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Free presentations, networking opportunities await students interested in sociology careers

November 13, 2012
Sociology offers year-round opportunities for students to get involved in human-service-related programs. For nearly 25 years, the department has sponsored an alternative spring-break trip to Pensacola, Fla., where students have constructed more than 50 houses with Habitat for Humanity.

Sociology offers year-round opportunities for students to get involved in human-service-related programs. For nearly 25 years, the department has sponsored an alternative spring-break trip to Pensacola, Fla., where students have constructed more than 50 houses with Habitat for Humanity.

The Department of Sociology, in conjunction with the Sociology Student Advisory Committee and the NIU Criminal Justice Club, kicks off the 10th annual Sociology Week event tonight.

Sociology Week is being held in rooms 505 and 506 or the Holmes Student Center from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, through Thursday, Nov. 15.

The programs showcase sociology faculty and more than a dozen alumni and offer students from across the campus information on sociology-based internships, careers, volunteer opportunities, and the importance of sociological research on social issues. Current sociology majors and students who are interested in pursuing careers in sociology are encouraged to attend these free events.

Sociology Week was created by now-retired Sociology Department chair Kay Forest as a way of demonstrating the unlimited opportunities open to students who major in sociology. Current chair, Kirk Miller, is excited that the program continues to offer learning opportunities to students today.

“We are thrilled that Sociology Week is marking its 10th anniversary with another fantastic program,” Miller says. “This year’s events are again full of excellent student-centered speakers.”

The program provides solid information and networking opportunities for students who want to take the next step toward a sociology career, Miller says.

“For 10 years, Sociology Week has linked NIU alumni who are practicing sociology in their careers in the region with current students on campus.”

Sociology students have attained internships and study abroad experiences in places like this school in Sierra Leone.

Sociology students have attained internships and study abroad experiences in places like this school in Sierra Leone.

This year, a variety of alumni will talk about their careers as volunteer coordinators for non-profits, county health department directors, district loss prevention managers and more.

“In addition, we have added faculty speakers and a session on grad school and the Sociology master’s program, which we know students want to know more about,” Miller says.

Keri Burchfield, director of graduate studies, says “tonight’s Sociology Week panel will be a nice preview of Friday’s first-ever Sociology MA Program Open House. Both will provide information about the value of an MA in Sociology from NIU and what students can expect from the degree program.” Burchfield encourages interested students to RSVP to Friday’s Open House.

Sociology Week also offers opportunities for students to meet with faculty and alumni in more casual settings.

From 7 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 13, students can attend a meet-and-greet at Pizza Pros and get their questions answered while enjoying free pizza. From 7 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, students can again chat with faculty and alumni from at Tapa La Luna. The Tapa La Luna event features music by Jill Sanderson and the Stat Cats. Sociology-themed drinks will also be available for purchase.

Get more information and see the full schedule of events at the Sociology home page the NIU Sociology Facebook page, or contact sociology internship coordinator Jack King at (815) 753-6440 or jackking@niu.edu.