Career Compass: Sociology/Criminology

As a sociology or criminology student in the Faculty of Arts, you will learn about the social behaviours of individuals and societies. The Department of Sociology has many opportunities for you to explore, with two programs of study:

1. Sociology: the study of the interactions of human beings and the social structures we create.
2. Criminology: the systematic study of the nature of crime and the laws and practices designed to respond to crime over time and place.

Skills you will gain by studying SOCIOLOGY/CRIMINOLOGY

• An understanding of human and social behaviours and how they are affected by personal, public and societal issues
• The ability to describe, understand and predict social behaviours using quantitative and qualitative methods
• The ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions to many complex social issues
• The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: SOC 1000 or SOC 1211 and SOC 1221

To do this year:

1. Sociology or criminology ­– what’s right for you? An academic advisor and career consultant can help you decide.
2. If you need academic support, visit the Academic Learning Centre for workshops or to meet with a learning skills instructor.

CAREER TIPS

Start planning your career:

1. Meet with a career consultant to generate career ideas based on your interests, values, personality and skills.
2. Research occupations that match your skills and interests.
3. Set up a UM Connect account to view job postings and register for workshops and events.
4. Set up your Experience Record, an official record of university-approved activities.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Link experiences to your career interests. Options include:

1. Student groups including Arts Student Body Council or Criminology Association of Students.
2. Volunteer for UM Orientation events to help welcome new students to campus while gaining experience, volunteer with Heathy U, or join the Student Leadership Development Program.
3. Student work opportunities including Work-Study, STEP Services or Federal Student Work Experience Program.
4. Experiential education opportunities such as UM Community Volunteers and Poverty Awareness & Community Action.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Considering international opportunities? Visit the International Centre to learn about international opportunities for UM students.

Explore communities and cultures you want to work with: Visit Migizii Agamik, the International Centre for Students or learn about local agencies via 211 Manitoba.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements:
Sociology: SOC 2220, and SOC 2292 and SOC 2294 (honours must also take SOC 2010), plus additional required SOC courses

Criminology: SOC 2292 and SOC 2294, SOC 2510 and SOC 2610 (honours must also take SOC 2010 and SOC 2220)

To do this year:

1. Know the requirements for your degree. Meet with an academic advisor in the Faculty of Arts to help you plan your program.
2. When choosing a minor, take courses that will open opportunities.

CAREER TIPS

Make professional connections:

1. Join the Career Mentor Program to learn from professionals.
2. Attend career fairs to connect with employers.
3. Become a Student Affiliate with the Canadian Sociological Association (CSA) and/or Canadian Criminal Justice Association (CCJA).
4. Develop professional connections with professors by applying for an Undergraduate Research Award.

Market your skills: Develop your resumé and cover letter and refine your interview skills.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Explore student research opportunities: Apply for a research assistant position or Undergraduate Research Award.

Gain practical experience by volunteering: Check out the Winnipeg Police Service and social service agencies.

Obtain certificates employers may require, including: Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training (NVCI), Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), CPR/First Aid and Mental Health First Aid.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Develop global career skills and expand intercultural learning: Consider an international student exchange or Travel Study program, or an international service-learning program, My World Abroad or SWAP for a “working holiday”.

Staying local? Consider learning a new language and culture through the Language Partner Volunteer Program or check out Community Engaged Learning. 

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program

To do this year:

1. Meet with a sociology advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora (3-year option).

CAREER TIPS

Investigate your career options:

1. Look at sample job postings to ensure you have the qualifications upon graduation.
2. Develop employability and essential skills sought by employers.
3. Explore supports available to entrepreneurs for business planning including the Stu Clarke Centre for Entrepreneurship, World Trade Centre Winnipeg, and the Manitoba Government.
4. Create a LinkedIn profile to network with professionals.

Consider continuing your studies: Check out the Faculty of Graduate Studies, Extended Education or other academic institutions.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Continue or start research: Participate in the Undergraduate Research Poster Competition and/or consider taking Practicum in Criminological/Sociological Research (SOC 3100).

Check out student job opportunities with: Canadian Border Services Agency, social service agencies and market research firms.

Search for job opportunities online: Check out Job Bank, Find My Job, Indeed or other search engines.

Use your networks and connections: Inquire about unadvertised job openings (the "hidden job market").

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Did you travel abroad? Become an exchange mentor for the International Student Mentorship Program, join the exchange student community at the University of Manitoba or write an article about your experience.

Participate in the multicultural opportunities on campus: Participate in the Intercultural Development and Leadership Program, volunteer for the Land and Water: Land-based Education or take part in Graduation Pow Wow.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

Course requirements: Refer to the Academic Calendar for course requirements in your program

To do this year:

1. Meet with a sociology advisor for honours program approval.
2. Confirm eligibility to graduate with an academic advisor and declare intent to graduate in Aurora.

CAREER TIPS

Start job search 9 months in advance: Contact Career Services to refine your job search and self-marketing strategies. You can visit the office up to 6 months after graduation.

If you are continuing on to graduate school: Finalize your application materials and required tests. Use the awards database to search for funding and awards to help finance your continuing education. Contact your department to find out how their awards deadlines are advertised.

VOLUNTEER & WORK EXPERIENCE

Ensure you have references in place: Ask your professor for a reference or a letter of recommendation if you're applying for graduate school.

Find opportunities to market yourself: Present your research at the CSA Annual Conference or submit an article to the CCJA Justice Report.

Assess your resumé: Identify any gaps in experience and fill them through volunteering, work placements or internships such as the Post-Secondary Recruitment Program.

CULTURAL OPPORTUNITIES

Prepare to work in a multicultural environment: Visit Canada's National Research Centre for Truth and Reconciliation on campus or explore Manitoba Start, which offers events and free workshops for newcomers to assist their job search.

Sample jobs with an undergraduate degree and related experience

• Auxiliary Cadet (Winnipeg Police Service)
• Airport Security Screening Officer
• Border Services Officer
• Career & Employment Consultant
• Conciliation/Mediation Officer
• Correctional Service Officer
• Court Clerk Monitor
• Crime Analyst
• Crown Witness Coordinator
• Emergency Preparedness Analyst
• Foreign Service Officer
• Fundraising Coordinator
• Immigrant Settlement Worker
• Immigration Agent/Consultant
• Juvenile Counsellor
• Market Research Analyst 
• Private Investigator
• Police Constable
• Probation/Parole Officer
• Rehabilitation Consultant
• Sheriff’s Officer
• Social Policy Analyst
• Social Program Coordinator
• Student Advocate
• Victim Services Specialist
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Youth Worker

Options requiring other education

• Criminologist
• Demographer
• Disaster Response Manager
• Lawyer
• Marriage and Family Therapist
• Policy Analyst
• Social Worker
• Teacher
• University Professor
• Urban and Regional Planner

Industries such as business, education, government, justice and social services would value a sociology or criminology major in combination with the employability skills that are highly sought after by employers. The skills include:*

• Oral and written communication
• Critical thinking
• Problem solving
• Numeracy and data use
• Teamwork
• Digital technology
• Industry specific knowledge
• Continuous learning

Attain skills through your classroom education by taking advantage of experiential education opportunities.

*Information has been adapted from Employability Skills 2000⁺ and Workplace Education Manitoba – Essential Skills.