What do sociology majors do

HR representatives use analytical and decision-making skills to evaluate alternative structures for employee benefits. Lawyers use critical thinking and analytical skills to research and litigate their cases. Many areas of legal practice , such as divorce, child custody, adoption, criminal law, personal injury, worker compensation, and employment law benefit, are related to sociology.

Lawyers draw on research and writing skills to conduct their work. They must gather facts and evidence to support a thesis, just as sociology majors do with their position papers.

Lawyers must present their findings in a compelling manner in order to convince a judge, jury or opposing attorney of their position. This is similar to presentations in sociology classes.

Management consultants analyze business issues, research possible remedies or enhancements, and present solutions to clients. New college graduates often start out in positions like research analyst, research assistant, or junior consultant, where they support the work of more senior staff. Sociology majors develop the qualitative and quantitative research skills to understand a business problem.

Their problem-solving skills help them to generate viable solutions to these issues. Writing and public speaking skills are also critical when constructing reports and presenting analyses and solutions to clients. Market research analysts test products and services and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. They utilize social science research techniques, including interviews, surveys, and focus groups, to gather data. Market researchers employ statistical methods mastered by sociology majors to analyze data.

Market researchers often track preferences for specific consumer groups. An understanding of group processes and advanced communication skills help sociology majors facilitate focus group interactions and conduct interviews with consumers. Media planners assess the advertising needs of clients and design a media plan to enhance sales to various groups. Like sociology majors, they must be able to interpret research and analyze the preferences of their target population.

Media planners are aided by sociological knowledge as they study the characteristics of various groups in order to select the best possible media to advertise their product. Policy analysts research issues that affect the public.

They recommend legislation to address those problems. Knowledge of sociology helps analysts to assess the impact of legislation on social problems and various populations. Sociology majors have the foundation to analyze issues like welfare, poverty, substance abuse, job training, education, healthcare, and gay marriage. Policy analysts—like sociology majors—rely on strong writing skills to represent the findings of their research and convince legislators and the public of the viability of their recommendations.

PR specialists need to be the ultimate communicators. As such, they must have the sociology major's ability to understand an audience and its attitudes, needs, and preferences. Writing skills are critical for crafting high-impact press releases. Public relations staff must have the interpersonal skills to talk to the media and convince them to cover stories about their client or organization.

They need to convey ideas clearly to staff and clients and engender support and consent for their ideas. Social workers apply the knowledge of social dynamics and social institutions learned as a sociology major to assess client issues and help to resolve problems. They make referrals to appropriate community agencies to leverage resources on behalf of individuals and families.

Active listening and verbal communication skills are essential to assessing problems and advising clients about ways to improve their lives. Through its emphasis on critical thinking and sound data collection and analysis, sociology prepares our students to excel in a variety of disciplines.

Sociology addresses complex social, structural, and environmental factors affecting health and well-being. These factors include poverty, racism, exposure to violence, social networks, environmental justice, access to health care, food deserts, and the role of power and money in defining health, illness, and care.

Sociology enables you to develop the cultural competence necessary for successful communication in multi-cultural and diverse social contexts. Sociology sheds light on complex issues conforming the legal and judicial systems: for example, the relationship between extra-legal factors such as race, poverty, and gender with the criminal justice system, the role of interests in determining how laws are defined and enforced, definitions of deviance across time and space, etc.

Sociological theory provides a solid basis for understanding the logic and reasoning of human behavior and social organization. Sociology improves your potential for adaptability in any organization by helping you to understand key social factors such as culture, race, ethnicity, gender, power, economics, etc. Sociology is fundamental to effective interpersonal communication in current multi-cultural and multinational business environments. Sociological research design and methods are applicable to many fields in business, including HR, marketing, consulting, sales, management, etc.

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. Career Options in Sociology Skills Developed through a Sociology Degree Professional Associations and Organizations 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.