Learn Social Sciences
To work in the arena of social sciences is considered among the most prestigious of all occupational fields. The primary positions in the field of social sciences are sociologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, political scientists, historians and geographers. There is heavy competition in these fields as these candidates also vie for positions in the fields of psychology, statisticians and market and survey researchers. The fields of anthropology, archaeologists, geographers, and sociologists typically experience average growth, but historians and political scientists have slower-than-average growth in their fields, as there are fewer job openings if looking outside government and academic arenas.
Sociologists examine society and social interaction ranging from the analysis of brief encounters to global social processes to events in history. The field focuses on the make up of society - the how and why people are organized in society.
Various research methods are employed to collect data and build theories. Applied research typically produces information that helps people make better decisions, and manage their lives better. Surveys are used widely to collect necessary information and are collected in a variety of ways. Social science specialties vary greatly and there is often overlapping research between disciplines.
If you have an interest in archaeology, you may want to pursue the career of an anthropologist. Anthropology studies the beginning patterns, ways of life, archaeological remains, and the physical characteristics of humans in various parts of the world. Customs, social patterns and values are also studied. A sociocultural anthropologist focuses on comparisons among certain groups, whether in unindustrialized societies or modern urbanites. Linguistic anthropologists look at the language of various cultures and study the role it had in the past. Biophysical anthropologists examine the evolution of the human body, research the evidence of early human life, and track how a culture and biology influenced each another.
Geographers analyze geography, the Earth's physical environment and human habitat. The geographer is capable of studying not only the physical details of the environment but also its impact on human and wildlife ecologies, weather and climate patterns, economics, and culture. A modern geographer is often involved in resolving environmental problems and other issues that afflict modern society. Geographers also specialize in geographic information systems and cartography. They are often employed by government agencies at every level as well as by environmental and engineering firms.
Historians research and make interpretations of the past and make use of information found in government records, archived information and unpublished personal diaries. Historians typically specialize in a single region or specific time period. Biographers study detailed information on individuals, and there are other historians who help to preserve archived information, artifacts as well as historic sites.
Political scientists examine political systems and how they relate to the formation and development of public policies as well as the workings of international relations. How U.S. Supreme Court decisions affect public opinion, politics, and public policy are also examined. Conducting surveys, studying election results, and interviewing elected officials are some of the measures used in collecting data.
Working Conditions
Social scientists work alone or collaborate with other social scientists, and many feel the pressures publishing their work. They usually work as part of a research team, and those traveling to foreign countries must adjust to unfamiliar cultures.
Anthropologists, archaeologists, and geographers have traveling assignments to remote areas where they live among the people they study, learning the language and often end up living there for extended periods as they complete their investigations. Rugged living conditions go hand in hand with these remote living conditions. Those social scientists who work for academic programs have flexible work schedules and divide their schedules between teaching, consulting, administrative responsibilities, and research.
Qualifications for Social Sciences Career
A Ph.D. or equivalent degree is required for many positions in social science academic fields, as well as nonacademic research and administrative positions. Those with master's degrees may find work teaching in community colleges, while someone with Bachelor's degree may find an entry level position as a research assistant, aide, management or sales trainee. With added education, a social science graduate may be able to teach at an elementary or middle school.
It is becoming increasingly important for those who work in the fields of geography, political science, and other fields to have a mathematical and quantitative research education, as well as an ability to utilize computers. Internships as well as field experience is always beneficial, and there are many organizations, (museums, historical societies, the government), that offer internships. Archeological field schools offer instruction to future anthropologists, archeologists as well as historians on how to excavate a historical site.
Learn social sciences if you have a natural intellectual curiosity about people, places and things. Logical and methodical thinking, being open minded, objective and having systematic work habits are very valuable traits for social science research. For an anthropologist who may spend many years collecting artifacts perseverance and patience are critical. Excellent communication skills rounds out the essential traits useful for this profession.
Other occupations within the field of social sciences also benefit from similar personal traits including market and survey researchers, economists, urban and regional planners, psychologists, statisticians, counselors, social workers, teachers, archivists, curators, and museum specialists. When working as a political scientist, the fields of interest could extend to government, the legal system, or even news analysts, reporters, and correspondents. Those pursuing a geography career can hold positions as environmental scientists, conservation scientists, atmospheric scientists, geoscientists, cartographers, survey technicians, computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer scientists and as well as other related positions.