To help students in both Sociology and Criminology prepare to find a job, the programs offer a Sociology/Criminiology Career Toolkit. The students are required to complete a series of steps to prepare them to enter the job market with specific tasks to complete in Sophomore, Junior and Senior years, including resume preparation, investigating careers, interview workshop and mock interview completion with employers in the community, completition of an internship or two in the area of interest and a focus on building a network of potential contacts for jobs.

A major in criminology will prepare you for criminal justice careers in the following areas:

Local law enforcement: City police County police City County Bureau of Identification Juvenile Justice Centers Sheriff Department State law enforcement: Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) State Bureau of Investigation(SBI) The Court System Corrections Attorney General Offices Narcotics Bureaus Liquor Control Boards State Police Park Police

Federal law enforcement: Department of Defense Department of Homeland Security Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Department of Transportation Federal Trade Commission Veterans Affairs Customs Agency   (ICE) Immigration and Naturalization Service Food and Drug Administration Office of the Inspector General Private sector law enforcement: Insurance companies Private detectives Loss/Prevention Security firms for Business

Other Possible Careers include: Emergency and Disaster Management Forensics Mediation/Dispute Settlement Victim Advocacy Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Military officer Careers that require additional education: Criminal Attorney Paralegal Forensic Accountant Forensic Psychiatrist College Professor Researcher

A major in sociology is an excellent springboard for entering the world of business, industry, and organizations. The sociological perspective is crucial for working in today's multiethnic and multinational business environment

An undergraduate sociology major provides valuable insights into social factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, education, and social class that affect work and how organizations operate.

An advanced degree specializing in the sociology of work, occupations, labor, and organizations can lead to teaching, research, and applied roles.

Many applied fields are grounded in sociological theories and concepts. Sociological research influences the way we think about work and organizational life, and enables us to discover new knowledge. Sociology is a valuable preparation for careers in modern organizational settings.

Students who graduate with a B.A. in sociology and enter the job market directly will find themselves competing with other liberal arts students, but with an advantage--knowledge of key social factors and a firm grasp on research design and methods. This advantage of the B.A. sociology program provides breadth and the potential for adaptability.

Corporate interviewers are looking for applicants who display purpose and commitment to their future occupation. This does not mean that B.A. graduates will be hired as industrial sociologists, but that applicants may be considered for junior positions in corporate research, human resources, management, sales, or public relations.

Interviewers will seek to determine if applicants can easily adapt to organizational life in the private sector. In particular, this means the ability to work well with others as part of a team. Employers value graduates who have a keen understanding of the impact of cultural, racial, and gender diversity in the workplace, and who comprehend the global nature of business and industry.

During the job search, B.A. sociology graduates should stress their work and internship experience, analytical skills, oral and written communication skills, computer literacy, and knowledge of statistics and research design.

Those who are determined to succeed will be at an advantage. Ambition, drive, and competition are positive words in the world of business and organizations.

Tips for the job search...

Acquire a broad educational background
Gain experience through jobs, internships, and volunteer work
Obtain skills in public speaking, writing, and computer applications
Focus on an area that interests you (for example., human resources, industrial relations, management, marketing, public relations, or sales) and learn as much as you can before applying for positions.

In 2005, in a study completed by the American Sociological Association, more than 3/4 of graduates with a sociology degree said they were satisfied with their choice of a major.  (All the above information comes from the ASA website)

Meredith sociology/criminology alumnae are

• attorneys
• executives in the non-profit sector
• college professors
• school teachers
• research analysts in public agencies and private enterprises
• probation officers
• police officers
• advocates/organizers for social justice agencies
• realtors
• ministers
• counselors and business account managers.

Some examples of recent alumnae include:

• Caitlin Allen, '11, Case Manager with NC Deptartment of Corrections
• Ashley Holloman, '10, school teacher, Johson County Public Schools
• Kerrie Lewis, '10, Deputy Sheriff, Forsyth County
• Robin Gary, '09, Graduate student in Sociology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Hilary Towle, '11, development coordinator for IPAS, Chapel Hill
  
• Shameka Lane, '10, dispatcher, Wake County Sheriff's Department
  
• Danielle Guillon, '04, account executive, Wholesale Lending Division, Bank United, FSB
  
• Kelly Jones, '04, elementary Spanish teacher, Johnson County Schools
  

For more information on what can you do with a degree in sociology, visit the Meredith College Career Center.

For more information on careers in sociology, visit the website of the American Sociological Association or speak to any member of the sociology faculty.

Materials to help you with graduate school decisions are available through the department.