First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from University of Michigan 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 56%, Sociology graduates from University of Michigan have a much lower likelihood (-11%) 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, 72% 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: 18%We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2011 from University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Sociology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONTax AccountantSchrotenboer Tax & Accounting Jan 2013 - Apr 2019 Shift Assistant Amazon Logistics Dec 2018 - Oct 2019 Shift Manager Amazon Logistics Nov 2019 - Apr 2020 Manager II Amazon Logistics Apr 2020 - Present ABOUTExperienced Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the Logistics & Supply Chain industry. Skilled in Tax Preparation, Data Analysis, Accounting, Supply Chain Management, and Logistics Management. Strong professional with a Bachelor of Arts - BA focused in Sociology from University of Michigan. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the job history of Sociology graduates from the University of Michigan, it’s clear that while some of these positions have a connection to the field, many do not directly utilize the skills or knowledge gained from a sociology degree. A significant number of graduates found themselves in roles like tax accounting, logistics management, or administrative jobs, which are primarily based in finance, operations, and customer service rather than sociological principles. Even when they engaged in roles that involve community or social interaction, like coaching or as a camp counselor, their primary responsibilities often leaned more towards general management or task execution rather than applying sociological theories or practices.
However, there were those who landed jobs more closely related to sociology, especially in education, social work, or community engagement sectors. Positions like Resident Assistant, Clinical Social Work Intern, and various roles in educational outreach demonstrate a direct application of sociological concepts and an understanding of social dynamics. So, while it's a mixed bag overall, many graduates ended up in fields where sociology could inform their work, even if indirectly. It really highlights that a sociology degree may open doors to diverse roles, but not all of them maintain a strong link to the core principles of the field.
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 Michigan):
So, looking at the career paths of University of Michigan Sociology graduates, it's a bit of a mixed bag. Right after graduating, many of them tend to land in roles that might not seem directly linked to their degree. For instance, some have taken jobs like tax accountants or working in logistics, which are far from the core sociological fields. A good number have also ventured into positions related to education and social services, which align more with sociology principles, but many of these roles are entry-level or part-time internships.
Fast forward five to ten years, and you see a mix of outcomes. Some graduates manage to climb the ladder, moving into managerial roles or even starting their own businesses—like the founder of a consulting firm we saw. Others, however, have drifted into jobs that don't really leverage their sociology education, such as sales consulting or various administrative roles. There are a few who are in meaningful positions related to social work, education, and public policy, but overall, there's a tendency for these grads to take on a diverse range of roles that don’t always reflect their studies. So while some do manage to find impactful careers, many seem to take a winding path that might not fully utilize their sociology background. It's a reminder that a degree offers a lot of flexibility but isn't a guarantee of a specific career trajectory!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology can be a pretty mixed bag, even at a school as respected as the University of Michigan. It's not super easy, but it's also not the toughest out there. You'll dive into a lot of interesting concepts about society, culture, and human behavior, which can be pretty engaging if you're into that stuff. The workload usually involves reading, writing papers, and maybe some research projects, so if you enjoy writing and are willing to keep up with the material, it can feel manageable. Just keep in mind that like any degree, it will have its challenges, especially when you hit those upper-level classes where theory gets a bit more complex. Overall, if you stay organized and engage with the content, it’s definitely doable!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.
Looking at the job histories of these Sociology graduates from the University of Michigan, it seems like they've taken on a mix of roles, some of which likely pay decently while others are more entry-level or part-time gigs. The graduate who moved up to a Manager II position at Amazon Logistics probably makes a solid salary, and roles in healthcare, real estate, and legal fields often have good earning potential as well, especially as they gain experience. However, many of the other positions, like camp counselor, tutor, or even the various assistant roles, are typically lower-paying. Overall, it looks like some of them have carved out paths to decent earnings, but others might still be working their way up the financial 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 University of Michigan). 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: