Hi Ravi, I hope you're doing well. I wrote to you once earlier and your advice helped me a lot. I'm writing to you again with the ripple effect of the crisis I faced still bothering me. I was really close to a girl of a different cultural background who broke up with me recently after a nasty tiff. I'm finding it difficult to cope with it. Reading hasn't helped and neither has focusing on my career. Could you suggest any NGOs in Kolkata I could be associated with? I would love to work for them even as a volunteer. I need to tell you here, I'm 49 and I know NGOs prefer youngsters. Please let me know if there are any NGOs in Kolkata I can approach that would be willing to take me onboard. Thank you.

Ans:

If you have a good opportunity, you must plan to go back to Malaysia and live with your family.

You have not revealed what kind of profession you are in but, unless you have a stable career, it would not be wise to stay in India or any foreign country.

Remain positive.

Ans: Dear Kanishka,
What is the point with all the distress? The more you stay in the problem, the bigger it is going to get!
If your relationship is over, then move on...yes, the emptiness takes quite sometime to get over with BUT it is possible to get a grab of your emotions ONLY if you choose to...
Focus on the time being on:
Work
Health
Family
Friends
This will give you an idea as to how much more energy you can drive into each of these to see the results that you want. Obviously, you can put in strategic thought into planning the next 10 years of your professional life. Your career ends only when you want it to end. In this digital age, the world is one big village where there are myriad opportunities. Research a bit on where your skills and experience can add value...
So, the point that I am making here is: Shift focus to the things that can change the course of your life for the better!

All the best!

Ans: What is the Scope of an MA in Sociology?
Job Opportunities After MA in Sociology

Experts define sociology as the branch of behavioral science that deals with social groups, their internal forms or modes of organisation, the processes that tend to maintain or change these forms of organisation and relations between groups. Here are some of the benefits of studying sociology; check out:

Sociology gives you a new perspective to understand all social relationships maturely and comprehensively.
You can make positive changes in your interpersonal as well as professional relationships by studying sociology.
Sociology has a wide range of topics from which you can choose your career pathway.
Sociology enhances your social skills by teaching you tools and techniques to deal with real-life interactions and experiences with various social groups.
It helps you solve your social problems, if any, in a constructive and result-oriented way.
It gives you insights into international issues and human behaviour patterns.
Suppose you want to make career in pyschology; taking different undergraduate and post-graduate courses will open doors to quality work opportunities. Bachelor’s or master’s in sociology are believed to be the most popular courses. The courses’ curriculum acquaints you with the fundamentals of human behaviour and gives a deep insight into human social relationships and institutions. Below, we have discussed the scope and job opportunities after MA in sociology.

What is the Scope of an MA in Sociology?
MA in sociology is a post-graduate course that equips aspirants with the skills required to work as contemporary sociologists, and understand complex human behavior patterns. An MA in sociology aims to provide students a deep insight into various facets of society, human behavior, and different institutions prevalent in the business environment. In the next section of the article, we will explore the scope of an MA in sociology in detail.

Sociology delves deeper into the diverse interactions between society and individuals. The scope of sociology also covers the fundamental sociology of market research, visual studies, diaspora studies, etc. It also includes a wide variety of sociological methods used to study the social life of humankind.

The scope of MA in sociology also includes studying social processes, social institutes, and social groups. After doing an MA in sociology, you can choose any of the aforementioned subjects for specialization.

Furthermore, there are ample career options in sociology . Many fields, including research, education, criminology, healthcare, and child development, offer lucrative jobs with competitive pay package after MA sociology. Let us walk you through careers opportunities after pursuing MA in sociology.

Job Opportunities After MA in Sociology
Here are some of the job opportunities that you can take after completing MA in sociology:

Sociology Professor
As a Sociology Professor, you can shape minds, conduct research, and contribute to academic discourse. Universities and colleges often seek individuals with advanced degrees to teach sociology courses.

Life Coach
Leveraging your sociological insights, you can pursue a career as a Life Coach, guiding individuals through personal and professional challenges, fostering personal development, and enhancing well-being.

Sociologist
Engage in sociological research and analysis, contributing to a deeper understanding of societal structures, behaviors, and trends. Sociologists often work in research institutions, think tanks, or government agencies.

Probation Officer
Apply sociological perspectives in the criminal justice system, working as a Probation Officer. Help individuals reintegrate into society, assess rehabilitation needs, and monitor probationary conditions.

Social Worker
Make a direct impact on communities by becoming a Social Worker. Address societal issues, advocate for vulnerable populations, and provide support services to those in need.

HR Coordinator
With an understanding of human behavior and organizational dynamics, work as an HR Coordinator. Apply sociological insights to foster a positive workplace culture, handle employee relations, and contribute to organizational development.

Community Health Worker
Contribute to public health initiatives by working as a Community Health Worker. Use sociological perspectives to address health disparities, engage communities, and implement preventive health measures.

Marketing Research Executive
Bridge sociology and business by becoming a Marketing Research Executive. Conduct consumer behavior studies, analyze market trends, and provide valuable insights to guide marketing strategies.

Public Relations Specialist
Utilize your sociological background in communications as a Public Relations Specialist. Shape public perception, manage organizational image, and navigate societal dynamics in the realm of public relations.

Government Jobs After MA in Sociology
Explore diverse opportunities in government sectors, such as civil services, research roles, or policy analysis. Sociological expertise is valuable in shaping public policies, addressing social issues, and contributing to governance.

Teaching and Education
After your MA in sociology, you can appear for National Eligibility Test (NET) or State-level Eligibility Test (SET) and join a college or university as an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor. Alternatively, you can pursue a PhD or M.Phil to teach sociology in universities. This way, you can begin your career in primary and secondary education and child development.

Administrative Services
Indian administrative services (IAS), Indian police service (IPS), and Indian forest service (IFS) are some of the best job opportunities after MA sociology. Passion and dedication must be your driving force while opting for administrative services like IAS or IPS. Moreover, you must qualify for the Civil Service Aptitude Test (CSAT) held by Union Public Service Commission to begin your career in the field.

Otherwise, you can take examinations held by the State Public Service Commission after completing your graduation. You can apply for job titles like Assistant Commissioner, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, District Public Relations Officer, and more after completing the MA in sociology course.

Therapy and Counselling
You can develop a career in therapy and counselling with an MA in sociology. Those with a post-graduate or undergraduate degree in sociology can become successful counsellors and behaviour therapists in fields like education, healthcare, governance, or community services.

Suppose, you want to make a career as a therapist or counsellor, then empathy, patience, analytical skills, critical thinking ability, and interpersonal communication are the qualities you require.

Research
It is believed that some interesting jobs after MA in sociology are in research, and you can carve a lucrative career with the highest job satisfaction. After completing MA in sociology or similar courses, you can apply for the role of a Junior or Senior Research Fellow, Research Assistant, or Senior Research Officer across different industries.

Family, and Child Development and Welfare
Excellent jobs come your way after an MA in Sociology in family and child development and welfare. The opportunities include a Probation Officer in the District Child Protection Society, a Marriage Counsellor, a Therapist or a Counsellor in a rehabilitation centre, a family or child development officer, and so on.

A few more job roles that one can undertake after completing MA in sociology are:

Gerontologists in the healthcare sector
Social workers in NGOs and charities
Community development workers in human welfare
Sociology professors or tutors
Life coaches, motivators, or consultants
Social influencers
Social scientists

Ans: Embarking on a journey of social work and community engagement in your retirement is truly commendable. Here’s a guide to help you connect with NGOs and find meaningful opportunities to contribute your time and skills:

Identify Your Interests and Skills
Self-Reflection: Reflect on your passions, interests, and skills. What causes are you passionate about? What skills and expertise can you offer to make a difference?

Personal Values: Consider your personal values and what issues resonate with you. Whether it's education, healthcare, environment, or social justice, aligning with causes that reflect your values enhances your engagement.

Research NGOs and Volunteer Opportunities
Online Platforms: Explore online platforms dedicated to connecting volunteers with NGOs, such as VolunteerMatch, Idealist, and GiveIndia. These platforms list volunteer opportunities based on location, cause, and skills.

Local Networks: Reach out to local community centers, religious organizations, and social clubs in your area. They often collaborate with NGOs and can provide information on volunteering opportunities.

NGO Directories: Consult NGO directories and databases to identify organizations working in your areas of interest. Research their mission, programs, and volunteer needs to find a good fit.

Attend Events and Workshops
NGO Events: Attend events, seminars, and workshops organized by NGOs in your community. These gatherings provide networking opportunities and insights into their work.

Volunteer Fairs: Participate in volunteer fairs and community events where NGOs showcase their work and recruit volunteers. It’s an excellent way to meet representatives and learn about their projects.

Reach Out and Volunteer
Contact NGOs: Reach out to NGOs directly via email or phone to express your interest in volunteering. Introduce yourself, share your skills and availability, and inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Offer Your Expertise: Highlight your professional background, skills, and experiences that could benefit the NGO’s initiatives. Whether it's fundraising, event planning, marketing, or project management, your expertise can make a significant impact.

Build Relationships and Stay Committed
Build Rapport: Build rapport with NGO staff and volunteers by attending orientation sessions, training workshops, and team meetings. Establishing relationships fosters collaboration and a sense of belonging.

Stay Committed: Once you commit to volunteering, honor your commitments and be reliable. Consistent and dedicated involvement strengthens your impact and fosters trust within the organization.

Conclusion
Engaging in social work and volunteering with NGOs is a fulfilling way to contribute to society and make a positive impact in your retirement. By identifying your interests, researching opportunities, and reaching out to organizations, you can find meaningful ways to support causes you care about and make a difference in the community.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in