As I've mentioned before in this blog, I earned a degree in Sociology - a Bachelor's of Science to be exact. While earning this degree as well as after I've graduated, I continue to come across misconceptions about Sociology. If you've ever wondered what it is or are looking into earning a Sociology degree yourself, pay attention.
My love for sociology began when I took a sociology course as an elective in high school. The ways in which the world started making sense was very fun to me. I think of myself as a fairly logical person and finally I was able to sort things out through this unique subject. Not to mention that the teacher I had for this class had a laid-back attitude that made the class that much more amazing.
Anyhow, everyone in that class understood what sociology was, considering we discussed it everyday. Outside of that though, there is much confusion. During college and after, I've been asked many times if I want to be a social worker. This is the common career associated with a sociology degree - at least in my experience. I've always responded with a, "No, but if I did I'd have to go get my Master's degree in Social Work." Yes, there is an entire separate degree. Not to mention that to be a Social Worker you have to pass a certification test of sorts once you receive your degree. On the other hand, I can be a case worker with my sociology degree which is similar to a social worker, but also quite different. How alike these positions are though depends on where you are working and what exactly is expected of you.
If I don't get the, "Do you want to be a social worker?" question, I get the, "Well, what can you do with a degree in Sociology?" This degree is not a technical degree. You have not trained to do something specific. It's not a teaching degree where all your really able to do is teach. A sociology degree is broad in that while you can't work in a laboratory with chemicals because you have no knowledge of that, you can do many, many things. You can create your own business (even though you weren't a business major) addressing social problems you see in your town, state, or country. You can do this because your Sociology degree not only teaches you how to spot social problems needing to be addressed, but also how to address them. It also teaches you how to deal with people so you are sure to have some great people skills.
I also feel I'm well equipped to be a mother, when the time comes, an office aid, a data entry clerk, a customer service representative, a librarian - really, just about anything I could possibly want that has anything to do with Sociology. I can write a book if I want!
I guess all I'm saying is that sociology is an interesting subject matter. It's the study of ourselves, the groups we're in, the nations and countries we've built, the families that surround us as well as what we are doing well, and what we're not doing so well. You can start with the study of the people around you and go practically any where you want.
I warn you though if you are considering getting this degree, think long and hard about what you truly want to do with your life and if you don't see this degree leading to that life, move on. I know I'll live my dreams, but I'm currently sitting here, having earned the degree, knowing that I have a long road ahead of me. Sociology degrees are not something employers seem to clamor for (though I personally think they should.) many job postings I come across right now generally don't ask for a degree even remotely associated with Sociology, or they ask for a degree in "social services." While my degree is in social services, very rarely have I found a job posting - that I'd be interested in, mind you - that specifically names Sociology as a degree that company would like their employer to have earned.
Currently I'm looking at about anything and everything job wise that I'd possibly be interested in, that's full-time and pays more than minimum wage - which if you're not aware is pretty low here in Kansas (then again, so is the standard of living.)
I hope, through this, you've learned a little something you didn't know, maybe you've even decided on a career path. If you got anything out of this, I'd appreciate if you let me know. (I'd also appreciate help on the job search - thanks!!)
~Where you are is always the perfect place to start~
Brandi
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