of tasks and to determine and delegate responsibilities to group members to most effectively carry out projects

Professional Associations and Organizations

Knowing the industry and how to excel in it after receiving a degree are key elements of future success. University study sets up the building blocks you will need to develop and enhance your understanding and knowledge in your career. Being part of a professional organization or network and gaining further insight through training are excellent ways of increasing your knowledge of the field.