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First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from University of Virginia 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 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 63%, Sociology graduates from University of Virginia have a slightly lower likelihood (-4%) 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, 68% 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: 56% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Sociology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssistant Manager Enterprise Rent-A-Car Jul 2014 - May 2016 Assistant Manager Towne Park Jun 2016 - Dec 2016 Personal Banker Wells Fargo Jan 2017 - Oct 2018 Customer Experience Specialist  Tesla Oct 2018 - May 2019 Tesla Advisor Tesla May 2019 - Aug 2019 Sales and Marketing Lead VCU Innovation Gateway Aug 2019 - Aug 2020 Graduate Assistant  Virginia Commonwealth University Aug 2020 - Aug 2022 Teacher Richmond Public Schools Feb 2021 - Aug 2023 Dean of Academics Maya Angelou Schools/See Forever Foundation Aug 2023 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Business Administration - MBAVirginia Commonwealth University - School of Business 2017 - 2019 Doctor of Education - EdD Virginia Commonwealth University 2020 - 2023 ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Looking at the career paths of Sociology graduates from the University of Virginia, it seems like many of them gravitated towards education-related roles, particularly in teaching. A significant number of graduates have spent time in teaching positions, either through programs like Teach For America or in other academic settings, where they've applied their sociological insights to enhance learning and understand student dynamics. Other relevant roles include various positions within nonprofit organizations and community engagement settings, which also align with the sociological themes of social dynamics and community support.
However, not all jobs held by Sociology graduates have been strictly related to their field of study. Several individuals have moved into roles in marketing, management, and other corporate sectors where the connection to sociology is more indirect or generalized. While these roles may occasionally utilize sociological concepts—like understanding customer behavior or group interactions—they don’t always leverage the specific knowledge or skills learned through a Sociology degree. Overall, while many graduates found positions that are closely related to their training, a significant number diversified into areas that are less directly linked, showcasing a range of career possibilities for those with a Sociology background.
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 Virginia):
The career trajectories for Sociology graduates from the University of Virginia show a mix of paths, particularly leaning towards education and community service roles early on. Many grads kick-start their careers with positions that emphasize teaching and support, especially with organizations like Teach For America. Roles such as preschool and kindergarten teachers provide a direct application of sociological principles, highlighting how social environments affect education. As they gain experience, these individuals often transition into more specialized roles within educational or nonprofit organizations, focusing on program management and diversity initiatives. By around the 5 to 10-year mark, a significant portion of them have moved into leadership and managerial positions, reinforcing their commitment to social equity and community improvement.
However, not all graduates follow this path. Some end up in quite unrelated fields, including retail, banking, and restaurant management. While these roles can build valuable skills, they may not utilize the sociological training that many of these grads invested time and money in during college. Additionally, there are individuals in more niche areas, like digital marketing and healthcare, who sometimes connect their work back to their sociology background in unique ways. Overall, while there are certainly successful stories that demonstrate how a Sociology degree can lead to fulfilling careers, there are also many instances of graduates taking jobs that stray from their field of study, which might leave some feeling disconnected from their academic roots. So, it’s a mixed bag, but the focus on education and community engagement is definitely prominent among many graduates.
A Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at the University of Virginia, like many programs, can be a bit of a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. Generally, sociology is often seen as a more accessible major compared to hard sciences or engineering, since it focuses a lot on theories, research, and understanding human behavior. You’ll have to write papers, engage in discussions, and sometimes dig into statistical methods, but many students find the topics pretty relatable and interesting. That said, UVA is a competitive school, and you’ll still need to put in the effort to keep up with your peers. So overall, it’s not the easiest degree out there, but it’s definitely manageable if you’re curious about the social world around you!
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 history of these Sociology graduates from the University of Virginia, you can see a pretty diverse range of career paths, but overall it seems like many are still figuring things out. Some positions, especially in education and entry-level roles, might not pay as well initially, like those teaching at charter schools or working as program assistants. On the flip side, roles like Project Delivery Senior Analyst at Deloitte or in management positions at non-profits could definitely bring in a decent salary. So, while some graduates started off with jobs that likely didn’t pay a ton, others quickly moved up to more lucrative roles. Overall, it looks like they have the potential to make good money eventually, but it's a mixed bag depending on their specific career choices!
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 Virginia). 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:
