FROM STUDY TO SKILLS
All academic programs offered at the UM help students develop valuable transferable skills. Sociology is the study of human social activity, relationships, and social structures. In our increasingly diverse world, the study of sociology gives you the skills 21st century workers need: critical and analytical thinking, writing ability, cultural competence, and self-awareness. Mastering the basics of sociology teaches you to understand the situations of people different than you, another advantage in this rapidly globalizing world.
Related fields include Psychology, Anthropology, Statistics, Survey Methodology, Public Policy, Public Health, Architecture and Urban Planning, Law, Social Work, Education, Women’s Studies.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Research & Project Development Skills
Defining hypotheses
Applying theoretical approaches to research problems
Planning / designing projects
Gathering data
Interviewing
Working with research subjects
Translating theory into action
Analytical Skills
Reading critically
Interpreting data
Evaluating ideas / theories / evidence
Analyzing qualitatively and quantitatively
Reasoning logically
Conducting social analysis
Understanding components of complex problems
Interpersonal / Cross-Cultural Skills
Working as a team member
Motivating groups
Identifying cultural / social considerations
Assessing needs
Remaining sensitive to people and problems
Understanding human relationships
Representing / negotiating with others
Recognizing social processes
Understanding privilege, prejudice and discrimination
Communication Skills
Articulating / defending a position
Writing effectively
Presenting alternative explanations
Conveying complex information and ideas
Summarizing
Preparing reports
Speaking in public
BUILDING YOUR SKILLS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
Employers seek out individuals who can demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, teamwork and interpersonal skills, initiative, and a strong work ethic. Student organizations and campus employment offer valuable opportunities to add to the skills you are developing in your classes. Most concentrations sponsor specific student groups like an undergraduate organization or an honor society. Other options include study abroad, off-campus employment or volunteering in the community. Finally, a summer internship may be the best way of all to test out a career field and develop marketable skills.
FROM SKILLS TO CAREER
Sociology concentrators develop skills applicable to a wide range of careers. For example, the ability to translate theory into action skills would prove equally useful whether working as a health educator, a public opinion researcher, or an organizational consultant. Many concentrators go on to graduate or professional school. The list below is a sample of careers undertaken by Sociology graduates.
Research & Project Development Skills
Survey Research Scientist 
Public opinion researcher
Research scientist
Web designer
Marketing manager / researcher
Program manager / administrator
Demographer
Analytical Skills
Population specialist
Industrial sociologist
Organizational design consultant
Epidemiologist
Policy analyst
Social researcher / analyst
Legislative aide
Urban regional planner
Lawyer
Paralegal
Juvenile court judge
Forensic investigator
Law enforcement officer
Arbitrator
Interpersonal / Cross-Cultural Skills
Costumer relations manager
Labor relations consultant
Human resource manager
Training coordinator
Day care worker
Gerontologist
Social worker
Caseworker
Psychiatrist / psychologist
Volunteer coordinator
Dietician
Community organizer / advocate / activist
Affirmative action representative
Interviewer
Vocational evaluator
Probation / parole officer
Mediator
Student Affairs professional / Higher Education
Communication Skills
Journalist
K-12 teacher
College professor
Consumer / client advocate
Agency staff
Editor (all media)
Lobbyist
= Further Study Required
For more career information, see O*Net at http://online.onetcenter.org/
CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Currently, the concentration requires an introductory sociology class and at least 34 credits of post-introductory concentration courses, including statistics, research methods, and theory. For qualified students who wish to tackle a highly rigorous course of study and complete a thesis, we also offer an undergraduate honors program. Consult the LSA Bulletin or the department website for further information.
As a Sociology concentrator, you will be encouraged to add a real world perspective to your classroom studies by participating in Project Community fieldwork, conducting undergraduate research, facilitating intergroup dialogues, or pursuing internship experiences.
Department of Sociology
3001 LS&A Building
734-764-7239
www.lsa.umich.edu/soc/
Newnan Advising Center
1255 Angell Hall
734-764-0332
www.lsa.umich.edu/advising
NEXT STEPS / RESOURCES
To begin connecting to professionals in fields that interest you, create your own LinkedIn account:
www.careercenter.umich.edu/article/getting-started-linkedin
To identify internships or job opportunities, visit Handshake: https://careercenter.umich.edu/article/handshake
On-campus jobs (work-study and non work-study jobs) are listed at:
https://studentemployment.umich.edu/JobX_Home.aspx
Maize Pages list hundreds of organizations for students to get involved in: http://studentorgs.umich.edu/maize
The Career Center
3200 Student Activities Building
734-764-7460
www.careercenter.umich.edu
www.facebook.com/careercenter.umich
http://twitter.com/careercenter
The Career Guide series was developed by the University of Michigan Career Center, Division of Student Affairs, in cooperation with the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. ©2011 Regents of the University of Michigan