Employers agree—the skills and knowledge sociology graduates possess are critical in the contemporary workplace.
When responding to the National Association of Colleges and Employers’ (NACE) Job Outlook 2024 survey, employers identified problem-solving skills, written and verbal communication skills, analytical/quantitative skills, and the ability to work in a team as among the top ten attributes they seek when hiring new employees. But employers also report that it is difficult to find college graduates with these skills.
Each year, thousands of new sociology graduates bring those vital skills (and many other skills) to the workplace.
CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING: Sociology graduates can analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and develop evidence-based solutions. This skill set is invaluable in addressing both workplace-specific challenges and broader societal issues.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Sociology majors can articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively in writing and verbally. This proficiency is indispensable in conveying ideas; advocating on behalf of a company, organization, or product; and fostering understanding in diverse work settings.
RESEARCH AND DATA ANALYSIS: Students of sociology gain a foundation in research and data analysis that equips them to collect and analyze data, and then to communicate their findings internally and externally.
CULTURAL COMPETENCE: Sociology students explore diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, which enables them to engage effectively with individuals and communities from various backgrounds. This competency is especially important for internal teamwork, but also for engaging diverse audiences.
What Former Sociology Students Say About the Value of Their Education in the Workplace
Sociology graduates work in all employment sectors—nonprofit, private, and public. They hold various kinds of jobs, including policy analyst, social services professional, market researcher, nonprofit advocate, fundraiser, trainer, writer, project manager, teacher—and far too many others to list here. Regardless of their position, their employers highly value the knowledge, skills, and perspectives sociology graduates bring to the job.
“My sociology degree laid the foundation for a successful marketing career. While I have a BS in sociology, I have a minor in marketing and knew that I couldn’t market anything to anyone without deeply understanding human behavior. Understanding the way people think, cultural nuances, and how family dynamics impact education and buying behavior is the only reason I can create successful marketing campaigns. …”
– Patricia Diaz, Agency Owner, Loudmouth Marketing
“As a business professional with a background in sociology, I have found that my education has been a key factor in my success when it comes to improving operational efficiencies.”
– Nicole Jones, Growth Operations Technical Specialist, Prosci
“From fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills to enhancing research abilities and facilitating effective communication and collaboration, sociology has provided me with a unique perspective and skill set that have been instrumental in my success as a facilities operations data systems manager.”
– Kimberly Kelley, Facilities Operations Data Systems Manager, Epic Systems
“My background in sociology has allowed me to employ the “sociologist’s eye” to the care of patients (i.e., to better understanding their social, economic, and cultural contexts), and has led me to conduct research in public health and health policy to better elucidate the institutions and social forces at play in the lives of patients.”
– DJ Smithers, Internal Medicine Resident, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
If you are hiring this year, tap into the knowledge and skills you are seeking by considering sociology graduates for your openings. Having sociology graduates on your staff could help you transform your team and build on your current success.
