Student Question Corner

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why is CSA membership beneficial to students?
• What is sociology?
• What can I do with an undergraduate degree in sociology?
• What can I do with a graduate degree in sociology?
• How do I prepare for a conference presentation?
• How does a round table presentation differ from all full-presentation?
• How does a CV differ from a Resume?

Q1.  Why is CSA membership beneficial to students? 

A.  Membership to the Canadian Sociological Association (CSA) provides a voice for sociologists in Canada and keeps members informed about the issues facing sociologists. Your membership includes access to The Canadian Review of Sociology, a first-class journal for the communication of ideas and research results that are at the core of our disciplines. The CSA’s Annual Meetings make it possible for our members to meet and discuss academic, research, educational, and administrative matters. Our website provides efficient ways for our members to keep in touch. Through our administrative and committee structure we provide the means to identify and act on issues of concern to our members. Our Guide to Departments (95-96 release is under revision) provides information about faculty/staff and graduate programs in Sociology Departments across Canada. 

The CSA also maintains a variety of contacts with organizations such as l’Association Canadienne des Sociologues et Anthropolgues de Langue Française (ACSALF), the International Sociological Association (ISA), The Canadian Anthropology Society (CASCA), The Atlantic Association of Sociologists and Anthropologists (AASA), the Western Sociological Association (WSA), and the British Sociological Association.

We are members of the Canadian Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences, which enables participation in coordinated efforts of social scientists for effective lobbying on behalf of our disciplines. One recent result of such lobbying is the Data Liberation Initiative, which makes Statistics Canada data available to you for research purposes, at no cost (providing your university subscribes to the program).

Students benefit from membership with CSA as they get all of the above at a reduced rate per year. A student rate is also available for the CSA Annual Meetings as well as opportunities to apply for travel funding directly from the CSA. While at the CSA Annual Meetings students are invited to attend a workshop organized by the CSA Student Issues Subcommittee. CSA student members are also given the opportunity to publish in the Student Corner section of the bi-annual CSA Newsletter: Sociologists in Contact. 

Q2.  What is sociology?

A.  Sociology is the scientific and/or systematic study of society, including patterns of social relations, social stratification, social interaction, and culture.  reas studied in sociology range from the analysis of brief contacts between anonymous individuals on the street to the study of global social interaction. Numerous fields within the discipline concentrate on how and why people are organized in society, either as individuals or as members of associations, groups, and institutions. Sociology is considered a branch of the social sciences. 

Q3.  What can I do with an undergraduate degree in sociology?

A.  A Bachelor of Arts degree, a BA, in sociology is excellent preparation for future graduate work in sociology in order to become a professor, researcher, or applied sociologist. An undergraduate degree provides a strong liberal arts preparation for entry level positions throughout the business, social service, and government worlds. Employers look for people with the skills that an undergraduate education in sociology provides.  Since its subject matter is intrinsically fascinating, sociology offers valuable preparation for careers in journalism, politics, public relations, business, or public administration – fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse groups. Many students choose sociology because they see it as a broad liberal arts base of professions such as law, education, medicine, social work, and counselling. Sociology provides a rich fund of knowledge that directly pertains to each of these fields.  

Q4.  What can I do with a graduate degree in sociology? 

A.Sociologists become high school teachers or faculty in colleges in university; advising students, conducting research, and publishing their work. Sociologist often enter the corporate, non-profit, and government worlds as directors of research, policy analysts, consultants, human resource managers, and program managers. Practicing sociologists with advanced degrees may be called research analysts, survey researchers, gerontologists, statisticians, urban planners, community developers, criminologists, or demographers. Some MA (Master of Arts) and PhD (Philosophy Doctorate) sociologists obtain specialized training to become counsellors, therapists, or program directors in social service agencies. Today, sociologists embark upon literally hundreds of career paths. Although teaching and conducting research remains the dominant activity among professional sociologists, other forms of employment are growing both in number and significance. In some sectors, sociologists work closely with economists, political scientists, anthropologists, psychologists, social workers, and others, reflecting a growing appreciation of sociology’s contributions to interdisciplinary analysis and action. 

Q5. How do I prepare for a conference presentation?  

A. To prepare for a conference presentation, you must initially submit your work to a “call for papers” by the Canadian Sociological Association which can be found on the CSA webstie.

When preparing a paper for submission, you should select a piece of work or research that you will have completed before the submission deadline. This paper will need to include an abstract and be as polished as possible. It is strongly recommended that you have a faculty member, a supervisor, or a peer review your paper.

When preparing your work for a conference presentation, you must keep in mind that a presentation is meant to help disseminate your findings to a wider audience and to help move your research along. You will need to rework your written paper as papers are not usually just spoken out loud. You will have to re-write your paper for a verbal presentation of your work.

If you are going to use visual aids or handouts for your presentation, be sure that they are clear and easy to read and that you do not provide too much information on each slide. It is often recommended that you do not use too many slides and that your font size for over-heads is not under 15 points. Further, be careful that your handouts or visual aids are not distracting. You do not want your audience thumbing through handouts while you deliver your argument.

The allotted presentation time available is often short so be sure to be succinct and clear in your delivery. Presenters often run out of time before they have an opportunity to fully describe their work and findings. Be sure to practice your presentation and its delivery. Do not let your presentation be ruined by being under prepared. During your presentation, the Chair of your session will be your time-keeper as well. She or he will inform you of how much time you have left in your presentation.

Remember that A conference presentation will allow you to present your work and ideas to a large audience, receive critical and valuable feedback on your work, and will also allow you to meet and connect with others who are interested in your topic. Networking is a large part of conferences so be sure to bring business cards as well.

Lastly, preparing for a conference presentation also include planning to attend other sessions as well. Be sure to support your fellow academics as it can be discouraging to present to an empty room. When listening in on other sessions, be courteous, polite and respectful when listening and speaking.

Q6. How does a round table presentation differ from all full-presentation?

A. Roundtable sessions are designed to provide a space for more junior graduate students or senior undergraduate students the opportunity to learn their craft in a constructive manner and a welcoming environment. Roundtable sessions are chaired by highly established scholars who would give feedback to the papers presented in these sessions. This type of session would be appropriate to the paper that is a review of literature arising from a course term paper, or an honours thesis project, or a descriptive project in data analysis. Roundtable sessions have a more pedagogical function for first time presenters.

Q7. How does a CV differ from a Resume?

A. A CV (curriculum vitae) is often required for those applying to graduate or professional programs, employment with international firms, or when promoting oneself within professional and academic fields.  It is typically longer than the average 1-2 page resume because it provides a greater range of information which can include:

1. Professional, vocational, or research objectives
2. Summary of qualifications
3. Professional licenses or certifications
4. Education including post-graduate, graduate and undergraduate degrees and studies
5. Listing of relevant course work to match career or academic objectives
6. Educational or professional honours and awards
7. Scientific or academic research, laboratory experience and related skills
8. Description of thesis or dissertation, papers written and publications
9. Academic or professional presentations
10. Related extracurricular activities, professional and association memberships
11. Community involvement
12. Work experience – paid or volunteer
13. Technical and specialized skills
14. Interests – future academic or professional goals
15. Foreign language skills
16. Additional information that may support objective or qualifications

 

Cover Letter Writing Strategies:

An effective cover letter:

1. Builds rapport with the reader
2. Reads easily
3. Is interesting
4. Uses personalized salutations
5. Has a reader focused or ‘employer focused’ emphasis
6. Highlights connections and/or networks that you may have established with the company, employer or another employee
7. Pays attention to details