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5.2: Job Hunting

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    44443
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    Since sociology is a broad field with diverse areas of interests, clientele, and conditions, you will not find a blanket job announcement seeking as a sociological practitioner or stating, “Sociologist Wanted.” Instead, you will need to read and search for work by examining the job description and qualifications in vacancy announcements. Search for jobs in a variety of fields related to your interests and skill level (Steele and Price 2008). This means job hunting will require time and attention to detail to find employment opportunities and job titles that meet your knowledge, abilities, interests, and social conditions you wish to address in your career.

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    This image "Abstract Blackboard Bulb Chalk" by Pixabay is licensed under CC BY 4.0

    As a Sociologist, there are varieties of employment opportunities in private, public, and non-profit organizations. The type of job you qualify for will depend on the level of college degree you obtain as well as the knowledge, skills, and competencies you possess. Try to cast a wide net when looking for work. The right job for you may not have the title you expect. For example, let us imagine you are looking for work to improve educational programs and services for foster youth. Many private, public, and non-profit organizations work and serve foster youth, so you will need to research which ones are located in the community you want to work in, and then you will need to search for vacancies in the organizations you find. You may be surprised to find jobs that match your interest with titles such as program coordinator, program monitor, or analyst. Many times organizations use generic titles because the role and responsibilities of a position are wide-ranging and

    comprehensive like one working to improve educational programs and services for foster youth. Do not be discouraged because the employment opportunities you find available do not come with a fancy job title. As a Sociologist, your work and the contributions you make to improving people’s lives is what is most important.

    Marketing Yourself

    In preparation for work, one of your first tasks will be to develop a resumé. A resumé is a written document of your education, credentials, work experience, and accomplishments. Identify your credentials including degrees and certificates earned. Also, list your work experience including unpaid or volunteer work. The key to creating an effective resumé is the ability to articulate your accomplishments into skills and abilities. It is more important to state your role and describe your talents and proficiencies while volunteering at a local food pantry than stating you served food. In other words, explain what skills and competencies you used to serve food. For example, “While working at the community food pantry, I was responsible for 1) loading and unloading food to maintain inventory, 2) sorting and packaging food items to ensure safe handling and appropriate nutritional values per serving, 3) checking expiration dates for safe consumption, 4) discarding expired food items in accordance with health department regulations and protocols, 5) helping customers complete liability forms and answering customer questions and 6) maintaining a clean and sanitary service area.”

    clipboard_e945e2edb9978e11fd4a7b2fe2508a298.png
    This image "Food Chef Kitchen Soup" by Timur Saglambilek is licensed under CC BY 4.0

    When seeking employment as a Sociological Practitioner, you will need to showcase your knowledge and skills in a professional resumé. Only in academia will you find a job announcement for a Sociologist. Employment opportunities fit for your sociologically training are typically classified under titles such as eligibility worker, case manager, job developer, grant writer, program monitor, project coordinator, etc. In your professional resumé, you will need to demonstrate how your knowledge and skills fit the position advertised.

    For this application, develop a professional resumé using a template or format highlighting your qualifications. Resumé templates and formatting ideas are available in Microsoft Word or online by conducting an Internet search. In your resumé, include your education, work experience (including unpaid and volunteer work), skills, and references. In your skills section, do not forget to include the abilities, talents, and competencies you developed in your college courses (i.e., unobtrusive observations, survey development, survey administration, interviewing techniques, table and graph development using Google and Microsoft software, technical writing, presentations, etc.).

    When looking for work in sociological practice, emphasize your aptitude in research methods, statistics, and knowledge of diverse groups. If you have work or volunteer experience related to these competencies, delineate them in the section where you describe the job. If your only experience with research methods, statistics, and diverse groups is in the classroom, you might consider creating a section on your resumé for specialized skills to inform potential employers of your talents even for those developed as part of your academic training or other technical preparation.

    Anyone preparing for a professional career should develop a portfolio for potential employers displaying their work. A portfolio highlights your accomplishments, skills, and potential. The portfolio is a visual example of your academic and professional work that may include reports, papers, projects, artwork, presentations, or other samples as appropriate for the job you seek. A professional portfolio with specific examples demonstrating your sociological skills and abilities will give you a competitive edge and show employers the talents you will bring to the organization and its clientele.

    1. Gather samples of your best academic work (e.g., papers, projects, presentations, etc.) to include in a portfolio.
    2. Add any certificates or awards and degrees you have received. Include photographs highlighting your work or contributions you have made to the community.
    3. Write a one page biographical sketch with career goals and interests to include as the opening page of your portfolio.

    5.2: Job Hunting is shared under a not declared license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

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