Sociologists
Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
At a Glance
Sociologists earns a median of $101,690/yr with +3.6% projected growth. Typical entry: Master's degree. Top skills: Sociology and Anthropology, Getting Information, Analyzing Data or Information.
$101,690/yr
+3.6%
N/A
Master's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (12)
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Knowledge (6)
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Abilities (12)
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Technology (18)
Work Activities (22)
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
Human Resources Specialists
Business and Financial Operations · 204 shared skills
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Sales and Related · 204 shared skills
Marketing Managers
Management · 204 shared skills
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer and Mathematical · 204 shared skills
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Business and Financial Operations · 204 shared skills
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive
Office and Administrative Support · 203 shared skills
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer and Mathematical · 203 shared skills
Information Technology Project Managers
Computer and Mathematical · 203 shared skills
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