Sociology Careers

As noted by the Canadian Sociological Association, few job titles say "sociologist." But many lawyers, businesspeople, and government workers (among others) have their first degree in sociology, combined with a professional degree in their field of choice.  

At StFX, we pride ourselves on preparing our students for a rewarding career in a wide variety of occupations by developing essential skills, such as:  

  • The ability to reason and think critically.  
  • The ability to see issues from different perspectives.  
  • An appreciation of how context and meaning matter.  

Why are those skills important? The Conference Board of Canada's report, "The Future is Social and Emotional,"  suggest that these are the six skills needed for the 21st-century workplace:  

  • Communication  
  • Problem-solving  
  • Leadership  
  • Collaboration  
  • Resiliency  
  • Cultural competence  

With a degree in sociology from StFX, you'll get practical experience in all six.

Resources

The following list of potential careers is from Opportunities in Sociology. 

Business 

  • actuary 
  • administrative assistant 
  • advertising officer 
  • computer analyst 
  • consumer relations 
  • data entry manager 
  • human resources specialist  
  • insurance agent 
  • journalist 
  • labour relations officer 
  • market analyst 
  • merchandiser/purchaser 
  • personnel officer 
  • production manager 
  • project manager 
  • public relations officer 
  • publishing officer 
  • quality control manager 
  • real estate agent 
  • sales manager 
  • sales representative 
  • technical writing 

Community Affairs

  • addictions counselling 
  • adoption counselling 
  • caseworker 
  • child development 
  • community organizer 
  • environmental organizer 
  • family planning 
  • fundraising 
  • gerontologist 
  • group home programmer 
  • health outreach work 
  • homeless/housing worker 
  • hospital administration 
  • housing coordinator 
  • marriage/family counselling 
  • occupational/career counsellor 
  • public health worker 
  • rehabilitation work 
  • residential planning 
  • social assistance advocate 
  • welfare counselling 
  • youth outreach 

Government 

  • affirmative action work 
  • community affairs 
  • development aide 
  • foreign service work 
  • human rights officer 
  • information officer 
  • legislative assistant 
  • personnel coordinator 
  • policy research 
  • urban/regional planner 

Social Research 

  • census officer/analyst 
  • consumer researcher 
  • data analyst 
  • demographer 
  • market researcher 
  • social research specialist 
  • survey researcher 
  • systems analyst 

Teaching/Education

  • admissions counsellor 
  • alumni relations 
  • continuing studies 
  • post-secondary recruitment 
  • public health educator 
  • records & registration 
  • school counselling 
  • student development 
  • teacher