A Bachelor of Arts in Sociology can lead to many different career paths. Sociology majors can focus on areas ranging from government and human services to business careers and even the arts. Here are five examples of famous people and what they achieved with their sociology degrees.
1. Michelle Obama, First Lady
Before she was the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama worked as an attorney in her hometown of Chicago then became the assistant commissioner of planning and development in Chicago’s City Hall. She is also the founding executive director of the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, and she worked as the Associate Dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago as well as Vice President of Community and External Affairs for the University of Chicago Medical Center.
2. Ahmad Rashad, Sportscaster
Ahmad Rashad earned his degree in sociology while playing college football. His skills, both on and off the field, led him to play for many NFL teams. An unfortunate injury ended his career, but he announced his intention to become a broadcaster, and not long after, he became a pre-game analyst for NBC. Now, he commentates on many other sports, including the Olympic Games.
3. Kal Penn, Actor and Producer
Known for his role on the hit television series House and his breakout role in the movie Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle, Kal Penn actually left Hollywood to work at the White House under President Obama as the Associate Director of Public Engagement.
4. Stephanie Izard, Chef
Stephanie skyrocketed into the spotlight as the first woman to win Bravo TV’s competitive cooking show Top Chef. Since her victory, she has graced the pages of many magazines and successfully continues to run a popular restaurant in the Chicago area.
5. James Blunt, Singer/Songwriter
English musical artist James Blunt attributes his success to his sociology major. Hits like “You’re Beautiful” relate to social interactions. “There are some aspects that are relevant to the songs I’m writing — about the way humans interact, the way we are as social beings — those topics are kind of relevant,” he says.
Earning a degree in sociology
Those interested in studying sociology have more options today than those who came before them. Many institutions, including Arkansas State University, now offer a sociology degree online. Students can complete coursework around their own schedules, meaning they can continue to work full time while going to school. Online study also means students can relocate if they need to; they are not geographically tethered to their school.
Sociology majors work in jobs across the career spectrum, including creative work, public service, education, and entertainment. This flexible degree gives students the insight they need for a deep understanding of human culture and how people interact. And that is just the beginning.
Learn more about the Arkansas State online sociology degree program.
Sources:
http://www.onedayonejob.com/majors/sociology/
http://www.asanet.org/students/famous.cfm
https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/first-lady-michelle-obama
http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Ahmad_Rashad.aspx
http://www.ranker.com/list/famous-people-who-majored-in-sociology/reference
http://www.stephanieizard.com/about/
http://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/mar/19/sociology-degree