Around the nineteenth century, rapid changes were brought about by urbanization. When industries revolutionized, many modifications took place in societal norms as well. Social sciences came into existence to understand the social, political, and economic implications of modernization. They were accepted as a field of study around the late eighteenth to the nineteenth century.Scholars felt the need to develop systematic approaches to studying human behavior and societal phenomena. Today, social science is not just a subject of study in colleges but a thriving career field.
Social sciences primarily focus on relationships among individuals within a society. It covers various subjects, from psychology, economics, and history to sociology and political science. Alongside these general topics, social sciences cover gender sexuality, anthropology, linguistics, and nation-specific culture. Due to the diversity of this subject, career opportunities in the field of social sciences are vast. On top of that, most of the careers have a positive outlook.Here are seven fruitful career options that will help you positively impact society while working as a professional.
1. POLITICAL SCIENTIST
If you are interested in politics, how governments run countries, and how countries form alliances, this might be the right job for you. Political scientists investigate how political systems originate and progress. They follow political trends and collect and analyze data to develop new constitutional ideas. Political scientists also work as consultants for political parties. Here they arrange election campaigns, provide guidance and make strategic plans. All of this is based on their knowledge regarding the human mind and behavior. Most degrees in social science help students develop essential skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. These skills are crucial in the field of politics. To qualify for this job, you may require psychology or political science training alongside your social science degree.
2. HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGER
HR managers form the most vital, fundamental unit of the corporate world. These professionals oversee employee relations, hiring, job advertising, and interviewing and regulate employee policies for organizations. In many settings, human resource managers perform the following responsibilities;
- Maintain positive relations in the workplace and ensure a productive environment for the employees.
- Identify loopholes and areas for improvement within the organization and arrange training programs.
- Supervise legal matters, stay updated on labor laws, and ensure the organization's adherence to those laws.
- Handle issues regarding payroll and employee benefits
- Keep employee records and maintain confidentiality.
Since this field is closely related to ethics, human behaviors, and relations, a social science degree must be completed to qualify for this job.
3. SOCIOLOGIST
Studying various cultures, nations, and organizations, sociologists have a unique career field. Sociologists study human relations and behaviors by observing their daily conduct in society. They use interviews and surveys to gather data on their subjects and use this data to form theories. Sociologists present their findings via research papers, reports, and presentations. But how does their work make a difference? Data collected by sociologists becomes the foundation of public policy reforms. Policies formed based on the findings help empower communities, advocate for social justice and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Sociologists work with lawmakers, policymakers, educators, and administrators. Consider this job if studying human behaviors, cultures, and societal norms intrigues you.
4. ECONOMIST
Are you good with numbers and significant figures? If yes, then this career path is for you! We hear of the economy almost every day in the news. But have you thought of earning by researching plain numbers and the factors behind them? Economists analyze the economic data to draw conclusions and evaluate the prevailing economic issue. They look into historical trends, predict changes in the pattern of the economy and present their findings through charts and tables to the clients. Often working for businesses and government agencies, economists advise them on the next best financial move based on the economic forecast. However, the economy is not just about money but incorporates various resources such as energy, consumer products, and healthcare.
5. POLICE OFFICER
The police force has modernized beyond our imagination. The need for special skills outside the traditional criminology skills has occurred due to the increase in sophisticated and nuanced crimes and criminals. Sociology graduates can now find various opportunities as either police officers, community outreach officers, or simply criminal psychologists. Police officers are government-hired professionals for public safety who assist during emergencies and enforce laws. They ensure that justice prevails. A social science degree teaches individuals how the human mind works and how people behave in and react to different situations. These skills are crucial when dealing with cynical people and criminals to understand their motives and predict their next move.
6. PSYCHOLOGIST
We often find ourselves wondering about human behavior. Why do people act in specific ways? Why do they feel, react and think in certain ways? If you are curious and seek answers to these questions, psychology is the right job for you. Psychologists study human behavior at its core and all the factors affecting it. They put the theories into practice and perform research studies in laboratories to learn how the human mind functions. The primary goal is to understand the human mind and behavior patterns thoroughly. Psychologists, also known as counselors, work in different settings such as schools, hospital facilities, private agencies, and non-profit organizations.
7. SOCIAL WORKER
Closely related to the field of psychology, social workers are there to help and look out for people struggling, but they focus more on the community as a whole. Professionals in this field work to improve the well-being of people from susceptible age groups, such as children, older adults, and those who are differently abled. Social workers focus on improving the quality of life for individuals within the community. They often collaborate with government or non-profit organizations, using their knowledge from social sciences to raise awareness and develop wellness programs. In today's modern society, social workers are integral to the community. Working as a social worker can be very fulfilling as you can impact entire communities and positively influence thousands of lives.
CONCLUSION
Opportunities in the field of social sciences are as vast and diverse as the nature of this subject. Whether it’s social work, political science, or economics, social science graduates bring many valuable skills to the table due to their understanding of social dynamics, culture, and human behavior. It would be best to choose a career path that compliments your personality, interests, and qualifications. Irrespective of the field you consider, you are bound to make a positive difference in the lives of people and the community as a whole.