Sociology has a problem recruiting and retaining students. The way forward is for sociological degrees to demonstrate how their training prepares them for the workplace.
The latest American Sociological Association (ASA) survey of almost 2,700 sociology students in the USA finds that retention is not purely about loving the subject matter. Students are most satisfied with their sociology degree when they are simultaneously engaged with the concepts as well as when they perceive that the material they learn will get them a job.
The ASA argues that sociology departments need to better emphasise how sociological concepts and methods prepare students for work.
They note that sociology can be helpful not simply as training for various professions, but also in preparing a resume, applying for jobs and when going for interviews.
Imagining Your Sociological Career
Our free online journal Working Notes includes examples from sociology practitioners working in local, state and federal Governments in the UK, as an auditor and childcare policy-making; in Australia, in education, and consumer affairs; in Hong Kong, in business services; and in Nigeria, in education governance.
We also have an examples of sociologists working in not-for-profit organisations, such as as an chief executive in health advocacy, a research and policy manager providing services to address social disadvantage, a senior research officer in community development and planning, and a union representatives.
We additionally have a series on “Doing Sociology Beyond Academia.” Articles include using research to address youth unemployment in regional Australia, delivering clinical health services, informing family policies, and establishing a business.
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