What do social scientists do?

I'm interested in sociology and psychology, so the role of a social scientist intrigues me. What kind of work do social scientists typically perform, and what are the common career paths within this field? Do you need a specific degree?

Social scientists study all aspects of society, from societal trends, and human behavior, to the relationships among groups of people. They use a variety of methods to collect, analyze, interpret, and present their findings, which often contribute to our understanding of how society functions.

There are different specialties within the realm of social science. For instance:

- Sociologists typically focus more on understanding the behavior of groups and societies, often looking at social interactions, culture, or societal institutions.

- Psychologists, on the other hand, are often more concerned with understanding the behavior of individuals, the mental processes, emotions, and their impact on a person's behavior.

As for common career paths, the prospects are quite extensive. Depending on your area of interest within social science, you could be a sociologist, psychologist, anthropologist, market researcher, human resources manager, survey researcher, or social worker. In terms of academia, you could also become a professor or a researcher. Outside of academia, there are opportunities in government, private research firms, marketing companies, and non-profit organizations.

Concerning degrees, the starting point for a career in social science typically is a bachelor's degree in a related field such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, or political science. Larger research or academic positions often require a Master's degree or a Ph.D. Based on your specific career goals, you might also need to consider specialized training or professional certification in your field of interest. For example, becoming a psychologist would fundamentally require a doctoral degree in psychology and licensing to practice.

Remember, while looking at the career options, consider not only what interests you most, but also what type of work environment, level of responsibility, and educational commitment you're willing to undertake.