Careers and the Undergraduate Curriculum: An Integrated Program

"You can't do a damned thing with a Bachelor's in Sociology—or can you?" This question is receiving increased attention among faculty interested in providing students with more than vague statements about the relevance of sociology. We contend that the prospects for B.A./B.S. sociologists finding career opportunities in nontraditional areas of employment can be enhanced through a strategy that incorporates employment and employers into the educational process while maintaining the integrity of a strong liberal arts program. Outlined here are the four interrelated parts of a program our department has developed and implemented. A Handbook for Sociology Students is designed to help students clarify and develop career objectives. We next describe our "career path" counseling program, which recommends specific curricula appropriate to each of twenty-one career options. We then summarize our experience with an internship program. Lastly, we review our career seminar, which helps students develop skills important in the job search.