What can a student do with a degree in sociology? The answer is simple: lots! On Nov. 2 the Sociology Undergraduate Student Association (SUSA) presented the options to undergraduates at the first annual Career Day, sponsored by the Faculty of Arts.
Guest speakers outlined directions sociology majors can go with their degrees and students quizzed them about career and educational opportunities, including graduate programs, certificate college options, international exchange and internship programs.
“This information session was a great experience for me,” said sociology student Chandan Dulku. “It gave me many new career perspectives to think about. I recommend this Career Day for all sociology students, no matter what year they are in. It provides useful information that will benefit us in the near future.”
Speakers told students that employers and graduate schools seek individuals with a liberal arts education because they bring critical perspectives to complex issues.
Andre Bacchus (right), director of Career Services at Osgoode Hall Law School, said an arts degree is a valuable asset when it comes to law. He encouraged students to get involved in organizations such as SUSA. And he answered questions about admission requirements and career opportunities.
Undergraduate students with an interest in obtaining hands-on experience and specialization in a specific field were happy to learn from Lily Tsonis about certificate programs offered by Seneca College. Tsonis also underlined the value of an arts degree and the diversity of perspectives York University students bring to their classrooms.
Rana Sibane, a fourth-year sociology major said, “The SUSA career event has given me information on options I never knew existed, such as college grad programs.”
For those searching for global opportunities in study and work, Beth Alaksa introduced the York International Internship program. Students learned that their educational knowledge is highly sought by employers around the world and the experience and skills they gain during internships further are an advantage in the workplace.
Left: SUSA Club
Students hoping to find work in education or policy making had a chance to ask questions of Lorna Erwin, director of York’s Sociology Graduate Studies Program.
At the close of the event, SUSA president Bonnie Granata said: “The objective of SUSA’s Career Day was to familiarize students with various postgraduate opportunities. I hope this event also provided undergraduates with the motivation to start thinking about their careers and with the information they require to accomplish future endeavours.”
This story was submitted to YFile by Marzena Radon, communications studies intern, Faculty of Arts Communications Department.