Tuesday, January 6, 2009

i unintentionally did good.

According to this article from the Wall Street Journal, being a sociologist is one of the best jobs to have. Does this mean anything? Probably not.
"...jobs at the top of the study's list include actuary, statistician, biologist, software engineer and computer-systems analyst, historian and sociologist.

"Mark Nord is a sociologist working for the Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service in Washington, D.C. He studies hunger in American households and writes research reports about his findings. 'The best part of the job is the sense that I'm making some contribution to good policy making,' he says. 'The kind of stuff that I crank out gets picked up by advocacy organizations, media and policy officials.'

"The study estimates sociologists earn $63,195, though Mr. Nord, 62, says his income is about double that amount. He says he isn't surprised by the findings because his job generates little stress and he works a steady 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule. 'It's all done at the computer at my desk,' he says. 'The main occupational hazard is carpal tunnel syndrome.'"

2 comments:

ms. fox said...

i'm terrified of carpal tunnel.

Anonymous said...

Sociology is very useful in the realm of formulating policy. The new presidential administration appears to be much more scientific, pragmatic, and multi-disciplinary, so I see no reason why demand for disciplines such as sociology would go anywhere but up.

I know I say it often, but you are really fortunate to live in D.C. Relative to the amount of people worldwide who are affected, only a handful of people are involved in evaluating and making policy. It's a place where you could do your part. Once you snag that internship, you'll see how many options there are.

The business world gets all the press, because, well, they control the press. But government policy determines the constraints of the heating system in your house, the aspirin you take for a headache, the car you drive, the food you eat, the choices facing your generation, and so on and so on...

As a sociologist, (if you want to practice in that field), you can teach or work in government. The money, travel opportunities, and action is in the government realm.

This was listed as in Aviano, Italy:
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=76931395

This was listed as in the UK, but there are many openings:
http://jobsearch.usajobs.gov/getjob.asp?JobID=76645102

Just some examples. Once you get into a certain community, you will find the opportunities that are not advertised. Seeing your interests, I would advice you to find a job in D.C. that you can leverage into an overseas position.