Stan Capela says one of the most important traits for sociologists to have
is flexibility. You need to be prepared to work anywhere.
"A sociologist is someone who is able to explain and understand the real
world. A good sociologist is someone who is a generalist who can apply what
they know to any setting," says Capela.
"For instance, after receiving my BA, I got a job as the assistant general
manager of...a factory made up of a large number of Italian and South American
women who were responsible for making bridal veils as well as communion crowns.
Great experience, and my sociology skills came in very handy."
Capela is currently the senior director of an information services company.
"I am responsible for conducting all research and planning activities, coordinating
training and overseeing several information systems."
Capela says where you work depends a lot on your particular field of interest
and your ability to sell yourself. "Sociologists can work in any environment.
The problem is they don't always know how to market themselves and show
the usefulness of their skills, and how it can be applied to a real work setting,"
he explains.
"Most sociologists who come out with a BA usually end up doing casework
and ultimately switch to the social work track. The future would be brighter
if the schools and the American Sociological Association would take the time
to educate students on how to market themselves."
Sociologist Jean Lock Kunz tends to agree. She is a research associate
at the Center for International Statistics. Her job responsibilities include
writing proposals, researching reports, analyzing data and communicating with
clients and the media. She says what you do with your degree and with your
career is really up to you.
"Like many arts degrees, sociology equips you with the tools of analytical
thinking, organization and communications. What you do with the degree is
your choice."
The day-to-day job duties a sociologist performs can vary greatly. A lot
depends on your area of research. Kunz says that for the most part, duties
common to many fields include data gathering, data analysis, report writing,
policy analysis and teaching.
She says it also depends on what type of sociology you're involved
in. "There is the difference between quantitative and qualitative sociology.
The former focuses more on large survey databases and statistical analysis,
while the latter prefers person-to-person interviews and field studies."
As far as work hours are concerned, Kunz says it just depends on what you
do. "For myself, I often have eight- to 10-hour workdays and put in some extra
time on weekends when there is a deadline."
As far as Capela is concerned, there will always be work for sociologists.
"With the emphasis on performance indicators and outcome measures, there will
be an increasing need to explain in clear terms very sophisticated statistical
techniques."
For anyone just starting out in a sociology career, Capela has this piece
of advice: "Learn how to communicate both verbally and in written
form in a way that can be understood by a director within 30 seconds or less.
Also, know how to market your skills."