Sociology Beyond Bowdoin
Careers in Sociology
Where do I begin?
Sociology is more than just the "study of societies." The field of sociology covers a broad range of topics related to the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociology provides many distinctive perspectives on the world and is applicable to many professions. It just takes a little creativity to shape your education into a career that is right for you. Here are some ideas:
What can I do with a BA in sociology?
- 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.
Where do I go for more information?
Non-internet resources:
- One of the best sources of information here at Bowdoin is the Sociology faculty! Schedule a time to talk and plan questions to ask about careers, graduate schools, and creative ways to use anthropology.
- Talk with Sociology majors to see what ideas they have about applying their degrees.
- Visit the Career Planning Center in Moulton Union.
- Get involved in an internship for direct experience.
- Research the area you intend to live for job possibilities and call for information and job listings in such areas as social service organizations, nonprofit organizations, businesses, publishers--the list is endless!
Books! Check out the following resources:
- Lambert, Stephen. (1997) Great Jobs for Sociology Majors. Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons. Located in the CPC--Career Decision Making.
- Colvin, Donna, ed. (1994) Good Works: A Guide to Careers in Social Change. Fifth Edition. New York: Barricade Books. Located in the CPC--Non-Profit.
- Lauber, Daniel. (1997) Non-profits' and Education Job Finder, 1997-2000. River Forest, IL: Planning/Communications. Located in the CPC--Non-Profit.
- Straus, Roger A. (1994) Using Sociology : An Introduction from the Clinical and Applied Perspectives. Second Edition. Dix Hills, NY: General Hall. Located in the Main Library, call no. HM73 .U85 1994.
Internet resources:
General Career Information
- Check out the Career Planning Center website.
- The Princeton Review has excellent career and job-hunting strategies.
- The Graduation Pledge Alliance maintains a comprehensive list of currently available socially responsible jobs and internships.
- Interested in non-governmental, non-profit, and social work jobs? Check out the Non-Governmental, Non-Profit, and Social Work Resources page!
- For a sample listing of jobs and relevant websites, see the Sample Listing of Jobs in Anthropology and Sociology page.
Academic Employment Resources
- American Sociological Association (ASA) Employment Bulletin
- American Sociological Association, Resources for Students
- The Chronicle of Higher Education's Career Network
- Formerly "Jobs in Higher Education," academic360.com is a meta-collection of Internet resources that have been gathered for the academic job hunter. It includes links to faculty, staff, and administrative announcements and is not restricted to teaching positions.
- The Academic Position Network contains listings of faculty, staff, administrative, graduate fellowship and assistantship, and post-doctoral positions.
- The Academic Employment Network contains advertisements for educational employment opportunities for educators and other school-related positions.
Government Employment Resources
- Updated daily, the FedWorld's job announcement service allows you to search a database of about 1,500 US Government job announcements. www.fedworld.gov/jobs/jobsearch.html
- Federal Jobs Digest (FJD). As the largest employer in the US, the federal government ought to have some positions for social scientists. They are here! This services is provided by a private company. Sociologists may search for themselves or hire FJD's matching service. www.jobsfed.com
- America's Job Bank (AJB), www.jobsearch.org
- Student Jobs. Employment opportunities with the federal government, also links to other government job databases, www.studentjobs.gov