phd in sociology careers

• What Can You Do With A PhD In Sociology?
• After a PhD

Introduction

This article will answer “what can you do with a PhD in Sociology?”. First, let’s start with the basics: Sociology is a social science which aims to understand the behaviour of society. This is a very broad definition but captures the essence of the subject. Sociology studies range from the structure of different groups and organisations within society to divisions from religion, class, race, age and gender.

A PhD degree in sociology provides insight into social concepts and requires a strong understanding of research methods, statistics, data collection and analysis. Research shows that most Social science graduates move into academia, though other (non-academic) career options exist.

Data on leavers

The Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Longitudinal Survey, carried out by HSEA, captures information about the activities and perspectives of graduates three and a half years after they completed their studies. Based on over 11,000 responses from 2012/13 Social study leavers, approximately 83% of UK domiciled leavers who achieved a qualification through postgraduate research were in work, with another approx. 7.5% in further study.

Destinations of 2012/13 UK and other EU domiciled leavers with postgraduate research in Social studies.

More information on this data can be found here . The same survey also includes information on those in employment. The table below presents the employment destination (categorised by jobs) of UK domiciled Social study leavers (2012/13) who obtained postgraduate qualifications.

UK domiciled leavers (Postgraduate Social studies 2012/13) in employment (inc. work and further study) by Standard Industrial Classification of employer

More information on this data can be found here .

We can see the largest four destinations are: 1) Human health and social work activities, 2) Public administration and defence; compulsory social security, 3) Education and 4) Professional, scientific and technical activities. We can also see that some social study graduates take up jobs/roles in financial and insurance activities, retail trade and manufacturing.

Of course, a postgraduate degree is much more specialised than an undergraduate degree, and so your PhD programme can be tailored to particular career options if you already have long-term aspirations for your career. For example, a PhD in Sociology with a focus on international relations lends itself to a career in international politics.

Studying sociology equips you with the skills for a career not only in the academic field but also in a wide range of fields including business, health & social care, marketing, public relations, education and politics. Examples of typical first roles post-graduation for sociology doctorates includes lecturers, researchers, positions in government, youth workers and public health services.

The analytical nature of sociology studies lends itself to a career in business. Business is a very broad term – think statistics, public relations, human resources etc. The ability to emphasise and understand human behaviour is important in the last two examples, and business often looks to sociology students at university for these attributes. Due to the competitive nature of business jobs, PhD students should look to undertake work experience which would support their academic work before applying.

Marketing is the art of understanding social behaviour and human thinking to best develop campaigns to target these attributes. A PhD degree in sociology provides a strong foundation of knowledge in gender, race, age and human behaviour etc. which enables you to use your research skills to more accurately forecast the effectiveness of marketing campaigns to target demographics. This understanding, combined with the analytical skills gained from a PhD makes a career in marketing a suitable destination for sociology graduates.

Social & social care

Social researchers are able to transition into social care roles such as community development officers, welfare officers, counsellors as well as careers in the public health service, the criminal justice service and in rehabilitation. These roles let you make the most of the ‘human’ side of your research programme and allow you to interact with members of the public (from varying backgrounds) in a more intimate nature. If you are a student who particularly enjoyed the health oriented aspects of your PhD study, this could be the right career path for you.

A Sociology PhD degree can prepare you in a career in education at any level. As a research student you are likely to have knowledge of child behaviour and the learning process in children which can be used (alongside a professional teaching qualification) to land you a teaching role in primary and secondary education.

In terms of higher education, a research degree typically forms part of the entry requirements for a teaching role in universities. Generally, university lecturers have much more freedom in the contents and coursework of their course than lower education teachers, which allows you to focus on your chosen speciality and tailor research training to your research interest. Universities often offer their doctorates part time teaching positions as a way of assisting in the transition from student to teacher.

It is important to note that an educational role in higher education is not just limited to lecturing at a university, but also includes supervising research projects, tutoring students and running research programmes.

Similar to marketing, a successful politician needs to have a strong understanding of social culture and be in tune with the values of different demographics. A career in politics can range from being an activist to engaging with charities, regardless of the level of involvement – a PhD in sociology gives you the perspective of different cultures and can allow you to use this insight to contribute to society. Whether your postgraduate research area is directly related to politics or not, looking for work experience is advised as it often forms part of entry requirements for political roles.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

Skills for your CV

It is important to remember that whilst most Sociology doctorates pursue a career in academia, holding a PhD in the subject gives you a number of skills and attributes which make you desirable to a wide range of employers. You must be able to recognise these skills when preparing your CV and job applications.

Examples of skills you will learn as a sociology PhD student during your postgraduate study include:

• An understanding of the social concepts and current issues faced in society,
• The ability to emphasise and use information to make strong arguments,
• An understanding and application of statistical methods and analytical techniques,
• Appreciate the diversity and range of cultures in the world,
• Use the above knowledge to become more influential in society and relate your knowledge to public policy.

In addition to the above having a PhD also equips you with several transferable skills . These are skills which a vital in the professional working environment and can be used in any sector. Examples of transferable skills postgraduate research students possess include communication, team working, work ethic, time management, problem-solving and the ability to carry out independent research.

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Doctoral Degree Programs

The PhD program in the Department of Sociology at Stanford offers rigorous training in sociological knowledge and research methods, and prepares students to embark on successful professional careers in sociology.  Our program prides itself on world-renowned faculty, cutting-edge research programs, and close interactions between faculty and students.

Through coursework, workshops, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships, students work closely with faculty members to develop research skills and experience and gain expertise in the substantive areas of sociology.  In collaboration with Stanford Law School, as well as other research programs on campus, we offer a JD/PhD joint degree and a multidisciplinary environment for students to pursue their intellectual interests in different areas.

Finalists for the Knight Hennessy scholarships work with Stanford lecturers. Photo credit: Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

The Knight-Hennessy Scholars  develops a community of future global leaders to address complex challenges through collaboration and innovation. Each year, up to 100 students are awarded with funding to pursue any graduate degree at Stanford and participate in an experiential leadership development program that emphasizes collaboration and innovation. Citizens of any country may apply. Visit  khs.stanford.edu  to learn more.

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Our faculty encourages you to become a creative independent researcher. During your graduate career, you will read broadly across fields and generate work that is theoretically, empirically, and analytically rigorous. The program provides advanced training in quantitative and qualitative research methods as well as mixed methods.

Students in the program have conducted research on a variety of projects, including investigating food insecurity in Atlanta, the social effects of climate change, and community policing in a public housing project.

The program has an excellent placement record with graduates securing faculty positions at institutions such as Stanford University, Yale School of Management, Harvard Business School, University of Chicago, and University of Toronto. Others have gone on to non-academic careers at organizations such as The Urban Institute, Abt Associates, and Facebook.

Related Programs

Students considering the PhD program in sociology may also be interested in the PhD programs in Sociology and Social Policy or Organizational Behavior , both of which are offered jointly with the Department of Sociology . Students who wish to apply to one of these programs in addition to the PhD program in sociology may do so.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of Sociology and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of Sociology .

Writing Sample

A writing sample is required as part of the application and should be a term paper, senior thesis, master’s essay, or similar written work. Citations and references are not included in the page limit.

Standardized Tests

GRE General: Required

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for Sociology

See list of Sociology faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

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Phd in sociology: requirements, salary, jobs, & career growth, what is phd in sociology.

A doctoral degree program in sociology focuses on advanced study and research in the discipline of sociology, which is the scientific study of human society and social behavior.

Sociology is a social science that studies social structures, institutions, organizations, culture, social interaction, and social change.

A Ph.D. in Sociology degree typically prepares students to become sociology scholars, researchers, instructors, or experts.

Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology typically must complete coursework in advanced sociological theory, research methods, and statistics, as well as specialized courses in their chosen areas of interest within sociology, such as sociology of education, sociology of gender, sociology of health and illness, sociology of race and ethnicity, or sociology of organizations, among others.

Students pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology are also required to conduct original research and write a dissertation, which is a substantial piece of scholarly work that adds to the existing body of sociological knowledge.

How much money do people make with a PhD in Sociology?

Sociology Ph.D. holders tend to earn better salaries than people with lower levels of education in the area, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual pay for sociologists, including those with Ph.D. degrees, was $83,420 in May 2020. However, it is important to note that this statistic represents the median, which means that half of all sociologists earned more and half earned less.

Wages for tenure-track or tenured professors in academia can range from $60,000 to $100,000 per year, with greater wages often linked with more senior posts or jobs at prestigious colleges.

Sociologists with Ph.D.s who work at research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, or other contexts may be paid differently depending on their positions, responsibilities, and the size and location of the organization. Salaries might range from $50,000 to $100,000 or more per year, based on the conditions indicated above.

What is expected job growth with PhD in Sociology?

Sociologists, particularly those with a Ph.D., face a competitive work market, with restricted prospects in specific fields and sectors. However, possibilities for Ph.D. holders in Sociology still exist, particularly in academia, research, and applied contexts.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of sociologists, including those with Ph.D. degrees, is expected to expand at the same rate as the national average from 2020 to 2030.

Sociologists with Ph.D.s may find employment outside of academia in research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other applied contexts.

These jobs could include conducting research, policy analysis, program assessment, or other sociological work on social issues such as education, health, crime, race and ethnicity, inequality, and more.

What can you do with a PhD in Sociology?

You can pursue a range of employment routes and opportunities with a Ph.D. in Sociology, including:

1. Academic Researcher or Professor: Sociology Ph.D. holders may work as researchers or professors in universities or colleges. Conducting sociological research, publishing scholarly articles, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses, mentoring students, and contributing to the academic community through conferences, workshops, and other scholarly activities may all fall under this category.

2. Applied Researcher: Sociologists with Ph.D.s can work in research institutes, think tanks, policy organizations, and other applied contexts. They can do study on social topics such as education, healthcare, criminal justice, inequality, racism and ethnicity, gender, and others in order to inform policies and practices addressing societal difficulties.

3. Program Evaluator: Sociologists with Ph.D. degrees can work as program evaluators, examining the success of various social initiatives and interventions. This can include assessing the outcomes and consequences of programs and policies, conducting research to support program improvements, and presenting decision-makers with evidence-based recommendations.

4. Consultant or Analyst: Sociology Ph.D. holders can work as consultants or analysts, advising businesses, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and other groups on social concerns. To solve social and organizational difficulties, this may entail undertaking research, data analysis, and strategy planning.

5. Non-profit or non-governmental organization (NGO) Work: Sociologists with Ph.D. degrees can work in non-profit or non-governmental organizations (NGOs), where they can lend their expertise to social issues such as human rights, social justice, and community development.

6. Work in Government or Policy: Sociology Ph.D. holders can work in government agencies such as municipal, state, or federal departments, giving insights and expertise on social issues to inform policy formation, implementation, and assessment.

7. Independent Researchers: Sociologists with Ph.D. degrees can also pursue independent research careers, in which they conduct their own research projects, publish findings, and contribute to the field of sociology through unique research and ideas.

8. Teaching and Education: Sociology Ph.D. holders can work as teachers, instructors, or curriculum planners in educational institutions such as K-12 schools, community colleges, or vocational schools, presenting sociological viewpoints in the subject of education.

9. Social Activism and Advocacy: Sociologists with Ph.D.s can serve as social activists or advocates, using their sociological knowledge to increase awareness, advocate for social change, and promote social justice and equality.

10. Other employment: Sociology Ph.D. holders may pursue employment in disciplines such as market research, data analysis, human resources, public relations, and others where their sociological abilities and perspectives can be useful.

What are the requirements for a PhD in Sociology?

The specific requirements for obtaining a PhD in Sociology can vary depending on the institution and program, but generally, the following are common requirements:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Applicants to most PhD programs in Sociology must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Although it is not usually required, certain schools may accept applicants with a Master’s degree in a related discipline.

2. Academic Transcripts: Applicants are usually expected to present certified transcripts of their undergraduate and graduate education, which demonstrate their academic performance and achievement.

3. Statement of Purpose: Applicants are typically expected to provide a personal statement or statement of purpose detailing their research interests, academic ambitions, and reason for pursuing a PhD in Sociology.

4. Standardized Test Scores: Applicants to many PhD programs may be required to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other related assessments.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants to PhD programs in Sociology are frequently required to provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources who may speak to the applicant’s academic talents, research potential, and eligibility for a PhD program.

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How long does it take to get a phd in sociology.

The time it takes to earn a Ph.D. in Sociology depends on a number of factors, including the program structure, individual advancement, and the institution’s special criteria. A Ph.D. in Sociology typically takes 4-7 years to complete, though this might vary.

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Do you need a masters in sociology to get a phd in sociology.

In most circumstances, a master’s degree in sociology is not required to acquire a Ph.D. in sociology. Many Ph.D. programs in Sociology welcome candidates with a bachelor’s degree straight into their doctorate program, and the program may contain coursework and other components meant to give the essential training and preparation for the Ph.D. level.

What are the Best PhD in Sociology Degree programs?

1. harvard university – department of sociology 2. stanford university – department of sociology 3. university of california, berkeley – department of sociology 4. princeton university – department of sociology 5. university of chicago – department of sociology 6. columbia university – department of sociology 7. university of pennsylvania – department of sociology 8. university of california, los angeles (ucla) – department of sociology 9. new york university (nyu) – department of sociology 10. university of michigan – department of sociology, leave a comment cancel reply.

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Cornell’s Graduate Field of Sociology provides top-notch training toward the PhD in Sociology, and has long been known for its emphasis on both theoretical innovation and methodological rigor. The Field, which is much larger than the Department, has close to thirty  faculty  members. 

Explore the Graduate Program

Graduate spotlight: career placement.

Students in the graduate field of sociology have gone on to achieve professional success in academia, industry, and the non-profit and public sectors.  Click here to browse  a comprehensive list of career placements for our graduate students.

The department also actively supports recent Ph.D. and Ph.D. candidates seeking permanent employment.  Click here to explore  profiles of our current job market candidates.

Graduate Students in the News

Grad student receives funding for research on COVID-19, incarceration

Alumna Spotlight: Youngmin Yi, Ph.D.

Soc PhD named to Bouchet Graduate Honor Society

Cornell ranked among best in U.S. News grad school rankings

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15 PhD jobs in Sociology

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• PhD positions in Social Science (43)

Other subfields

• PhD positions in Human Geography (9)
• PhD positions in Social Research (9)
• PhD positions in Media and Communication Studies (8)
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• PhD positions in Criminology (5)

Search results (15)

Een nieuwe blik op ‘integratie’: acculturatie van zelf, cognitie en motivatie

The research will be conducted within the Center for Social and Cultural Psychology (CSCP), which is part of the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences. The CSCP enjoys an international rep...

Ph.D. Position/Assistantship in Urban Studies

About Urban Studies in BaselUrban Studies at the University of Basel is rooted in disciplinary approaches of architecture, geography, anthropology, social and political theory, and history, and ori...

Up to Three Ph.D. Research Fellowships in Religious Studies

Comitted to humanity - locally and globallyVID Specialized University undertakes education and research in the fields of health and social sciences, educational science, management, diaconia and theology. We offer approximately 60 programs of stud...

Up to Three Ph.D. Research Fellowships in Theology

Assistant department Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law (26569)

    →   Apply until 23/04/2024 (DD/MM/YYYY) 23:59 (Brussels time)    →   Faculty of Law and Criminology    →   Department RE23 - Criminology, Criminal Law and Social Law    →   AAP temporary appointment - 100%    →   Number of openings: 1    →   R...

2024 New Year Famous Universities and Enterprises PhDs Recruitment and Cooperation Video Matchmaking Meeting

1、 Event Introduction In the Chinese New Year of 2024, Juqi Consulting collaborated with the Famous universities and enterprises club to organize global PhDs visits to well-known Chinese enterprises and universities, coordinating job recruitment a...

2 Full Time Research and Teaching Assistant Positions in Political Science - Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences

Reference : 2024/S006Application deadline: 15/04/2024Start date : 01/10/2024Job DescriptionThe Faculty of Philosophy and social sciences at the ULB seeks to recruit two full-time teaching assistants in political science. The qualified candidates w...

 Reference : 2024/S006Application deadline: 15/04/2024Start date : 01/10/2024Job DescriptionThe Faculty of Philosophy and social sciences at the ULB seeks to recruit two full-time teaching assistants in political science. The qualified candidates ...

Doctoral Position City-university twin transition partnerships

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Full-time research and teaching position in quantitative methods

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PhD in Sociology (1.0 FTE)

Job Information

Offer description.

We are seeking a highly motivated and qualified PhD student to join our research project PROMISE, focusing on the taboo surrounding loneliness among older migrants, as well as the cultural adaptation and evaluation of interventions. This pioneering project aims to shed light on and understand the often-overlooked issue of loneliness among older migrants, coming from non-European backgrounds. By delving into the diverse manifestations and underlying factors contributing to this loneliness, we aim to gain new scientific insights. Ultimately, we seek to understand the nature and origins of the taboo surrounding loneliness for migrants and develop culturally sensitive interventions to address it. This new knowledge will be translated into practical tools and adjusted interventions to effectively reach and support lonely older migrants.

This is a full-time position for 48 months based at the University of Groningen with a substantial amount of time to be spent at NIDI in the Hague. The initial appointment will be for a period of 1 year. After positive evaluation, the appointment will be extended for another 3 years. The successful candidate will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers and stakeholders.

The tasks of the PhD candidate are

- conduct research that results in a dissertation and is in line with the objectives and requirements of the project - conduct qualitative and mixed-methods research to explore the taboo surrounding loneliness among older migrants - conduct in-depth interviews with older migrants from diverse backgrounds, utilizing the photo-elicitation method, and their children - support in developing a training program for professionals and volunteers to break the taboo surrounding loneliness among older migrants and evaluation of this program - development of taboo-related elements in loneliness interventions - support in adjusting existing interventions and evaluating them - write and publish scientific articles reporting research findings resulting in a PhD thesis defended at the University of Groningen - share scientific knowledge with the general public through various communication channels.

Organisation The University of Groningen is a research university with a global outlook, deeply rooted in Groningen, City of Talent. Quality has had top priority for four hundred years, and with success: the University is currently in or around the top 100 on several influential ranking lists.

The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences excels in teaching and research in the fields of human behaviour, thinking, learning, and how people live together. We work on societal issues and problems that people experience in daily life. Central to this is individual and societal resilience and how to increase this. To this end, we focus on the topics of migration, the environment and climate, health, upbringing and education, the protection of vulnerable minorities, and sustainable partnerships. The Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences employs over 650 staff members. For more information about the Faculty please check the link https://www.rug.nl/gmw/ .

The Department of Sociology in Groningen provides a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree. The one-year Master's program focuses on policy issues. Students choose a specialization: Crime and Security, Health, Care and Welfare, Work and the Life-Course or Politics, Society & Policy. There is one English track: Social Networks in a Sustainable Society. In addition, there is a two-year educational master, which prepares for a career as a secondary school teacher in social studies. The Department also participates in the two-year faculty research master, which trains students to become an academic researcher.

Requirements

For this position you are expected to

- have a (research) master's degree in Sociology (or a related discipline) - have a good academic track record - proficiency in qualitative research methods and methodologies - fluency in English and Dutch, with proficiency in another language spoken by the interviewee groups from China, Iran, and Turkey. Dutch proficiency is an essential requirement as the PhD project focuses on and involves close cooperation with societal partners in the Netherlands, concentrating on loneliness among older migrants - excellent writing and presentation skills, in both English and Dutch - strong interpersonal skills and creativity - passion for research and a desire to make a meaningful contribution to addressing loneliness among older migrants - be enthusiastic about writing international publications and a dissertation - have good social and communication skills and are willing to work with other team members - be enthusiastic about translating scientific insights into practical guidelines and advice - have good organizational skills and the motivation to organize and realize data collection - have demonstrable competences as conceptual capacity, presenting, planning and organizing and monitoring.

Additional Information

We offer you in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities

- a salary of € 2,770 gross per month in the first year of the appointment, rising to € 3,539 gross per month in the fourth year for a full-time position - a holiday allowance of 8% gross annual income an 8.3% end-of-the-year allowance - attractive secondary terms of employment - the position is classified in accordance with the University Job Classification (UFO) system; the UFO profile is PhD candidate - a temporary employment of 1.0 FTE for a period of four years. You will first be employed for a period of one year. After a positive result and development interview, the contract will be extended for the remaining period of three years.

Intended starting date: 1-9-2024

You may apply for this position until 29 April 11:59pm / before 30 April 2024 Dutch local time (CEST) by means of the application form (click on "Apply" below on the advertisement on the university website).

To apply, please submit a cover letter, CV, one sample of written work (copy of master dissertation, published article, or coursework) and contact information of two references. In your cover letter, please address your qualifications and motivation for this position, as well as your experience with qualitative research methods. Only submissions via the application form will be considered.

The selection interviews will take place in May 2024.

The University of Groningen strives to be a university in which students and staff are respected and feel at home, regardless of differences in background, experiences, perspectives, and identities. We believe that working on our core values of inclusion and equality are a joint responsibility and we are constructively working on creating a socially safe environment. Diversity among students and staff members enriches academic debate and contributes to the quality of our teaching and research. We therefore invite applicants from underrepresented groups in particular to apply. For more information, see also our diversity policy webpage: https://www.rug.nl/about-ug/policy-and-strategy/diversity-and-inclusion/

Our selection procedure follows the guidelines of the Recruitment code (NVP): https://www.nvp-hrnetwerk.nl/nl/sollicitatiecode and European Commission's European Code of Conduct for recruitment of researchers: https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/jobs/charter/code

We provide career services for partners of new faculty members moving to Groningen.

University of Groningen and NIDI are equal opportunity employers and encourage applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Unsolicited marketing is not appreciated.

Basak Bilecen, Associate Professor of Sociology [email protected]

Tineke Fokkema, Professor of Ageing, Families and Migration [email protected]

Work Location(s)

Where to apply.

USC Geodesign Student Michele Heilman Shares Her GIS Journey and Advice for Students

In this Faces of YPN article, we highlight Michele Heilman, an ambitious senior at University of Southern California (USC) majoring in geodesign with a minor in sociology.

We met Heilman at the 2024 Los Angeles Geospatial Summit and learned about her major in geodesign and how she incorporates geographic information system (GIS) technology, spatial sciences, architecture, urban planning, and social equity into her studies.

We later followed up with her to capture her GIS journey in more detail, including how she was introduced to GIS and how she uses GIS in her studies and projects, and we asked for her best advice to other students.

Don’t be afraid to talk to people and put yourself out there. Go to events, search for internships, talk to your professors, and use all the free resources your university offers.”—Michele Heilman, Senior at USC

Q: How did you get your start in GIS?

A: In high school, I applied and was accepted into USC with a major that wasn’t related to GIS. However, before starting at USC, I took part in a gap-year program in Brazil from August 2019 to March 2020.

After I returned home, my parents encouraged me to decide on a field of study when we heard all classes were going to be online. During my search, I discovered geodesign and GIS, which were completely new to me. Throughout high school, I had always been interested in environmental science, and my time in Florianópolis, Brazil, exposed me to various conservation efforts.

I realized that geodesign combines elements of environmental science with the necessary technology to protect the environment. It was a fortunate coincidence that I stumbled upon geodesign, and I ended up pursuing it for all four years of college.

Q: How have you used GIS in your geodesign projects at school?

A: My first project during my freshman year was on food deserts in Washington, DC. We mapped out different demographic factors like age, socioeconomic status, closest transit stops for train or bus, and then figured out what community is most in need of a grocery store. Doing this project at USC after coming from DC was special for me, as it taught me how the skills I was learning could be applied to my community and my home city.

Another time, I participated in a lab where we did modeling of hillshade analysis of wineries in Temecula to grow different grapes to find the optimal location for a new winery.

Right now, I am working on a project for LA County for [its] 2045 climate action plan to spatialize some of [its] goals. Everyone in the class is focused on a different action plan, and my group is focused on the transportation-related aspects of the action plan. We are currently conducting an analysis to find where optimal transit-oriented development projects could be proposed in LA County, or potentially propose new car-free or zero-emission zones.

I’m also in a geospatial modeling class, we did one assignment that  modeled different zombie apocalypse scenarios with agent-based modeling. This class introduced us to modeling for video game technologies. I find it very interesting—you can do modeling that is oriented for video games, environmental science, or urban planning.

Overall, these projects have taught me that spatial analysis and modeling can be essential tools across many diverse industries, while helping me learn how to effectively use the software.

Q: Did you do any internships while in college?

A : I had the opportunity to participate in an internship with the World Wildlife Fund [WWF] during the summer after my freshman year. When I came across the job description, I felt like it was tailor-made for me. I couldn’t imagine anyone else with Spanish and Portuguese language skills and GIS experience being a better fit for this role. My position was Amazon rainforest assistant research intern, and I worked under the forest team at WWF.

One of the key requirements was the ability to translate documents from Spanish and Portuguese to English. The internship involved a combination of research and translation work, including analyzing various documents and assessing road and infrastructure developments in the Amazon region.

I also contributed to mapping the WWF focal landscapes, which are WWF’s priority conservation areas in the Amazon [region]. Throughout the internship, I collaborated with individuals from different parts of South America, and I often encountered GIS data in multiple languages with limited context. Therefore, a significant aspect of my role involved cleaning, organizing, and interpreting data with minimal information.

This role prepared me for my second internship, with the US Chamber of Commerce. My language skills were handy once again as I conducted economic and policy research in South America. Although I didn’t need my GIS skills as the Brazil-US Business Council intern, it was a full-circle moment to realize how useful my gap year abroad, internship with the WWF, and the broader geodesign framework for research helped me work towards that internship opportunity. After one internship in the nonprofit sphere, doing an internship in the private sector introduced me to new concepts and new perspectives.

Q: What was valuable about your internships?

A: One of the advantages of interning at WWF was the opportunity to develop both my soft skills and technical skills. I had the chance to collaborate with individuals from different teams within the organization, gaining real-world insights and guidance from industry professionals. This experience helped me navigate my career path and make informed decisions about my future. This internship made me realize it was possible to combine my passions of geodesign, language learning, and cross-cultural understanding in my professional career. Going forward, I am able to make intentional choices about where I want to work and the type of work I want to be doing, which is a privilege.

While enhancing my soft skills was a significant benefit, the internship also provided valuable exposure to real-world GIS. Prior to my sophomore year, I had only taken two GIS classes at USC, one of which was heavily focused on lab work and had an instructor readily available for assistance. However, during my WWF internship, I quickly realized the importance of troubleshooting issues independently, as there was no instructor to rely on. Like I mentioned before, data isn’t always organized in the best way. You have to be really intentional about the way you organize your data so others are able to interpret and interact with it with limited context. Despite the challenges, I successfully created several maps using WWF’s data, which includes the Amazon regional climate change index, integrated risk index, and ecological risk index, and these maps proved to be a valuable tool for visualizing and sharing this data with others.

Q: What’s your best advice to other young professionals?

A : I feel really lucky that I pursued geodesign going into college and attended a school like USC, because [its] Spatial Science Institute is huge and there are lots of free resources at my fingertips and [USC provides] access to Esri software for us students.

With that said, find out if your university provides free access to Esri software . It’s more than likely [it does]. Then, soak in all the resources you can get and just fully take advantage of accessing the technology.

Next, search for internships that match your interests and career goals while also being open to trying new industries.

Finally, put yourself out there and talk to people . I’m sure people are tired of hearing this, but it’s the truth! Try going to events like on-campus events or conferences. Also, just go up and talk to your professor! If you know a professor doing interesting research, reach out to them, saying “Hi, I’d love to find time to learn more about your research and ask you a few questions.” The point is to learn more about what people are doing and what they did to get there.

For example, I made time to go to the LA Geospatial Summit, which was happening on campus for one day only. That day I had a class and I had to work after class, but I made time to pop into the event during the networking portion. That is where I met people from Esri and Esri Young Professionals Network [YPN] that led to publishing this article.

Overall, just try to show up to any opportunity, and don’t think to yourself, “Should I go?” Because the answer is yes, you should!

Q: What are your career plans after you graduate?

A: I have such a diverse range of interests, and I’ve been exploring different career paths to determine my next steps. One aspect of GIS that particularly appeals to me is its widespread application across various industries, including architectural design, public policy, urban planning, international development, and environmental conservation. These fields intersect with GIS in many ways, and ideally, I would like to work in a role that incorporates all of these aspects or join an organization that is involved in these areas.

My language skills, passion for exploring the world, and interest in learning about different cultures make me particularly drawn to the intersection of international development and conservation. Given the versatility of GIS and its relevance to multiple industries I’m interested in, I am open to a wide range of possibilities. To further explore these industries and expand my professional network, I try to attend a variety of conferences such as the Urban Land Institute’s fall meeting and Esri’s Geodesign Summit and events to connect with new individuals, learn about new technology, and gain insights from industry experts.

You can learn more about the Esri YPN and our upcoming events—go to our web page .

Check out these additional resources for students in higher education or young professionals entering geospatial technology careers:

• Esri Community—Young Professionals Network (blogs, events, discussion)
• Esri YPN group on LinkedIn
• Esri training courses
• Esri Technical Certification Program
• Esri student programs including internships and assistantships

About the authors

Rosemary Boone

Rosemary Boone is a Senior Industry Marketing Manager for Esri, concentrating on executing marketing strategies for K-12 schools and higher education institutions. She holds a master’s degree in education technology with an emphasis on multimedia. Prior to her career in marketing, she taught elementary school and taught overseas. In her free time, she likes to listen to music, exercise, and spend time with her two Dachshunds.

Logan Stevens

Logan Stevens is an ArcGIS Enterprise Release Engineer at Esri. He works with numerous ArcGIS Enterprise product teams to gather release requirements for new and existing products, which assists in quality assurance testing before delivery of products to end-users. Prior to that, he was an ArcGIS Enterprise Support Analyst where he directly supported Esri's end-users by troubleshooting issues related to various ArcGIS Enterprise technologies. This included assisting customers with configuring ArcGIS Enterprise, enterprise geodatabases, licensing all Esri products, and troubleshooting the suite of Esri mobile applications. He has a B.A. & M.S. in Geography from Virginia Tech where he focused in GIS.

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