Sociology Careers and Internships

The sociology department at Springfield College helped me become the person and professional I am today. The faculty, classes, and field experiences opened my eyes to a world full of endless possibilities. I felt fully prepared for any and all graduate school expectations after taking my undergraduate sociology courses. Even three years after graduation, I still seek guidance from my undergraduate professors about current and future career plans. The entire sociological experience at Springfield College was a very unique academic environment that prepared me well for all aspects of life. Meghan Sisson ’12, G’14, BS/MSW Program Graduate

Careers

Students majoring in sociology acquire knowledge and skills that lead to a wide variety of careers that contribute to human lives. For example, sociology majors are prepared for graduate school and for careers in law, politics, social justice, community development, social work, and human service organizations. Sociology majors can make a contribution to any organization that needs people who can identify and analyze problems and thus contribute to their resolution.

Internship Opportunities

Organizations that address social problems such as the following.

Homeless shelters and housing first programs
Emergency food pantries and meals programs
Tenant rights and low-income home ownership programs
Departments of children and families
Social and youth services
Organizations that assist youth who are having trouble in school
Unions
Criminal justice (e.g., district attorneys, probation offices, police departments, human and legal rights)
Health organizations (e.g., AIDS Foundation of Western Massachusetts, hospice)

Other service organizations such as the following.

Community centers
Family services
Child-care services
After-school youth programs
Organizations that serve immigrants
School counseling programs
Legal services
YMCAs, YWCAs, and JCCs

Political organizations such as the following.

Legislative offices
Political campaigns
Advocacy organizations (e.g., environmentalist groups)
Social justice organizations
Anti-poverty organizations
Gender-equity organizations
Organizations whose goal is to improve the lives of gay/lesbian/bisexual people
Organizations whose goal is to improve the lives of Latinx-Americans, African-Americans, and other people of color

Schools and other education-focused organizations, such as the following.

Schools and educational advocacy organization (teachers’ unions, support service organizations) working with teachers, counselors, social workers, and administrators

Sociology students have taken on internships in a variety of locations where they’ve explored their interests and gotten a feel for the types of work they may be doing after graduating.

Examples of Internship Sites

Department of Children and Families
Gardening in the Community
Make-A-Wish Foundation
Hampden County Victim Witness Advocate Program
High School of Science and Technology: Adjustment Counseling
MassMutual: Human Resources
Casa YMCA Tijuana: Counseling and Teaching
New England Farm Workers Council: Case Management
Sisters of Providence Health System: Substance Abuse Counseling

Being a part of the sociology program at Springfield College has opened my eyes to the world around me and how this world is impacted by the lives of every individual. This field has provided me with the knowledge I need to be a successful member of society and has allowed me the confidence to do what makes me happy while helping others. I have learned how to assess situations regarding various people and surroundings. I will have the ability to adapt to a range of career choices. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and experiences, which we have studied thoroughly. Kelsi Lynde ’15

Studying Sociology At Springfield College

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Curriculum

Careers and Internships

Faculty and Staff