Career Paths of our Alumni
Career Prospects for Bamberg Graduates in Sociology and Social Research
The career prospects with a degree in Sociology and Social Research are diverse. Here you will find a selection of the different career paths that Bamberg graduates have pursued in sociology. Former students share their personal experiences of entering the profession and offer tips and insights for your own career journey.
Sarah Landgraf
M.A. Soziologie, Graduation 2024
My current job:
Laboratory Manager,
South Australian Research and Development Institute - SARDI
Department of Primary Industries and Regions 2025 - 2026
Job description:
- Managing daily operations of a high-compliance diagnostic laboratory
- Leading and training laboratory staff, including mentoring and performance management
- Conducting audits, risk assessments, and reporting to stakeholders
- Developing, implementing and improving work structures, laboratory systems and standardised procedures
- Managing project reporting and ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards
- Coordinating team workflows, schedules, and operational priorities
- Data Collection & Analysis
My career path after graduation:
- Senior Laboratory Supervisor, Seeka Limited, New Zealand 2025
- Laboratory Manager, South Australian Research and Development Institute - SARDI | Department of Primary Industries and Regions 2025 - 2026
What I gained from my studies in Bamberg:
- Ability to collect and analyse data and explain it clearly to others
- Skill in bringing structure into complex or unorganised work environments
- Ability to manage work independently and prioritise tasks
- Strong research skills, including finding, understanding, and applying information
My advice for new students:
The world is your oyster. Sociology covers such an incredibly wide range of topics that it can be quite overwhelming to decide which direction to take. But that’s precisely where the opportunity lies. You can go in any direction.
Stella Müller
B.A. Soziologie, Graduation 2025
My current job:
Master’s degree in Sociology at the University of Leipzig
Position as a student assistant at the Chair of Sociology and Methodology at the University of Leipzig
My career path after graduation:
- Bachelor’s degree programme in Sociology at Otto Friedrich University of Bamberg (until SoSe25)
- Position as a student assistant with the Social Sciences Equal Opportunities Officers at the University of Bamberg (until SoSe25)
- Internship during a Bachelor’s degree at the City of Augsburg’s European Office, in collaboration with Europe Direct
What I gained from my studies in Bamberg:
- Fundamentals of Empirical Social Research and Statistical Methods
- Application of methodological approaches, in particular through the two-semester research seminar and my empirical Bachelor’s thesis
- Theoretical and methodological knowledge of migration studies
What particularly inspired me about the Sociology programme in Bamberg was the wide range of topics covered. Thanks to the diverse range of departments and research fields, I was able to explore different perspectives and develop my own interests. At the same time, the thorough training in qualitative methods equipped me with key skills that form the foundation for my future professional and academic career.
My advice for new students:
The sociology programme in Bamberg covers an exceptionally wide range of topics. Take the opportunity to get to know the various departments and areas of research. You don’t have to know right from the start where your path will lead you!
Milena Mix M.A. Soziologie
My career path after graduation:
- Date of graduation: June 2024
- My path into the profession: I established a connection with my future employer through a personal contact whilst working as a student trainee at an automotive supplier. There was no prospect of a permanent role at the automotive supplier
- Started my career (whilst working on my Master’s thesis) in May 2024 as an Account Manager at a recruitment agency specialising in engineering. Main responsibilities: business development and client relationship management for corporate clients, as well as active sourcing and recruitment of engineers in the fields of energy engineering, mechanical engineering, automation technology, ...
My current job:
- Active from August 2026; voluntarily moved to the Recruiting Management division to oversee the strategic direction of the HR department at a medium-sized, family-run industrial company
What I gained from my studies in Bamberg:
- Being able to choose major fields of study was brilliant for paving the way for my future career whilst I was still on the Master’s programme
- Knowledge: labour market theories,
- Skills: text analysis; quickly filtering relevant information from a wide range of sources; handling large sets of numerical data; methodological competence
- Social Skills: acceptance of and respect for all people; persistence and resilience in the face of all challenges
My advice for new students:
Plan a semester abroad to develop your intercultural skills. That was by far the best decision I made during my degree, and it was during this time that I experienced the most significant and lasting change in my character, which continues to shape me to this day. My second advice is: Start a part-time job whilst you’re still studying, regardless of the number of hours, to gain work experience and get a feel for the wide range of job opportunities by getting your first taste of the job market.