Amanda Whitford – Australian Bureau of Statistics

"I made the decision to go on to do Honours in sociology rather than psychology as I enjoy the breadth of the sociological approach..."

I studied sociology as a double major with psychology whilst undertaking a Bachelor of Behavioural Science degree. I found that the two disciplines complemented each other extremely well, as they both addressed my interest in people, behaviour and society, and the relationships between these elements, but from completely different perspectives. I made the decision to go on to do Honours in sociology rather than psychology as I enjoy the breadth of the sociological approach, which allows me to explore the big picture, without the constraints of psychology’s ‘scientific’ methods. Yet the combination of training that I have had in quantitative research methods in psychology and my exposure to a more qualitative research focus in sociology has given me extremely marketable skills for the work force. While completing my Honours year I secured a job working for the Australian Bureau of Statisitics in Canberra.

 

Dr Steven Talbot - Social Researcher for the Department of Defence

"...theoretical and conceptual tools to understand and tackle real social issues in a meaningful and practical way..."

After several years of work in the automotive industry, I began the process of reinventing myself through acquiring a university education. My enrolment in the Foundation Course exposed me to a variety of disciplines and course topics, including sociology. Although unsure of where my studies would take me, my decision to include sociology into my undergraduate degree studies program was a wise one. Sociology has provided me with the theoretical and conceptual tools to understand and tackle real social issues in a meaningful and practical way. My subsequent years as an Honours and higher degree research student have also equipped me with research skills and knowledge bases which are transferable and applicable to any organisational setting. Today, I work for the Department of Defence as a qualitative researcher exploring the cultural and social dimensions of learning within the Australian Army.

 

Priscilla Dunk – Social Worker and PhD Candidate

"I was able to incorporate my sociological lens into my emerging professional world-view."

As an undergraduate, studying sociology was fascinating to me because it was a way of identifying and exploring meaning within the social. Later, when undertaking postgraduate studies in social work, I was able to incorporate my sociological lens into my emerging professional world-view. Social work differs from other 'helping' professions because it recognises the impact of structural forces of oppression and influence rather than viewing the individual in isolation. In understanding the influence those macro forces have on the lived experience of individuals, I have worked in many social work settings and have been able to assist clients to challenge and explore such forces. I am thankful for those undergraduate days in sociology as they assisted me to become a better social worker, and to this day I continue to teach and learn in the disciplines of social work and sociology.

 

Zlatko Skrbis – Professor of Sociology

"The choice to study sociology at Flinders was easy to make because of the excellent reputation of its sociology programme."

I arrived at Flinders in 1991 to take up an Overseas Postgraduate Research Scholarship and complete a PhD in sociology. The choice to study sociology at Flinders was easy to make because of the excellent reputation of its sociology programme. After completion of my doctorate in 1995 I was appointed to an academic position at Queensland University of Technology and in 2001 I moved to The University of Queensland. Most of my research deals with questions of cultural diversity, globalisation and migration but I am also very interested in Australian youth and their perceptions of the future. After more than a decade as a professional sociologist and educator I still very much enjoy doing research and I particularly enjoy the opportunities to impart my knowledge on future generations of sociologists. I can comfortably say that it was my association with Flinders that laid the foundation for my future career and my professional networks. It also provided me with some lasting friendships.

 

Sophie de Rohan – Lawyer

"Sociology gave me the ability to see beyond the application of law, to the wider societal structure in which our law and legal system exists."

I completed my Honours in Sociology at Flinders University in 2002. After working in the Sociology Department as a tutor and research assistant in 2003 I moved to Melbourne in 2004 and began a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice (LLB) at La Trobe University, which I completed at the end of 2006. I am now undertaking my articles at Erskine Rodan and Associates. I will qualify as a lawyer in February 2008. Sociology gave me the ability to see beyond the application of law, to the wider societal structure in which our law and legal system exists. This is particularly important in the area of immigration law, in which I work. Immigration law is the creation of our political and social system and it is often a matter of working with the political system, being able to see the broader perspective, to the best outcome for your client.

 

Brett Beattie - PhD Candidate, Pennsylvania State University

"The advantages of my honours year were immense...I have since been awarded an assistantship at Pennsylvania State University..."

Upon enrolling at Flinders I, like many new undergraduates, entered university with a relatively vague idea of what I wanted to study and what career path I wished to follow. I chose a first year sociology topic simply because the course description sounded intriguing. I found that sociology provided a framework in which to study a large diversity of social phenomena and offered the best chance of understanding the wider world. After switching to a BA majoring in sociology, I completed my honours year. The advantages of my honours year were immense. I found I was able to concentrate on a topic that was highly interesting to me personally while gaining a wide variety of skills that are especially relevant in both professional and academic settings. The knowledge gained from my honours and undergraduate study allowed me to complete a year of tutoring at Flinders and I have since been awarded an assistantship at Pennsylvania State University to allow me to pursue my Masters and PhD. Sociology at Flinders ensures that you acquire a high level of academic competency while exploring interesting and varied topics.