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What jobs or internships should I look for in my last year of my bachelor’s degree in sociology?
I have a little over a year until I get my bachelor’s degree in sociology. I think I will take a year or two off to work then go back to school to get a masters. Until then, what kind of job or internship can I look for that studies social science? I would love to do research that helps impact society and government in a positive way.
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4 answers
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Godwin Têkovi’s Answer
You can look for an internship by a human ressources specialist. You can look for work as a social worker. You can also work as a policy analyst.
Thank you for the advice, Godwin Têkovi.
Keziah
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Maggie’s Answer
If you are pursuing a Sociology degree, you have a few options to consider...
If you are considering work that relates to your sociology studies, you could seek opportunities around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, employee engagement, diversity training, corporate social impact, pay equity, hiring fairness initiatives, people and culture, and much more. I'd suggest researching company internships or open jobs, and use those key words to find opportunities to start gaining some experience. Even if it is not exactly the area you want to ultimately work in, take the exposure and experience as it will help you on your way to bigger and better opportunities and you'll have some understanding of that field in your toolkit now! You never know who can connect you to the next opportunity, or what experience may give you a leg up over other candidates for the next role.
As you are researching opportunities, pay close attention to the company. Do their values align with yours? Is their employee organization diverse? Do they say they focus on equity and inclusion and actually back it up? Look at facts on the company, and also consider reviews from employees (you'll see those on some job search sites). What is their reputation? Is it clear what they stand for? Lots to consider, but also makes a big difference when you work for a company that aligns with your values and ethics and show they can do the work you're interested in.
If you are considering work that relates to your sociology studies, you could seek opportunities around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, employee engagement, diversity training, corporate social impact, pay equity, hiring fairness initiatives, people and culture, and much more. I'd suggest researching company internships or open jobs, and use those key words to find opportunities to start gaining some experience. Even if it is not exactly the area you want to ultimately work in, take the exposure and experience as it will help you on your way to bigger and better opportunities and you'll have some understanding of that field in your toolkit now! You never know who can connect you to the next opportunity, or what experience may give you a leg up over other candidates for the next role.
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Jasmeen’s Answer
I would look into possible career paths you can go into for sociology. I also recommend checking out your school resources, there are advisors that are there to help you find co ops or internships that are best suited for you!
I hope this helps!
I hope this helps!
Updated
Christine’s Answer
Hi! I studied anthropology, which isn't exactly the same, but has a lot of the same career opportunities. I loved social sciences, and it's great to hear that you are following that path! For research, you may be able to find a research-related role at a university that has a Ph.D. program in sociology or a related social science. What you're looking for are professors with large, active research programs, which are most likely to happen in schools with doctorate programs because doctoral students assist with a lot of research. Sometimes these research programs also hire non-Ph.D.s to help out! Typically these are called "Research Assistant" roles. Check out the Job Boards for large universities - you could take a look at large universities near where you live and any schools that you'd be interested in for grad school. Additionally, there may be some museums or not-for-profits that could have a related role. Lastly, check out roles in human resources in large corporate organizations - these roles are more applied sociology than research-related. That said, I've learned a lot working in an applied context.
Good luck and enjoy! I hope you find something you're excited about! Also remember that job applications are a numbers game - it's rare to get the first role you apply to. Cast a wide net, find a bunch of places you would like to work, and put yourself out there by messaging people on LinkedIn with roles you'd like to have.
Good luck and enjoy! I hope you find something you're excited about! Also remember that job applications are a numbers game - it's rare to get the first role you apply to. Cast a wide net, find a bunch of places you would like to work, and put yourself out there by messaging people on LinkedIn with roles you'd like to have.