First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from Indiana University Bloomington 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 11 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 49%, Sociology graduates from Indiana University Bloomington have a much lower likelihood (-18%) 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, 54% 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:
Relevance score: 48%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from Indiana University Bloomington with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONFamily Case ManagerIndiana Department Of Child Services Sep 2013 - Jun 2016 Family Case Manager Indiana Department Of Child Services Jun 2016 - Jul 2017 IT Operations Support for the Management Information Center Vincennes University Jan 2018 - Jul 2020 Administrative Assistant U.S. Department of Labor Jul 2020 - Nov 2022 Security Assistant NSA Crane Nov 2022 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When you look at the jobs that people with a sociology degree from Indiana University Bloomington have landed, a mixed bag emerges. A substantial number have gone into roles that seem to steer clear of sociology’s core concepts, like administrative positions or sales jobs. For instance, roles such as Office Manager or Sales Executive appear mainly administrative or sales-focused, with little connection to the sociological skills one might expect to gain from their studies. Even in fields like physical therapy, while there’s a nod to social dynamics in patient care, the primary expertise required is in physical health rather than sociology itself.
On the flip side, there are notable exceptions where sociology graduates have found roles that directly engage with their field of study. Positions like Family Case Manager at the Indiana Department of Child Services, or even Legal Clerks working on immigration law, show a strong relevance to sociology, utilizing skills such as understanding family dynamics and societal structures. Moreover, roles in counseling and behavioral health also indicate a solid application of sociological principles. Overall, while a good number of jobs aren’t directly relevant to sociology, graduates have successfully channeled their knowledge into specific fields that benefit from a sociological perspective, particularly in social services and law. So, yeah, it really varies from person to person and job to job!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Sociology graduates (this is across all Sociology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Indiana University Bloomington):
Looking at the career trajectories of Sociology graduates from Indiana University Bloomington, you can see a mix of paths that range from directly related fields to those that are more of a stretch from what you might expect with a Sociology degree. For many graduates, their first jobs tend to be quite varied, often leaning towards administrative support, sales, or roles in social services. For example, some landed roles like Family Case Manager or sales positions right after graduation, while others started in completely different fields such as physical therapy or restaurant management. This variety suggests that while some found jobs that tapped directly into their Sociology training, many took roles in different areas that might not be directly tied to their degree right off the bat.
After about five to ten years, however, the picture starts to clarify a bit more. A number of graduates shift into more specialized roles that leverage their Sociology background, often pivoting towards areas like marketing, law, or even healthcare. For instance, we see individuals transitioning to positions like Associate Attorney or even owning their own businesses, which speaks to the entrepreneurial spirit that a Sociology degree can foster. Others maintained a focus on social services or education, reflecting a continued commitment to working in fields where understanding societal dynamics is key. Overall, while some graduates may have taken varied paths initially, many eventually find their way into careers that align more closely with their Sociology studies, showcasing both flexibility and the diverse applications of a Sociology education. It’s not unusual to see that the degree opens doors in a variety of fields, but the real connection often develops over time as people establish their interests and expertise.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at Indiana University Bloomington, like many other places, has its challenges, but it’s generally considered a manageable path for most students. The coursework can get pretty interesting, diving into social behavior, culture, and relationships, and while some classes might have heavy readings or require critical thinking and analysis, it’s not usually more difficult than average compared to other liberal arts majors. If you’re someone who enjoys engaging with social issues and can handle writing papers and participating in discussions, you’ll likely find it to be a fulfilling experience that’s not overly stressful. Just keep up with the assignments, and you should be fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.
Looking at these Sociology grads from Indiana University Bloomington, it seems like they've had a pretty mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some of them have climbed the ladder into higher-paying roles, especially those who moved into fields like physical therapy or law, where salaries can be pretty solid. However, others seem to be in jobs that likely pay more on the lower end of the scale, like servers or administrative roles. Plus, with various grads bouncing around in different jobs over the years, it appears some may have taken longer to find a well-paying position or have opted to start their own businesses, which can be a gamble financially. Overall, it looks like while some are making decent money, others might still be working their way up the income ladder.
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 is across all Sociology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Indiana University Bloomington). 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: