Sociology
Sociology graduates’ critical thinking skills and in-depth understanding of individual and group interactions make their skills valuable in any role or team.
Sociology students analyse the relationships and behaviours of different groups of people. They use theoretical frameworks and language to understand and describe human social activity across areas like class, gender and sexuality, health, morality, work, leisure and technology.
Roles and career pathways
Sociology graduates may work as policy analysts and researchers, community workers and coordinators, project coordinators, training and development advisers, business or service designers, consultants and administrators.
Postgraduate study in Sociology including specialisations in Social Policy or Gender Studies can benefit students wanting to work in these fields. For careers in policy and research some study at postgraduate level can be valuable. Complementary study in Commerce or other Humanities or Social Science subjects can help broaden employment options.
Sociology graduates with undergraduate degrees or seeking a first role may work in administration or coordination, or graduate adviser roles.
Where Sociology graduates work
Sociology graduates may work for government or not-for-profit organisations including in policy, health, and communications where their analytical, research and writing skills are used.
They may also work in a range of areas from business services to human resources where their understanding of individual and group interactions is beneficial.
Sociology graduates work in organisations such as:
- Ministry of Justice
- Ministry of Social Development
- Department of Corrections
- Victoria University of Wellington
- NZ Drug Foundation
Build relevant skills and experience
Part-time work and volunteering during study all help to increase your job prospects when you graduate. The WFHSS Internship course run by the Wellington Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop leadership skills and practical workplace experience. Programmes such as Wellington Plus and Wellington International Leadership Programme (WILP) offer opportunities to gain diverse volunteer and leadership experience. Sociology students interested in justice, education or health who volunteer in these areas can learn more about these industries and develop valuable connections.
Make career connections
Making connections with individuals and groups during your degree can help you learn more about career opportunities. The Sociological Association of Aotearoa NZ (SAANZ) offers students membership, an annual conference and an opportunity to network with sociologists. Networking associations such as the Wellington Chamber of Commerce , Wellington Young Professionals offer various events and opportunities for networking. The Alumni as Mentors programme for final-year students also helps enhance your connections and employability while studying.
Graduate career stories
Anna Adcock
Sociology and Kaupapa Māori research paradigms Anna encountered in her Master’s now fuel her PhD and her work as a research fellow in Māori women’s health.
Bronwyn McGovern
Social science theories and robust research methodologies drew Bronwyn to study Sociology, theories and methodologies that now support her work in Corrections.