Economics is a good subject to pursue alongside sociology. You can do well in the corporate sector with this…

Kalpana Vishwanath– Social Entrepreneur and Co-Founder, Safetipin

QUICK INTRO

Birthplace: Kolkata.

Education: International School, Thailand, PhD Delhi University.

Profession: Social Entrepreneur, Co-Founder & CEO Safetipin.

 

Kalpana Vishwanath is a social entrepreneur who has been involved in numerous social activities, NGOs, and women’s empowerment programs since the beginning of her career. She has been involved in social work at the government, non-government, national, and international levels. This talent has led her to serve as a senior advisor at Habitat. Today, she has her own digital app, “Safetipin,” which supports women’s safety by monitoring and reporting on women’s safety and mobility.

Grihshobha today brings advice and guidance for those students who want to make Sociology their career subject and do something in the social sector, through a conversation with Kalpana Vishwanath:

Sociology is said to be a very common subject, so how did you take it as a career subject?

I took up sociology because I was interested in it and wanted to do something to bring about social change. When I saw that women were restricted everywhere—whether it was education, career, or personal life, it didn’t seem right. Even today, educated women leave their jobs after marriage and become solely focused on household responsibilities, which is not right. Even today, women are not safe in our society. So, for their sake, for a better society, I started working with NGOs while I was still in college.

What are the career specialization options in Sociology Studies?

There are many studies within sociology, such as rural studies, urban studies, technology, gender studies, disability, etc. You can study any social issue or social problem in society. For example, today’s young generation is becoming addicted to digital social media and suffering from depression. These are all social problems that affect the entire society. Studies, research, and work can be done on these issues, and people are already working on them. There are many such avenues or options. By studying these, you can bring about change in society through data research, academics, policies, NGOs, funders, and media influencers. Everyone wants to go to the best college, but today it is not easy for everyone to get one. Seats are limited, and marks are also considered. However, today many universities offer sociology programs.

After graduating in sociology, pursue a master’s in policy studies, urban studies, etc. You can work in research institutes, government, or NGOs, just like the IAS. These individuals also practice social work. So, if you want to join the civil services, sociology is a very important subject because it connects you with social life and social problems. Today, sociology is crucial in HR, CSR, and everywhere where people are discussed.

What are the subjects along with sociology that are useful in the corporate sector?

Economics is a very good subject to combine with sociology. You can do well in the corporate sector with it. It’s also good for studying and working in HR because you’re directly connected to people there, socially connected. Psychology is also good, and it will be useful in the corporate and sales sectors. There, too, you work by getting to know people. Combination studies can help you enter any sector—corporate, government, NGO, research, teaching—every sector.

What are the 3 best career scopes with Sociology?

The first is CSR jobs. Today, every company has a CSR department, which requires people with knowledge of the social sector. The second is government policy organizations like NITI Aayog, Ashoka, and CM Fellows, where you can work and learn from senior ministers and bureaucrats. Third, if you spend a few years doing social work and gaining experience, you can also join major organizations like the UUN, major funding agencies, and international foundations.

These organizations look for people who have experience in doing good work in social work, that is, there are many such opportunities in sociology which many people are not aware of.

What skills are required to make a career in the social sector?

We only know a limited amount. But it’s only when we work that we truly learn. Regardless of the subject, along with your subject knowledge, learn research skills, quantitative skills, software skills (Excel), digital skills, analytical work, and communication skills. Because these can open up many career paths. Keep in mind that in college, be it journalism or economics, you can learn and understand only when you work as is the case in internship programmes.

Today, many students come to us for internship at Safety Pin, where they get to learn about women’s problems, data analysis, digital technology etc. and those who, like me, want to start their own startup by creating an app or project to solve human issues, they should first get the experience of working.

At the beginning of your career, it is very important to enhance your skills and gain experience so that you can know how the work is done, what things need to be taken care of, and what is necessary.

How to deal with burnout in the social sector?

Burnout is prevalent even in the corporate sector. No matter what job you’re doing today, you have to work incredibly hard, which is bound to lead to burnout. Yes, it’s a bit more prevalent in the social sector, where you see people’s suffering and face emotional pressure. Therefore, work-life balance is crucial. Take breaks from time to time and develop hobbies.

Any message for today’s generation?

My message to today’s generation is that no matter what work they do, they should dedicate some of their time to improving their society and country. There are many social problems today. Today’s generation should understand them, do whatever they can to address them, and help people. I also encourage girls to become independent. Study and build your career first, don’t rush into marriage. Earn money and save. Do something for yourself first, become independent, and move forward in life.

CAREER TIPS

  • To make a career in Sociology, there are options like Rural Studies, Urban Studies, Gender and Disability Studies.
  • Studying Economics along with Sociology is better for career.
  • Along with government departments like NITI Aayog, one can also make a career in NGOs.

 

– Rajni Prasad