First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from University of California, Riverside 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 53 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? On par with the average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 67%, Sociology graduates from University of California, Riverside have about the same likelihood of finding work in this field as 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, 35% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), which is right in line with the average across all fields.
See the details:
Relevance score: 33%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from University of California, Riverside with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Sociology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONStudent ResearcherUniversity of California, Riverside Jun 2021 - Oct 2021 Barista Condron Coffee Oct 2021 - Feb 2023 Certificated Substitute Teacher RIVERSIDE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Aug 2022 - Jan 2024 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When we take a look at the jobs that people with a Sociology degree from the University of California, Riverside have landed, it's pretty interesting to see the variety and how often their roles actually tie back to what they learned in school. From the profiles analyzed, two main categories seem to stand out: those in social work and related fields, and those in more corporate or administrative roles. A lot of the people ended up as social workers, case managers, and in roles related to mental health and community service, which makes sense since these positions require a deep understanding of social dynamics and human behavior — core elements of any sociology program.
However, not every job held by sociology graduates relates closely to their education. Many pursued roles that seem pretty far removed from the core topics of sociology, like project coordinators or assistant roles in business and logistics. These positions don't seem to demand a sociological background as much, focusing more on administrative or technical skills. For instance, roles like a Business Solutions Associate or various administrative jobs were noted, which primarily involve tasks that don't rely heavily on the sociological insights learned in school. The contrast is clear: while some graduates are using their degree to directly impact communities and social systems, others are finding themselves in jobs where their sociology background isn't utilized at all.
In the broader picture, it's clear that having a sociology degree can open doors to meaningful careers, especially in social work and mental health settings. Many students are making a tangible impact on individuals and communities, applying their knowledge of social structures, behaviors, and systems. But there’s a significant number who find themselves in roles unrelated or only tangentially related to their studies. This variety highlights the versatility of a sociology degree but also points to a gap where some graduates might seek more direct applications of their education in the job market.
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 University of California, Riverside):
Looking at the career trajectories of Sociology graduates from the University of California, Riverside, one thing stands out: there’s a mix of paths that these individuals have taken since finishing their studies. Right after graduation, many of them often start in roles that might not immediately scream "Sociology," like administrative positions, retail jobs, or even internships in various fields. For example, some graduates become receptionists, administrative assistants, or sales associates. These initial jobs might seem disconnected from their degree, but they often provide valuable experience and skills that can be useful later on.
As we look five or ten years down the road, the diversity in their career paths becomes more apparent. A significant number of graduates transition into roles that align more closely with their Sociology background, particularly in social work, counseling, and community services. For instance, many graduates find themselves working as social workers, case managers, or in various coordinator positions aimed at helping others. This shift likely indicates a growing interest in making an impact on society and leveraging their education to help address social issues.
However, it's also noteworthy that not every graduate follows a traditional Sociology path. Some end up in roles related to business or administration, like project coordinators or office managers, which might not directly relate to their degree. In some cases, there are graduates who seem to still be figuring things out, hopping between different fields, like a few who have experience in customer service or entry-level roles in various companies. This could suggest that while a Sociology degree equips students with critical thinking and analytical skills, it doesn’t always translate into a direct job path in the field they studied.
Overall, while there are certainly graduates who have successfully landed careers that relate closely to Sociology—like social workers and counselors—there’s a considerable number who have taken varied routes, some of which seem less relevant to their studies. It’s a mixed bag, really. The important takeaway is that a degree in Sociology can lead to meaningful and impactful careers, but it doesn’t always guarantee a straightforward path in that area right after graduation. Many may start in unrelated fields but gradually find their way toward careers where they can utilize their skills in social analysis and community engagement.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at UC Riverside isn’t typically considered super hard, especially compared to some other majors. You’ll delve into interesting topics about society, culture, and human behavior, which can be really engaging if you enjoy thinking critically about the world around you. The coursework usually involves a mix of reading, writing, and some research projects, so if you keep up with assignments and participate in class, you should do just fine. That said, like any degree, it can be challenging if you’re not into the material or if you procrastinate, but overall, many students find it to be a manageable and fulfilling experience. So, if you're curious about social issues and enjoy discussions, you might find it to be on the easier side of things!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.
When you look at the job paths of the Sociology graduates from UC Riverside, it seems like some have been able to find decent incomes, while others might still be figuring things out. Many of them have landed roles in areas like social work and project management, which can be pretty solid careers. For example, graduates who moved into project management roles at companies like 220 Laboratories and ENC – ElDorado National California Inc. likely saw their salaries improve as they progressed from coordinator positions to project managers. That's a clear indicator of growth and better pay over time!
On the flip side, there are also graduates who took on more entry-level jobs or roles in education and community services. Positions like substitute teaching or administrative roles might not pay as well, especially at the beginning of their careers. So, while some folks are moving up the ladder and earning good money, others are still in jobs that might be more about gaining experience than making bank. Overall, it’s a mixed bag, but there’s definitely potential for those who are willing to work their way up!
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 University of California, Riverside). 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: