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First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 3822 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 58%, Sociology graduates have a lower likelihood (-9%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 39% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Sociology graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 50% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2022 from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Arts - Sociology in Sociology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSubstitute Teacher RED BLUFF UNION ELEM SCHOOL DISTRICT Nov 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster's degreeConcordia University Irvine 2022 - 2024 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing numerous LinkedIn profiles of individuals who graduated with a degree in Sociology, a clear pattern emerges regarding the types of jobs these graduates typically secure. There are a few key sectors where sociology graduates often find employment, including education, social services, counseling, and advocacy roles. Many of these positions, such as case managers, social workers, and teachers, directly relate to the skills and knowledge acquired during their sociology studies, particularly in understanding social dynamics, human behavior, and community engagement.
Despite this clear relevance, it is also noteworthy that not all jobs held by sociology graduates directly utilize their sociological training. Numerous graduates have taken roles in fields such as sales, customer service, and administrative positions that do not require a deep understanding of sociological principles. For instance, jobs in retail management or various administrative roles may engage interpersonal skills developed during their education but do not apply core sociological concepts in significant ways. In contrast, positions such as school counselors, mental health professionals, and community outreach specialists demonstrate a high level of applicability of sociological knowledge daily.
Overall, while there is a significant portion of sociology graduates who occupy relevant and meaningful positions that draw directly from their education, a notable number also end up in roles that, while beneficial, do not fully leverage their sociology background. It suggests the ongoing challenge many sociology graduates face in aligning their career paths with their educational training, highlighting the need for further guidance and awareness about how their skills can be applied across various industries.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Sociology graduates:
The career trajectories of graduates with a degree in Sociology exhibit a wide range of outcomes, with a mix of both successful and not-so-prominent paths. From analyzing the various job titles and career paths of these individuals, it becomes clear that many start in positions that are significantly aligned with their educational background, especially during the initial years after graduation. For instance, many graduates take up roles such as case managers, social workers, or counselors immediately following graduation, suggesting a strong willingness and readiness to engage in professions that directly use their Sociology skills, like understanding social behaviors, advocating for vulnerable populations, and working within community systems. This alignment is promising, as it indicates that a Sociology degree provides a valuable foundation for actionable roles in society.
However, as we look five to ten years later, the picture becomes more varied. While some graduates remain in relevant fields—like education, healthcare, or social services—many transition into roles that may seem less connected to Sociology. These include positions in sales, administrative roles, or even entirely different sectors such as technology or marketing. While these transitions can represent personal or professional growth for some, they can also reflect a reality where individuals may not find lucrative opportunities within their fields of study, leading them to pivot toward what’s more available or profitable. The broad spectrum of job types suggests that, while the Sociology degree opens many doors, the ultimate career paths might not always stay close to the essence of Sociology.
Upon closer inspection, there are also many examples of graduates who have undertaken long internships or entry-level positions in social work, legal assistance, and counseling immediately after graduation, which then can lead to more senior roles in the same areas or in related fields over time. For example, many who initially worked in case management have moved up to roles like Program Director or Senior Analyst, indicating that dedication to a field can result in significant advancement opportunities. Those with early exposure to jobs in social settings often remain committed to using their Sociology-driven skills, indicating a robust initial influence of their academic training.
In summary, a Sociology degree seems to primarily launch graduates into related fields at the start of their careers, predominantly in social services and public health areas. As they progress, though, the landscape diversifies, leading some individuals away from direct applications of Sociology while enabling others to grow and secure impactful roles in the domain. The diverse paths post-graduation can thus be seen as indicative of both the flexibility of a Sociology degree and the realities of job markets, where many may need to adapt to survive and thrive.
A Bachelor’s degree in Sociology can be pretty manageable for most students, especially if you enjoy discussing social issues and concepts. It generally involves a mix of reading, writing papers, and participating in discussions, so if you’re someone who likes to engage with people and ideas, you might find it easier than other, more technical majors like engineering or chemistry. However, it can still be challenging if you struggle with writing or if the theory-heavy courses start to feel overwhelming. Overall, it tends to sit somewhere around average in difficulty, but it really depends on your interests and strengths!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.
Analyzing the job trajectories of these Sociology graduates, it becomes clear that their earnings vary quite a bit based on their experience and job types. Some have taken roles in traditionally lower-paying industries, like educators or social work, which might not yield high salaries early on. For example, graduates in teaching and nonprofit sectors often start with salaries in the mid-30s to low-50s, which is decent for entry-level positions, but won’t make them rich. Others, especially those who have moved into management or specialized roles, such as in tech or legal fields, likely command salaries upwards of 70k, significantly boosting their financial standing over time.
In hindsight, it looks like some of these graduates have positioned themselves for decent financial success, especially those progressing into managerial or specialized roles. However, many are still working in entry-level or support positions, impacting their financial growth. Overall, there’s a mix of financial outcomes here, but those leveraging their degrees into high-demand fields tend to fare significantly better than those sticking with lower-paying paths.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Sociology. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Sociology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Sociology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
