How to become A Sociologist

Some view sociology as any other science that unearths the hidden; most define it as the study of human interactions and institutions, while a few focus on its abstract nature. However one looks at it, a Sociologist belongs to a group of unique social scientists who lend their expertise and research to improve human well-being and prosperity. They examine human behaviour in isolation or social groups, cultures and organisations.

• Social Scientist 
• Behavioural Scientist

What do Sociologists do?

A Sociologist would typically need to:

• Design and conduct new research projects relevant to social issues such as crime, gender, poverty and ageing to develop and test social theories
• Further specific knowledge and use it to enhance the lives of the target groups
• Collect data regarding people’s behaviours, attitudes and values as part of a group, using surveys, interviews and observations
• Source project participants that fit your niche
• Analyse and interpret data; draw reliable conclusions using relevant techniques to enhance understanding of human behaviour
• Evaluate existing modes of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews; develop and implement new ones
• Monitor the work of statisticians, statistical clerks and other professionals who manage data
• Draft reports, write articles or make presentations detailing your research findings
• Offer evidence-based policy recommendations and approaches to resolve group issues based on research by you or your colleagues
• Teach sociology in educational institutions
• Collaborate with and counsel other social scientists, policymakers, researchers, and other individuals and groups on sociological issues

Sociologists typically work at their desks in offices, researching, analysing data and writing reports.

Occasional travel to meet colleagues, conduct field research and observational studies, conduct interviews, attend conferences, or present research results.

Most Sociologists work full time, from 9 a.m to 5 p.m, Monday to Friday. 

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Sociologists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Sociologists are generally employed by:

• Law Firms
• Media Houses
• Social & Market Research Organisations
• Government Agencies
• Educational Institutions
• Charitable Trusts
• Marketing & PR Firms
• Charitable Organisations
• Counselling Services
• Police & Probation Services

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Sociological Association (ISA), are crucial for Sociologists interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• Finding people willing to fill in detailed surveys
• Difficulty in entering a career with high barriers to entry
• Developing and using skills that are not learned in the classroom
• Difficulty in balancing multiple roles while conducting research

Any academic program that a potential Sociologist takes up typically requires a period of supervised experience, such as an internship. Most Sociology programs offer industry-based experiences via internships or volunteer work. These opportunities allow students to apply their academic knowledge in a real-life professional setting.

Opt for opportunities to work as an assistant to research Sociologists to understand the career better. Volunteer your services to local schools, community education and social work or specific groups, such as teenagers, the homeless or victims of crime. While doing your master’s degree program, you may even be allowed to conduct interviews for a marketing company.

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts working in Sociologists to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Aspiring Sociologists require a master’s degree or a PhD in any specialisation within the discipline of sociology. There are two master’s degree pathways, one that prepares students for a PhD and another that fosters applied, clinical and professional competency. You will require a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in any relevant subject, such as sociology, psychology, pedagogy, educational science, biology or communication science, to gain entry into a master’s program. A major in sociology would teach you about social problems, statistics and appropriate research methods.

Aspiring Sociologists should consider statistics, economics, English, psychology and sociology in high school and college.

Certification demonstrates a Sociologist’s competence in a skill set, typically through work experience, training, and passing an examination. Acquiring voluntary professional certification as a practitioner or a clinical Sociologist provides you with accreditation of your background, current practice, attitudes, ethics and skills. Applicants for certification require a master’s or a PhD degree and referrals from reliable sources.

When acquired from an objective and reputed organisation, certification can help you stand out in a competitive job market, carry a significant salary premium of up to 18 per cent, increase your chances of advancement, and allow you to become an independent consultant. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics.

Individual government entities conduct the licensing process. It typically requires the passage of an examination in addition to the fulfilment of eligibility requirements, such as a minimum level of education, work experience, training, or the completion of an apprenticeship.

Performance, experience, and the acquisition of professional qualifications drive career progression. Employees with consistently high levels of performance may be eligible for promotion every two to three years. 

Advancement in Sociologists may advance in their field by choosing an area within which to specialise. You may share your research results through articles and books. You may even author a bestseller on your subject.

Sociologists may occupy positions as Supervisors in government or private agencies. Some may go on to become Professors or Directors of Research or Administrators in universities. You may also find opportunities outside research such as becoming Guidance Counselors, Human Resource Representatives, Lawyers, Management Consultants, or Market Research/Policy Analysts. Other career options include becoming a Media Planner, Public Relations Officer, Social Worker, Demographer, or Survey Researcher.

Candidates with a PhD, expert statistical and research skills, and training, qualifications or experience in applied sociology have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help an active Sociologist build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, a professional activity, formal education, or self-directed learning. It allows you to upskill continually, regardless of your age, job, or level of knowledge.

Interact with leading academics, practitioners and trainers and continue reading and studying to remain updated on emerging trends within your professional realm. Many organisations offer innovative, valuable and reflective courses coupled with cutting-edge evidence to help Sociologists fulfil their learning needs throughout their careers. 

Areas of Sociology

Sociologists analyse society by breaking down the field into the four separate areas of microsociology, macrosociology, mesosociology, and global sociology.

Microsociology studies human social interactions on a small scale, such as women’s role in society, the nature of family and immigration. Microsociologists ask focused questions to explore the lives of relatively small groups using individual interviews, focus groups and ethnographic observation. They may even live with the communities they study and become part of their lives to understand them better.

Macrosociology studies large-scale human social interactions and social phenomena, thereby encompassing nearly all of human society and history. It deals with social revolutions, war, poverty, the plight of Third World nations, and the environment. On an even broader scale, it studies the rise and decline of civilisations and modern nation-states and tracks social, political, economic, and cultural changes and reforms.

Mesosociology studies intermediate social aspects, including income, age, gender, race, ethnicity, organisations and geographical communities. The population size of a community or an organisation falls between micro and macro levels. Some communities, such as police forces, are also instruments of social control.

Global sociology studies the economic, cultural, social and political aspects of societies and the interconnectedness between countries, areas, communities and isolated places due to globalisation. 

According to Sociologists, expectation confirmation refers to the tendency of people to seek information that confirms their existing beliefs and ignore what contradicts them. 

With growing globalisation and cultural diffusion, Sociologists can offer interesting insights into human behaviour and its give-and-take relationship with society, whereby each influences the other. Most importantly, Sociologists aim to help individuals and groups by serving the cause of freedom for all.

Objectivity is critical to succeeding as a Sociologist. Remember not to carry any personal biases into your work.