Graduate careers advice: you and your sociology degree

Graduate careers advice on what you can do with your sociology degree.

Related jobs include:

• Actuary
• Community welfare officer
• Community worker/community development worker
• Counsellor
• Fundraising manager
• Housing manager/officer
• Human resources manager
• Probation and welfare officer
• Social worker
• Statistician
• Youth Worker

Work experience

The practical skills developed while undertaking work experience are sought after by employers.

While studying, seek out a part-time or voluntary role. The latter can be found in schools, community education and social-work departments or with groups devoted to helping the homeless, young people or victims of crime.

Consider the specific area you wish to pursue and try to tailor your work experience to specific employers. Visit the website of the Sociological Association of Ireland (SAI) for more help on narrowing your focus.

After completing your degree, a short term position in an introductory or temporary role with a relevant employer may be worth taking up as it will give you invaluable practical experience. You may even be offered a full-time role should you impress your employer.

More information on work experience can be found here .

What sectors?

Most sociology graduates will pursue careers in the social and welfare sectors, but a variety of jobs in both public and private sectors are available. Related employers include:

• Charities;
• Counselling providers;
• Education authorities;
• Higher education;
• Government agencies;
• The HSE.

Many opportunities for sociology graduates can be found in the civil service.

Your sociology CV

The skills a sociology degree provides include:

• an appreciation of the complexity of social situations;
• researching;
• analytical skills;
• the application of sociological theory to practical scenarios;
• reasoning;
• team-work;
• an awareness and insight into social, public and civic policy;
• time management.

Postgraduate study

Some career areas, such as counselling, community education, law, teaching and social work may require a vocational postgraduate qualification.

Should you wish to continue studying sociology or a related subject, you may choose to take a masters degree, which could be followed by a PhD.

More information on postgraduate courses can be found at our Further Study section.