Department of Sociology Four-Year Career Development Plan

The Sociology four-year career plan helps you examine how social structures, institutions, and relationships shape individuals and communities. This flexible plan shows you how to apply sociological perspectives to real-world issues and translate your understanding of society into a meaningful career.

If you have questions on how to tailor this career plan to your path, make an appointment with the College of Liberal Arts Career Services.

Year One

FALL

  • Participate in the sociology, law and society, and digital criminology welcome/callout events
  • Identify your professional strengths (mystrengths)
  • Meet with a CLA career coach and academic advisor for sociology, law and society, or digital criminology
  • Create a LinkedIn
  • Attend student organization callouts
  • Attend events or informational sessions for sociology, law and society, and digital criminology

SPRING

  • Build a starter resume
  • Get a professional headshot and update your LinkedIn
  • Build relationships with the students and faculty in your related interests
  • Seek out active learning experiences to know what your future career might have in store
  • Attend career events or informational sessions
  • Find summer employment/volunteer opportunities to build up your experience

Year Two

FALL

  • Update your LinkedIn and resume
  • Research potential concentrations and areas of focus
  • Begin building a professional wardrobe (CCO Closet)
  • Seek leadership opportunities in student organizations

SPRING

  • Identify a specialization of interest – whether this is Degree+, minors, or certificates
  • Research companies in your area(s) of interest
  • Build your professional network by utilizing LinkedIn and informational interviews
  • Reflect on likes and dislikes: classes, student organizations, or other experiences
  • Attain a summer internship OR any form of summer employment
  • Investigate course credit options for internships
  • Outline plan of study with academic advisor, including when to take key courses

Year Three

FALL

  • Develop a target company/graduate school list
  • Meet with your career coach to identify experience gaps
  • Secure leadership roles in student organizations and begin making an impact on campus
  • Network with professionals, faculty, and peers
  • Apply for internships in the desired area
  • Check and adapt plans to take critical courses if needed

SPRING

  • Secure your personal brand, make sure your resume and LinkedIn reflect it
  • Complete a second or third internship to make your resume stand out
  • Create and update a professional portfolio including projects, media samples, etc.
  • Research various modes of interviews, including virtual, technical, and behavioral
  • Conduct a mock interview with CLA Career Services to be your best in front of potential employers

Year Four

FALL

  • Meet with CLA Career Services to identify and plan next steps for after graduation
  • Begin branding yourself as a professional, not just a student
  • Network by letting all your contacts know you are looking for employment
  • Plan to apply and interview for jobs and graduate schools 4-6 months before you graduate
  • Consult with your advisor about any remaining required courses

SPRING

  • Continue networking, including key stakeholders at your desired company
  • Attend a career fair
  • Continue to apply for full-time positions and don’t be concerned if your ideal position isn’t available right away
  • Focus on developing specific skills that increase your value to both you and your potential employer
  • Complete the Next Steps Survey to provide helpful and accurate data insight