How the Sociology Major Prepares You for the Job Market
Sociology is the study of human social behavior in small groups, large congregations, societies in their entirety, as well as individuals. Sociology majors have a passion for seeking more understanding of the meanings and motivations behind the actions, mannerisms, and opinions of the human social life. The sociology degree program includes courses in social research, modern social theory, statistics, and other topics related to facilitating a deeper understanding of social interactions. Becoming a sociology major provides you with the analytical and investigative skills that are valuable for jobs in journalism, law, business, education, health care, and many other career fields seemingly unrelated to sociology, according to the University of California in San Diego. These traits make sociology majors a valuable addition to the work force.

Best Career Paths for Sociology Majors
The broad liberal arts education provided by a sociology major opens many doors to various employment opportunities. The best career paths for sociology majors are:

• Human Resources Director. Human resources directors oversee the work of human resources specialists. They coordinate the activities between all the different departments to ensure that everything is running smoothly. Directors often facilitate communication between the departments as well, and may pass information along from recruitment specialists to training specialists. A sociology majorís educational background in understanding social behavior would serve well in a human resources position. They can apply their knowledge of human behavior to handle employees efficiently, develop the best training programs, and rearrange the management organization into a social network that allows for maximum productivity. Human resources directors make an average salary of $96,130 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Career Counseling. Career counselors work with individuals on deciding which career path suits the needs and capabilities of those individuals. They are responsible for ensuring that the individual will be able to fulfill the demands of whatever position he or she is assigned. To do so, career counselors must assess each individualís education, work history, skills, passions, and personality to determine if the individual is the best choice for any number of positions. Sociology majors would make good use of their analytical skills in career counseling. They would be able to observe the individualís social behavior and make accurate judgments on whether the individual is socially ready to take on certain roles. For example, a timid individual may not be well-suited for a leadership role, while a loud and outspoken individual may not be well-suited to work in a team-oriented company. Career counselors make an average salary of $51,050, according to the Bureau.

How to Market Your Sociology Degree
Your sociology degree is something you worked hard to earn. In this regard, you must help other employers see how your sociology degree makes you a valuable candidate for any position to which you apply. Mention the skills you learned while pursuing your sociology degree, such as your adeptness to identify and remedy social problems in individuals and work places. Emphasize the research you conducted while in school and how those projects helped you hone your analytical and problem-solving skills. Reassuring employers of the real-world skills you learned in college is the best way to market your sociology degree.