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First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from University of Wisconsin-Madison 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 13 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 64%, Sociology graduates from University of Wisconsin-Madison have a slightly lower likelihood (-3%) 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, 38% 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: 0% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2019 from University of Wisconsin-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Sociology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONMusic Producer Self-employed Jun 2020 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After checking out the career paths of folks who got their Sociology degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, it looks like there’s a real mix. Many graduated and ended up in jobs that don’t directly align with sociology, like insurance assistants or customer service reps. Those roles mainly focus on admin tasks and dealing with customers, which don’t really require the detailed social analysis skills you’d pick up in a sociology program. Even in positions related to staffing or development, while there might be some indirect connections to sociology—like understanding social dynamics or community engagement—they often don't focus explicitly on sociology principles.
However, there are definitely exceptions! Some graduates moved into jobs that flaunt their sociology backgrounds, like Crisis Counselors or Research Associates, where understanding social behavior is crucial. Positions in community services, health, and education, like the Youth Shelter Counselor or the Social Work Intern, provide real opportunities to apply sociological concepts effectively. So, while a significant chunk of these graduates strayed into unrelated fields, quite a few managed to find their way into roles where their sociology knowledge was not just useful but essential. It's a real mixed bag overall, showing that sociology can take you in many directions, both related and unrelated to the core concepts 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 Wisconsin-Madison):
When we look at the career trajectories of Sociology graduates from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, it's a bit of a mixed bag, but there are some common themes. For many, the first jobs after graduation tend to be in customer service, administrative positions, or entry-level roles in health or HR. For instance, one graduate took an insurance assistant position right out of college, while another started as a guest service agent at a hotel. These roles can sometimes feel a bit like a stretch from the core of what you learned in sociology, but they often help build important skills like communication and organization that can be useful in future positions.
Fast forward five to ten years later, and you see a significant shift for many of these graduates. A lot of them have moved into managerial roles or specialized positions within organizations, often still related to healthcare, HR, or community services. For example, one graduate who started as a staffing coordinator eventually became a director of staffing operations, showcasing a clear upward trajectory. Others have found their niche in advocacy or counseling roles, such as crisis counseling or working in public health settings. While some paths may seem a bit disconnected from sociology, many graduates ultimately find their way into impactful careers that leverage their understanding of social dynamics and human behavior, which is really what sociology is all about. So, if you're considering sociology, know that while the first job might not be your dream job, there's potential for meaningful work in the future!
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at a place like the University of Wisconsin-Madison isn’t super easy, but it’s not the hardest thing out there either. You’ll definitely dive into some thought-provoking topics and theories about society, culture, and human behavior, which can be really interesting but also requires some critical thinking. There are a fair amount of readings and assignments, and some classes might involve research projects or presentations that can feel a bit intense. Overall, I'd say it's pretty average in terms of difficulty when compared to other majors—it has its challenging moments, but if you stay engaged and passionate about learning, you can totally handle it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.
Okay, so looking at these Sociology grads from UW-Madison and their jobs, it kind of seems like some of them are doing pretty well, while others might be just scratching by. For instance, the ones who landed roles like Director of Staffing Operations and Associate Director at Emory University probably have decent salaries—like, maybe even around six figures if they’ve been promoted over the years. On the flip side, those who ended up in more entry-level positions or roles in non-profits and education might not be pulling in a ton of cash, especially if they’re juggling multiple part-time gigs. Overall, it looks like they have a mix of success, with some likely making good money and others possibly still working their way up the ladder. So, if you’re thinking of a Sociology degree, just keep in mind that career paths can vary a lot!
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 Wisconsin-Madison). 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:
