Careers in Sociology
What jobs can sociologists do?
Sociologists are employed in a diverse range of occupations in the private and public sectors of the economy. Their skills are drawn upon in:
- private sector research organisations
- consultancies
- media firms
- a wide range of social movements
They also:
- carry out research for government departments on topics such as the distribution of income and wealth and gender and ethnic equality
Employment in government departments can also involve policy development and analysis, drafting new legislation and analysing the pros and cons of different social policies.
They also:
- teach and research in universities and polytechnics and teach in schools
Sociology provides students with knowledge and skills that are relevant for a wide range of occupations such as:
- social research, social policy formation, law, social work, nursing, tertiary teaching, secondary teaching, medicine, personnel management, resource management, journalism, engineering, town planning and architecture
Reflecting this, some Sociology graduates work in government departments as researchers. Others are involved in policy development and analysis, preparing discussion papers for Cabinet committees, drafting new legislation and analysing the pros and cons of different social policies.
Some sociologists teach in schools, polytechnics and universities. Others work in local government, in the media or in advertising. Some work for trade unions as researchers and organisers. Others are employed by private sector research organisations. Some sociologists even make their way into Parliament.