It's an area of study that is like 'O' positive blood – there are many fits. Look on it as offering a series of differential opportunities, but more importantly, recognise that if you are good at what you are doing, things will work out. This is not luck however, it is intentional. What it takes is, doing your homework, being enthusiastic, being positive, accepting no substitute for hard work, not being afraid to say I don't know', and quickly adding, but I will find out', accepting an element of risk, and focusing on the fun and enjoyment of what you do. When it is no longer fun, do something else.

Many disciplines prepare you well, but for only one type of work, or with one set of skills. In sociology you find not only a wide variety of sub-disciplines, but a perspective which promotes adaptability and learning. You are always dealing with groups of people, whatever the issue, and this is basic sociology.

Current employment conditions and practices in both the public and private sectors embrace restructuring. Change is the watchword in restructuring, and a background in sociology is perfect for understanding change. Sociology, with its focus on groups, organizations, and human interaction is a natural compliment to business. And, it is a degree which is increasingly well-received in the business world. There is so much that has changed in the way business is conducted that companies are looking for people who can be very flexible. People socialised in some of the older business patterns are just so inflexible that they cannot adjust. Sociology prepares you for understanding change and anticipating it.

Sociology is a reflection of sensitivity to cultures and the means of communicating across cultures. In so many businesses people are promoted into management because they have good technical skills. The problem is they have no people skills and this is compounded when a manager must interact with colleagues and subordinates who are culturally different. By focusing on cultural diversity the discipline of sociology prepares people to better understand those with whom they come into contact. This is as much a skill as being able to process data statistically.

The important lesson so far is that without a good understanding of others, co-workers, superiors and subordinates, customers, and competitors, and how to relate to them, it is nearly impossible to succeed in business. In addition, sociology is a discipline which enhances a business person's ability to manage these relations. The details of business are pretty easy to learn. What most students don't understand is that they must ultimately learn to read the interests of those who are important to them, and then figure out a way to satisfy those interests. In fact, if possible you need to know what a client, or your boss wants, even before they actually tell you. This means you must always be in a learning/researching mode. You are constantly observing and making notes on the patterns of these people. What sociology does is provide the tools and perspectives necessary to do this part of the work.

There is a bright future in business development. However, it does take initiative, creativity, and a sound basis in research. But it also requires clarity in the techniques of business. Therefore, students should be broadly prepared, maybe doing a double major like business and sociology, so that they can operate in both environments. Internships or work experience placements are highly recommended.

Fundamentally, sociological skills can be described as planning, collecting information, communicating, leading teams, managing through the decision process, acting as a catalyst, lobbying etc. Sociology allows for the development of an array of special skills. These are primarily methodological and include abilities such as survey construction and administration, interviewing, statistical manipulation and interpretation.

The sociologically prepared researcher is more likely to see' the big picture of some project. This perspective is essential.

to take temporary jobs, do work experience or internships, and volunteer. See for yourself how your discipline applies. Make appointments to discuss trends and developments with project officers or research personnel in government departments who work in areas which interest you eg Australian Institute of Family Studies, Child Support Agency, Adolescent and Child Support Service, Family and Children's Services, Alcohol and Drug Authority, Women's Policy Development office, WorkCover WA and Worksafe WA, Superannuation companies, Human Rights and Equal opportunity Commission, National Crime Authority, Ministry of Justice, Community Based Correction agencies, Commonwealth and State Employment and Training Services and Departments, Police Service, office of Youth Affairs, Homeswest, Competition and Consumer Commission, Disability Services Commission, local government community development programmes, office of Seniors Interests and services for the aged, tertiary institutions for administrative and student development services, advertising agencies, market research companies, HR consultancies - to name a mere few.

If for example you want to be a trainer, you should begin by researching the business of workshops and seminars - make this a part of what you do as a student. You could begin by contacting convention bureaus and getting a list of industry conventions or annual meetings which have come to some cities. Then ask for convention schedules. You will see for yourself the array of workshops offered. But this is only the start. You need to pursue this in order to learn as much as you can. The skills you should be developing to support this include: writing - writing is absolutely important, as are speaking skills. You need to be able to present yourself, and what you have to say, so that others not only hear you, but will adopt the point of view you are offering.

Agencies within government are always working on projects which require data gathering, analysis, and/or interpretation. If you are well-trained then you can stay quite busy.

In the case of tourism it is important to know exactly where tourists go and why, how much money they spend, and what they think about their experiences. Based on such data a formal approach to tourism promotion could be produced. Besides the Tourism Commission, local governments such as Fremantle and Rockingham have tourism projects operating within - often manifested in leisure and recreation facilities or annual festivals. or, steps could be taken to improve public perceptions of a local hospital and thereby influence the level of local health care delivery. The lesson here is, that good information is in demand and can be used to make a difference. That's what Sociology offers. It's all in the marketing thereof.

Sociology graduates can be employed in community services, welfare organisations, recreation centres, tourism, local, state and federal government as well as the private sector. Specific employment areas include human resources, project coordination, research, policy evaluation, public relations, marketing, advocacy/mediation, training, administration.

Housing officer , Housing Advocacy Support Service (HASS) funding schemes. often administered by local government or government funded community based programmes

Community Liaison officer/Community Services officer/Community Development officer , Local Government. Administration of a range of services such as aged housing, youth services, recreation and the community's volunteers. Provides secretarial support for a number of Council's advisory and management committees.

Research Officer , Women's Services, Salvation Army; Adoption Research and Counselling Service; Industry Employment and Training Council; Activ Foundation; Universities; TAFE; Ministry of Fair Trading; DEET; Department of Community Services

Ethnic Liaison officer/Grant-in-Aid Worker , Royal Perth Hospital; Migrant Resource Centres; Legal Aid; Immigrat ion and Ethnic Affairs; Multicultural Centres.

Coordinator, (specialist projects), Women's Centres (multicultural, aboriginal, general); Mediation and Family Therapy Centres; youth support organisations; SkillShare Projects; Job Clubs; local government projects such as respite and children's services; support groups such as Alzeimers Associations, Single Parents Support Groups etc; WA Aids Council; Jobskills Brokerages; Disability Services such as PEP, Activ Foundation, and equity units within universities; Shared Workspace Centres; Rural Youth Information Centres. Many of these projects are funded by various state and federal governments.

Employment officer/ Case Managers , Community based services such as outcare (placement of ex-offenders into employment and training); Work Experience Projects such as Bridging the Gap, Work link; Private training providers such as Training Group Australia

Community Welfare Worker , Department of Health and Community Services; Department for Community Development.

Equity Projects officer , Universities, ATSIC, unions – specialist programmes Student Advisors and Support officers, Universities, international colleges, residential colleges, TAFE. Positions include Study Abroad Advisors, Careers Advisors, Student Services Coordinators.

Research Academic , Tertiary institutions; Criminologist, Australian Institute of Criminology, Canberra, tertiary institutions (these positions require post graduate study in Sociology)

Specialist Coordinator , TAFE programmes such as New opportunities for Women (NOW)

GAA Scheme – Graduate Administrative Assistant Scheme , Policy, administration and research work for the federal government. Majority of positions in Canberra. Relevant departments include Department of Employment and Work Relations, Centrelink, Community Health and HousingHealth and Family Services, AUSAID.

Administrative officers , state government departments such as Public Health Department, have graduate intake schemes annually. Whilst the majority of other departments do not participate in a formalised graduate intake scheme for the social/behavioural sciences, positions are advertised from time to time on an as-needed basis.

Australian Volunteers Abroad , overseas Service Bureau. Coordinators for women's development projects and English teaching (teaching qualification not required).

Research/Electorate officers , local politicians.

Human Resources and Development officer , develops competency based training initiatives, designs programmes to enhance productivity, administration.

Placement officer , private employment agencies for general and executive personnel.

Programme Coordinator , Red Cross, Private Retirement Villages, Amnesty International

Research officers , market research companies.

Events Coordinators , Public Relations officers, hospitality sector.

Buyer , retail department stores.

Consultants, Planning fields ; drafting and writing funding submissions for welfare based organisations - particularly aboriginal support groups.