Career prospects

As the world adapts to the post-pandemic landscape, the need for robust and reliable research to inform our social response is vital. Sociologists are becoming increasingly relied upon in all areas of public life; from government to big business, their unique and valuable insights are now essential as we navigate and construct the new normal in our society.

The knowledge gained throughout your degree will prepare you for a wide range of professions after graduation. You can even tailor your path of study to focus on the areas you find most interesting, whilst refining and enhancing your career prospects in the process.

A degree in sociology will prepare you for careers in fields such as:

• Police and probation services
• Local and central government
• Social and market research
• Charitable, counselling and voluntary organisations
• Public relations, journalism and communications
• Media and marketing
• Law firms and the criminal justice system
• Teaching and education
  

The job roles listed above are just a few examples of the opportunities that a degree from the Department can lead to. The skills you will develop will enable you to successfully transition into a wide range of potential career paths.

You may not realise it but sociologists have been integral to the government's pandemic response; their unique combination of skills has helped the government to understand society's response to the virus. A number of previous students from the Department have graduated into successful careers with notable research companies, many of whom will have undertaken research on behalf of the government, using their skills to help shape the policy response to the current crisis.

Though it is not just government who are becoming increasingly reliant upon the analytical skills of sociologists. Many employers are now having to adjust to the post-pandemic world and require the host of transferable and analytical skills that a degree in sociology will teach you. Communication, interpersonal awareness, problem-solving and critical thinking are just a few of the applicable skill sets you will develop during your time with us.

A degree in sociology will help you to develop:

• Appreciation and understanding of the diversity in society and social situations
• The ability to analyse a situation and build a reasoned argument
• The capacity to apply sociological theory to individual aspects of society such as the education or healthcare systems
• An aptitude for conducting research and evaluating complex information and data

Whilst the economic outlook remains uncertain, the jobs market looks set to become increasingly competitive. Specific sectors such as retail, hospitality and tourism, have taken a severe downturn in the wake of the pandemic, and many vocational career paths have been disrupted. As employers are adjusting to the rapidly changing environment, their need for skilled and adaptable employees with transferable skill sets has become more important than ever.

A degree in sociology will equip you with the transferable and analytical skills required to move between sectors and adapt with ease to the changing employment landscape. For example, business and marketing are increasingly good fits for sociology graduates, as many businesses are becoming more reliant on market research to understand the changing needs of their customers. The ability to understand and interpret the dynamics of class, age, gender and ethnicity is second nature to a sociology graduate, and crucial for any business looking to understand rapidly changing customer behaviour.

Sociology provides a skill set that ensures you will be eminently suitable for many jobs in a variety of sectors. Interpretation and evaluation of evidence, communication, and working in groups are the kinds of skills employers look for. Innovative employers value people with a critical mind who can think laterally, use analysis, summarise and interpret complex ideas, utilise qualitative and quantitative research methods and retain an open and enquiring mind. A sociology degree will give you the chance to develop these skills and give you the competitive edge.

The Department provides a host of unique resources and opportunities, specifically designed to boost your future career prospects. They include: 

Placements

As part of your degree you will have the opportunity to include a placement year. The Department will help you to find a relevant opportunity and will support you as you improve your career prospects. Recent Sociology and Criminology students have undertaken placements at:

• The National Probation Service
• Colchester Sixth Form College
• Ashoka - An international organisation that promotes social entrepreneurship by affiliating individual social entrepreneurs into the Ashoka organisation

Q-Step

The University of Essex is one of only 17 universities across the UK invited to take part in the prestigious Q-Step programme. This voluntary programme of study is available to students of the Department of Sociology and Criminology and is designed to develop your quantitative research skills, a skill set which is highly desired by employers across all sectors.

If you follow the Q-Step module pathway, you will receive a qualifier award at the end of your degree which will signal to employers your capability in quantitative research. Whilst taking part in Q-Step you will also get the chance to undertake paid work placements of up to £300 per week. Visit the Essex Q-Step Centre to learn more about the programme:

The Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER)

The Institute for Social and Economic Research (ISER) is located within the University of Essex and is a leading centre for the production and analysis of longitudinal studies. Originally established in 1989 to accomodate the British Household Panel Survey (BHPS), ISER now houses the ESRC Research Centre on Micro-Social Change, along with the successor to the BHPS - Understanding Society.

As well as providing unrivalled postgraduate study opportunities, students of the Department of Sociology and Criminology are able to access this unique and valuable research resource. Visit the ISER website to learn more about this leading research institute:

Many graduates of the Department will decide to continue their studies at Masters or PhD level. Graduates from a non-sociology background are also able to pursue further study in the Department of Sociology and Criminology in readiness for a specific career.

You might decide to focus on specialised areas such as migration studies, organised crime, terrorism and security or even research methodology. These are just a few of the specialist subjects you could study with us. Browse our full list of Masters courses to find your advanced area of study:

The Department of Sociology and Criminology are always keen to keep in touch with graduates. You can stay up to date with the very latest news and ideas from the Department via our busy Facebook page:

You will always be welcome to attend the many open seminars and events which are hosted by the Department. To find out about the very latest events, please visit our calendar:

Graduates from the University of Essex are also able to access career support for a lifetime. Our careers team will always be on hand to guide and support you as you transition into the world of work. We are able to offer personalised employment support and will help you with careers advice appointments, either in person, over the phone or via Skype. So, before your next big job interview, we will be on hand to review your C.V., discuss interview techniques and offer the practical guidance you need to take your next big step. Visit the Career Services team to learn more:

Helena Randall, BA Criminology, University of Essex

Why did you decide to study your course at Essex?

When I visited Essex I just felt at ease. I loved the layout of the campus so knew I’d be happy living here. Plus the Sociology department had a great reputation and I felt very happy to become a part of it.

What did you enjoy most about your studies? Which modules or areas of research did you particularly enjoy?

Although I did Criminology I enjoyed studying the sociology of education and social policies. I thoroughly enjoyed the punishment module, learning about the prison systems.

Can you tell us about your current job and how you got there?

I’m a Crime Scene Investigator for Essex Police. I started working in the Police as a Criminal Justice Administrator, a position I got due to my degree, and moved up to CSI. The lack of budget means I’m often the only person covering West Essex so it can be very stressful but identifying an offender is so rewarding! Eventually I would like to become a Crime Scene Manager.

Could you describe a typical day?

I’ll attend the Harlow office to look at what jobs are going on for me to go and collect fingerprints and look for DNA, footwear marks and generally any forensic evidence types. A ‘normal’day includes attending crime scenes such as burglaries, stabbings, murders, suicides, rapes, thefts and drug related incidents.

How relevant is your degree to your job?

Although my degree doesn’t directly feed into my job, it helped during the interview process and every day it gives me a further insight into who these people are and why they have committed these crimes. I feel like my degree has given me a wealth of information I can apply to my job.

What advice would you give to someone looking for a similar role?

Be passionate and work hard!

Dimitris Papaloizou, MA Advertising, Marketing and Media, University of Essex

Why did you decide to study your course at Essex?

I actually did my Bachelor’s degree at Essex as well as my Masters. My undergrad degree was BSc Business Management, and when I was researching universities, I found that Essex had great reviews in terms of education for my field of study and offered an amazing student life within campus.

What did you enjoy most about your studies? Which modules or areas of research did you particularly enjoy?

I really enjoyed the modules about Marketing in my undergraduate degree, in fact that was the reason I stayed in Essex for another year for my Master's degree in MA Advertising, Marketing and Media.

Which further study skills did studying at Essex give you?

During my time at Essex I was Secretary-General (2013-14) and President (2014-15) of the Cypriot Society. The additional skills this gave me were related to leadership, teamwork, organising and public relations.I was also Sports Coordinator of the International Student Association (2014) and Representative of the Cypriots in the International Student Experience Committee, which gave me the chance to cooperate with societies and people from other countries. Furthermore, during my studies, I completed the Big Essex Award Programme that included completing employability and volunteering hours.

Can you tell us about your current job, and how you got there?

After I graduated from my MA in 2015, I moved back home to Cyprus to join our family business; Chrysodalia Food Industry. I went through a 6-month induction programme to learn about the procedures of different departments within the company. At the end of the programme I was placed in the Sales and Marketing department as Sales and Marketing Manager. My main responsibilities are monitoring of sales and marketing actions and running the procedures of the distribution centre.

Could you describe a typical day?

I go to the distribution centre every morning to monitor the loading procedure of the trucks and vans to prepare for the delivery of the products. I then return to my desk to check my emails and sales reports. When I finish with the administration for the day I arrange meetings with customers to maintain B2B relationships, problem-solve issues elsewhere in the company and plan promotion of new products. What I love most about my job is the challenge of balancing business management / development and dealing with changes in the food industry and demand.

What advice would you give to someone looking for a similar role?

Don't expect it to be an office job that ends when you leave the building. It is a 24/7 commitment. You don't know what the future will bring and that is why you need to give 100% every day. Stay focused and hungry.

Natasha Scanlon, BA Sociology, University of Essex

Why did you decide to study your course at Essex? When I came to look around the University of Essex I felt instantly at home. It was also one of the best universities for my chosen subject of Sociology and it was far enough away from home that I could go out on my own,but close enough that I could still visit home occasionally.

What did you enjoy most about your studies? Which modules or areas of research did you particularly enjoy?

I really enjoyed the modules that focused on race, social inequality and education.I also took some history modules so I gained a lot of historical links, knowledge and context in regards to different policies that link to sociological issues such as racism and social hierarchy and inequality. I enjoyed the honest and open debate that was encouraged and was fortunate to have lecturers that truly inspired me. Professor Colin Samson and Dr Carlos Gigoux really stand out in my mind - years after graduating I still remember them due to their inspiring and engaging lectures.

Can you tell us about your current job, and how you got there?

After graduating from Essex with a 2:1 in BA Sociology I went on to complete a PGCE at Canterbury Christchurch University. I was fortunate enough to get an interview with one of my placement schools and I secured myself a job as an NQT. I then became a qualified teacher passing both my PGCE and NQT year with elements of outstanding. I am very proud to now be a fully qualified primary school teacher.

Could you describe a typical day?

I arrive at work between 7.15am and 7.45am each day to prepare for the school day. My children come in to class from 8.45 am and I teach them phonics, english and maths every morning. The afternoons vary throughout the week where I teach them the foundation subjects such as history, geography, science, RE and music. The children go home at 3.20pm and I finish work between 5.15pm and 5.45pm each day. However, I often then plan lessons throughout the evening whilst watching TV and eating dinner - life as a teacher never stops!

What do you enjoy about your work?

I find my job really fulfilling and satisfying. My degree has allowed to me to see my children as the whole child rather than just academic data. I understand different cultures and backgrounds, which I feel I gained during both my university teaching and experience. Seeing the children progress academically and grow in confidence over the year is incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give to someone looking for a similar role?

Be prepared to work hard and do not afraid to cry! Teaching is emotionally demanding and it is incredibly time consuming. If you are not prepared to commit to it fully it is not the job for you because at the end of the day you are responsible for 30 children’s education!