Sociology Students’ Career Readiness Initiatives
As a sociology student and a student worker at NEIU’s Career Development Office, I’ve noticed a significant gap in knowledge among social science students—particularly sociology majors—regarding how to identify and articulate the transferable skills they develop through their coursework and academic experiences. Unlike STEM or professionally-focused pathways, where a degree often directly aligns with a specific career (for example, a marketing major gaining technical skills to work in marketing), sociology provides a broad and versatile education that can prepare students for a wide range of roles.
Many sociology students are unsure how to connect skills such as critical thinking, research, data analysis, communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making to potential careers. Importantly, sociology majors should not feel limited or pigeonholed into one career path simply because their field is less directly vocational. Recognizing and translating these transferable skills is essential for empowering students to explore diverse professional opportunities, confidently pursue internships, and communicate their value to employers across multiple industries.
First Step in Addressing the Gap: Surveying Sociology Students to Assess Career Readiness
Survey Purpose: Measuring Career Readiness for Sociology Students
I’ve created a survey with the help of Professor Juan Martinez and Professor Brooke Johnson. This survey was designed to assess the career readiness of sociology students and identify the level of support they need from the Career Development office. By gathering information on students’ resumes, cover letters, transferable skills, internship and job experiences, and confidence in applying their sociology knowledge to professional settings, the survey provides a clear picture of where students feel prepared and where additional guidance is needed. The results inform targeted programming, workshops, and resources, allowing the Career Development office to offer personalized support based on student-identified needs, ultimately enhancing students’ preparedness for internships, job applications, and career success after graduation.
Next Steps:
Collect responses from sociology students to gain insight into their current career readiness and specific areas where support is needed.
Analyze and synthesize survey results to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities for targeted interventions.
Collaborate with Career Development supervisors and Sociology Department leadership to determine strategic initiatives and prioritize support services for students.
Design and host targeted workshops based on student-identified needs, including resume revision sessions, mock interviews, cover letter creation, and general career exploration guidance.
Administer a follow-up survey by mid-Spring 2026 to measure student growth, assess the effectiveness of programming, and inform future career development initiatives.