Skills you’ll develop
While studying Sociology, you’re learning to investigate the social ties between private and public, agency and structure, or individual and society. You’ll develop important skills to critically apply a sociological perspective to your own life and to the social worlds in which you live.
These skills may include:
- Analytical skills applied to understanding the constructed nature of social life
- Qualitative and quantitative research, data collection and interviewing, statistical interpretation, synthesis of facts, and presentation of findings
- Collaboration and leadership skills gained through hands-on fieldwork experiences
- Time management of projects throughout planning, organization, and implementation stages
- Problem solving and presentation of alternative solutions to contemporary social issues
- Clear and concise written communication that incorporates an alertness of how power operates across different levels of society
- Critical thinking and public speaking skills that demonstrate an ability to see issues from a variety of perspectives
Explore career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including government, public policy, international development, business, non-profit, communications, research, education, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas. Some career options may require further education or training.
Visit the National Occupational Classification website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field.
- Aboriginal affairs officer
- Actuary
- Addictions counsellor
- Behavioural therapist
- Census area manager
- Charitable organization director
- Child and youth worker
- Communications manager
- Community development worker
- Community relations officer
- Copywriter
- Corporate image consultant
- Corrections case manager
- Cultural interpreter
- Customs officer
- Dating agency consultant
- Demographer
- Disability case manager
- Diversity consultant
- Employment counsellor
- Foreign service officer
- Human resources specialist
- Human rights officer
- Immigration officer
- International development worker
- Labour relations mediator
- Lobbyist
- Market researcher
- News analyst
- Public relations coordinator
- Recreation planner
- Rehabilitation counsellor
- Rural development manager
- Social policy researcher
- Social researcher
- Social science statistician
- Sociologist
- Student services counsellor
- Teacher/Professor
- Tourism industry consultant
- University admissions officer
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities and help you understand your values and interests.
- Departmental events
Network with Sociology students and faculty members at a variety of events. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - Sojourners: Undergraduate Journal of Sociology
Showcase your research by submitting papers to be published in a peer and faculty-reviewed journal. - UBC Sociology student support
Attend various programs and events related to mentorship, peer support, and applying to graduate and professional programs. - Sociology co-op success stories
Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program and others. - Experiential opportunities
Check out field school as well as local and international study opportunities for Sociology students. - Teaching assistantships
Apply for an undergraduate teaching assistant opportunity with the Department of Sociology. - Distinguished Speaker Series
Meet with fellow Sociology students and faculty to learn about topics from a variety of guest speakers. - International fieldwork opportunities
Find volunteer and field school opportunities around the world. - Volunteer and internship opportunities
Browse various resources to gain local and international experience.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- American Sociological Association
- Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology
- Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives
- Canadian Council on Social Development
- Canadian Population Society
- Canadian Professional Immigration Consultants
- Canadian Sociological Association
- Canadian Studies Network
- Chartered Professionals in Human Resources Canada
- Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences
- Global Affairs Canada
- International Development Research Centre
- International Sociological Association
- North American Society for the Sociology of Sport
- Pacific Sociological Association
- Rural Sociological Society
- Sociology at Work
- Sociology in Canada
- World University Services of Canada
Connect with alumni on LinkedIn
Find UBC Sociology graduates on LinkedIn to learn about where they’re working, and their career and academic paths.
More information
From your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.