Success in most careers depends upon both long-term career preparation and short-term
responses to changing circumstances. It is virtually impossible for anyone to anticipate fully
what lies five years ahead, much less ten, twenty, or thirty years. Yet, because sociology gives
students a broad liberal arts preparation, it can be viewed as a solid base for many career paths.
In addition, students who have developed a relatively clear idea of their preferred career path can
shape their undergraduate curriculum accordingly. Furthermore, basic skills in research design,
data analysis, and conceptualization of problems will help BA graduates compete for jobs across
all sectors.