Social Sciences
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Alumni Profiles
Social Sciences Careers | Educational Careers | Legal Careers
Finding your niche in the world of professions, jobs, and careers involves time and energy on your part – as well as some creativity and good humor! While many social sciences careers require a graduate degree, in reality there is no one pathway you must follow. The options and opportunities are many and varied, as you can see from this sampling of the careers developed by Social Sciences graduates from Michigan Tech. Perhaps you can learn from their words and their examples.
Katherine Strong
(SS 2003, MS in Environmental Policy, 2005)
What I'm Doing Now:
I'm studying for my J.D. at the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis and Clark College. This first year, I take a set curriculum. During my second and third years, I have much more flexibility to focus on natural resource and environmental law (which is why I came to law school). In addition to school, I'm a member of the Northwest Environmental Defense Center, a non-profit organization and student group that focuses on environmental and natural resource issues in the Pacific Northwest ( www.nedc.org ). Currently, I'm helping with a project to get the Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout listed as an endangered or threatened species. In my free time, I've hiked around Mount Hood, spent some time on the coast, traveled up to Leavenworth, WA to rock climb, and spent time perusing the shelves of the country's largest bookstore that's located here in Portland (Powell's Books).
My Background:
I received both my B.S. and M.S. from MTU's Social Science Department. My undergraduate degree focused on environmental studies, although I took a lot of anthropology classes as well. My graduate degree in Environmental Policy focused on wilderness policy in Michigan.
Relevance of Social Sciences:
The background from my Social Sciences degrees is invaluable. In addition to simply learning about the world (important enough by itself!), my time in the SS dept. gave me the opportunity to work closely with many different professors, explore many different social science disciplines, and then when I was ready, identify and focus on my own academic research. The rigorous expectations of the department at MTU prepared me to effectively handle the stresses and demands of law school.
Advice:
Take advantage of having wonderful professors! The faculty at MTU is so open and friendly. They can really help you as you develop your academic interests by exposing you to the wide range of the disciplines within the social sciences and by guiding on your career-path as you as you identify your interests.
Chrystal Rosza
BA (history option), 1996
What I'm Doing Now: Freelance editor, self-employed. For people like me who don't really gel well with a 9-5 schedule, and/or would rather not put our children in daycare, freelancing is the perfect job. It also allows me more leeway in what I want to work on and allows me to set my own hours. If I don't care to work on a specific project, I don't have to. And my college experience - having a liberal arts degree, with a history option, from a technological university - makes me look very well-rounded to potential employers!
Background: Worked as a substitute teacher for grades pre-k through 12 in the Copper County School District in 1996-97, before returning as a graduate student in the MTU Humanities department for 1997-98. I taught First-Year English for 5 quarters as a graduate student. (I somewhat ashamedly have to admit I haven't completed my Masters degree yet!) During this time I also worked part-time for the Department of Child and Family Services in Houghton, helping to chaperone a new program they instituted for supervised parental visitations with non-custodial children. When we moved downstate I found a job as an assistant editor at a large publishing company, the Gale Group. I spent the next 5 years working for Gale as an assistant editor, associate editor, and editor. I took a voluntary severance from Gale in late 2003, as I wanted to become a freelance editor, which would allow me to stay home with my children. While at Gale I worked on the Products and Services team which was primarily responsible for a number of directory publications. I also initiated a plan to employ MTU students as freelancers on a directory called DataSources which I worked on when I started at Gale. DataSources, a now-defunct directory of computer hardware and software products, was the first project I worked on at Gale, and as it had just been acquired, it was a very high-profile project. The fact that I had received my Liberal Arts degree from a technological university was an aide in both my getting hired at Gale and my success on the DataSources project. When I was able to use my connections at MTU to find a number of technologically-savvy students to do freelance work on DataSources, it was a real help to the project and impressed my managers greatly. I would not have made it to the position of Editor nearly as fast without my MTU background. And even after I had moved on to new projects a number of MTU students continued to work on DataSources - and some even moved on to other Gale projects.
Relevance of Social Sciences: I have wonderful memories of my time as a Social Sciences student at MTU and all the help and guidance provided by my SS professors, especially Terry who was my advisor. And I am forever indebted to Brad for forcing me to learn to use email. Something I quite frankly found completely unnecessary at the time and had to be prodded into. Now I couldn't imagine living without it -- sad as that is! I know a lot of people who graduated from Tech's engineering department (including my husband) and none of them had the type of positive relationship that I did with my professors, largely, I think, due to the small size and closeness of the SS department.
Advice: My best advice about careers/job hunting is to think wide, or rather non-traditional. I never planned on becoming an editor, partly because I had a very narrow vision of what that meant. What I discovered is that it is actually an incredibly diverse field offering many different types of jobs -- many of which allow you to stay home and work in your PJ's if you want (not that I would ever do that!:) With the changes that technology is continually bringing to the workplace, I think that options for those in the social sciences will continue to expand, especially if they are also technologically-competent (yeah, thanks again, Brad!)
Christa
Cherava
Social Sciences, 2002
What I'm Doing Now: I am currently working in Washington, DC at the National Parks Conservation Association in the Government Affairs/Public Policy Department. I track various natural resource bills throughout the legislative process and see if they ultimately become laws; I attend Congressional hearings on policy that impacts the National Park System (NPS); I am involved in lobbying and advocating for the National Park System's protection through proper management and adequate funding; I attend press conferences of congressmen/women and write press releases; and I do all sorts of other activities relevant to the political realm of the NPS.
My Background: I graduated from MTU in December of 2002 with a BS in Social Sciences and a Minor in Environmental Studies. I furthered my education at MTU and obtained a Master of Forestry in December of 2004.
Relevance of Social Sciences: The aspect I loved about the Social Science discipline is its diversity. There is sociology, history, politics, anthropology, geography, archaeology, and more. Within each of those categories, it can be further subdivided to include more specific subjects. Social Sciences can be applied to so many more areas of study…I wanted to continue my education and learn more about natural resources. Some people find it hard to believe that Social Sciences and Natural Resources are in anyway related…but there is an increasing demand for the integration of the two studies in governmental agencies that deal with natural resources (see part of my Defense powerpoint presentation).
People, who work with natural resource policy, must understand both social science and natural science in order to be effective and successful. For instance, who is policy written for? Who will need to abide by it if the bill becomes law? Who will need to implement? Who ultimately determines if the law was successful? Answer to all questions: Society. It is very important to understand the importance that Society plays when dealing with the natural environment. That is my personal interest in Social Sciences and how it relates to natural resources. The NPCA, where I work now, works on behalf of the National Park System…whose mission is not only to protect the natural resources contained within each park unit, but also the historical and cultural resources as well. What discipline is culture and history under?…Social Sciences! :o)
Advice: Never underestimate the worth or potential of this discipline…it can lead to a variety of other studies, and an assortment of employment opportunities!
See a Powerpoint presentation about Christa's thesis, The Application of Social Sciences Within the Realm of Natural Resources.
Melanie L. Barbier
Social Sciences, 2002
MS in Environmental Policy, 2004
After pursuing her Social Sciences degree, Melanie entered the Environmental Policy program, completing her MS in 2004 with a study of the environmental decision making in Keweenaw County . Currently, she is pursuing her doctorate at Michigan State in the sociology of fisheries, examining the impact of fish advisories on disadvantaged communities and families in the UP.
Nancy Mannikko
Social Sciences, 1988
Current Position:
Architectural Historian, National Park Service
Omaha, NE
Responsibilities:
Maintain and update two cultural resources databases for the Midwestern
states
Advise NPS staff on National Register of Historic Places documentation
Prepares Determinations of Eligibility for National Register Nominations
Nancy reports that two summers spent working was a seasonal historian for the Park Service le to this position. She also earned a Ph.D. at Virginia Tech's Program in Science and Technology Studies. She adds that her social sciences background has helped her “see issues in context and to appreciate multiple viewpoints.”
Advice for SS Majors:
“Be flexible and don't be afraid to take risks.”
Marshall Plumer
Science and Technology Studies, 1987
Current Position:
Park Ranger – Protection, Isle Royale National Park
Houghton, MI
Responsibilities:
Supervision of all emergency services, which includes law enforcement, emergency
medical, and search and rescue activities.
He has been at Isle Royale for a year, and with the National Park Service for 15 years. He began as a volunteer, then moved to a seasonal position before moving into a year-round post. Before joining the NPS, he was a museum technician and interpreter.
Advice for SS Majors:
His social sciences background has helped in several ways. “My service
is to the people and the land, which are connected. Sensitivity to cultural
resources, social sciences processes and knowledge of methodology are among
the many things that allow me to work directly with other divisions and accomplish
goals to protect America 's parks.”
“Land management agencies have career paths for archeologists, historians, social science research, cultural resource specialists, etc. May not be a lot of them, but great places to work and integrate natural, historic preservation, etc.”
Valerie Thomas
Social Sciences, 1983
Current Position:
Environmental Protection Specialist, Bureau of Indian Affairs
Juneau, Alaska
Professional Responsibilities:
Oversees federal agency compliance with the National Environmental Protection
Act (NEPA) relating to 229 tribes across Alaska
Provides education about NEPA to those tribes
Oversees waste remediation efforts on Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS)
Directs education efforts related to pollution prevention for tribal villages
Oversees oil spill remediation efforts
Other positions held:
Museum Director and Cultural Programs Coordinator for the Cocopah Indian
Tribe in Somerton , AZ
Arizona Site Steward Program Coordinator for Western Arizona
Adjunct Professor of Cultural Anthropology, Copper Mountain College
Assistant Archeologist at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center , Twenty
Nine Palms, CA
Range and Management Specialist., at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat
Center , Twenty Nine Palms, CA
Altogether spent 11 years on active duty in the Marine Corps
Her initial focus was a military career, but “By the time I ended up in Yuma, AZ, as a Captain, I knew that I wanted to have a life in the anthro world – which morphed to Enviro because of better job opportunities and relevancy (due to political changes, etc.)
Advice for SS Majors:
“My experience in the civil service has been, in general, very rewarding
and I believe, despite the “`outsourcing' initiatives, that fulfilling
careers are still readily available for those who persevere. BIA has an astonishing
number of vacancies, and working with native Americans is as good as it gets,
in my opinion!!
Jon Wennerberg
Liberal Arts, 1970
Current Position:
Owner, Star Industries, Inc.
Marquette, MI
Star Industries is a confidential document destruction and computer recycling that Jon launched 14 years ago. He also is the reigning president (7 th term!)of the Marquette Range Engineers Club. Jon takes great joy in reminding the members with degrees in ME or EE or Geology or whatever that they keep re-electing a liberal arts major!
Jon reports that he has used a wonderful amount of the stuff I learned at Tech in his life. I'm not so sure that is apparent in his main hobby –as he rides motorcycles to set speed records at the Bonneville Salt Flats . His top speed so far is about 217 mph, with a target for summer 2005 of 235+ range. But all this makes him one of the most interesting social sciences alumni.
Martin Bacher
Liberal Arts, 1969
Current Position:
Manager of Special Accounts
Stant Corporation, Division of Gates Rubber Company
Responsibilities:
Responsible for the sale of automotive and related products to National
Accounts such as SnapOn Tools, Matco Tools, Mac Tools, Shell Oil Co., and
various other large accounts in the automotive aftermarket. Products include
air hose and accessories, wiper blades, lubrication equipments, tire repair
products, fuel, oil and gas caps and related test equipment.
He's been continuously employed in the automotive parts business since 1969. From 1983 until 1997, I served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Tridon, Inc, a $250M auto parts company based in Nashville . In 1997, with retirement looming on the horizon, he moved back to Michigan by I voluntarily traded positions with one of his regional sales managers. Tridon was purchased by Gates in 1998.
Advice for SS Majors:
“In 1969, a Liberal Arts degree from Tech was a novelty. The simple
truth is that my wife was working at Tech at the time, and I just couldn't
afford to go anywhere else. Looking back over the years, I think Tech is
on e of the best things that ever happened to me. The world I sell in is
populated to a large extent by engineers. Although I didn't realize it at
the time, my Tech experience developed a profound respect for that discipline
and for the people who choose to follow it. At the same time, my liberal
education, earned within that technical environment, enabled me to communicate
more effectively with engineers throughout my career.”
Dominic Sturm
Secondary Education Teaching, 2000
Current Position:
Government and Economics Teacher, Chilton High School
Chilton, WI
Professional Responsibilities:
Teaches courses in government and economic
AFS adviser
Football coach
Sandra Jo Autenrieth
History Option, 1978
Current Position:
Site Director for Child Care, Waverly Schools
Lansing, MI
Professional Responsibilities:
Supervises instructors and assistants
Instructs in the kindergarten teaching program
Handles billing for the program and licensing requirements
Supervises before and after school programs
Also volunteers at the Michigan Historical Museum
Reports that social sciences background has helped her develop “a broad view of the world. It helps to know history, diversity, common sense and patience.”
Advice for SS Majors:
“Learn computer skills!”
Gloria Smith Holland
History Option, 1971
Current Position:
Elementary and Middle School Principal, Rising Sun Schools
Rising Sun, IN
Gloria has been in this district for 30 years and served as a teacher, curriculum director, Title I administrator, and teacher and administrator of the gifted and talented program. She commented that her background from Tech “helped make me a well-rounded person and curious member of society.”
Advice for SS Majors:
“Read. Listen. Don't limit yourself to specific jobs. Any job can
help prepare you for the next one and just for being a good citizen.”
Mark Bandy
Chemical Engineering, 1985
Current Position:
Fay, Sharpe, Fagan, Minnich & McKee, LLP
Cleveland, OH
Advice for SS Majors:
If you are focused on a technical or engineering major, don't neglect other
non-technical course work. Your writing skills may prove to be more valuable. As for social science majors, take some additional technical or science courses.
Above all, be persistent and patient. Clerk/Intern at firms or companies in
the area(s) of law that interest you.
John P. Murphy
Mathematics, 1967
Current Position:
John P Murphy Law Office
Advice to SS Majors:
Regardless of your long term goals, try to find some initial employment with
a large law firm in a major city to quickly learn the standards of the profession.
Law school do not do a very good job of preparing the student for the real
world. You will get some great experience in a short time, that will serve
you well throughout your career. The law has changed drastically in recent
years. Tort reform and the economy have significantly reduced certain practice
areas. Take some time to discuss these changes and your interests with an experienced
attorney. Always maintain high ethical standards in your practice - it makes
your life much simpler.
Roger Zappa
Business Administration (Accounting), 1981
Current Position:
Partner, Bensinger Cotant & Menkes P.C.
Marquette, MI
Take as many writing courses as possible. The greatest attainment of expertise or genius will be diminished by the inability to effectively communicate that knowledge to others. The practice of law differs dramatically across the country, and even within the state of Michigan . Talk to attorneys in fields (& locations) that you believe may interest you, for varying perspectives. Y you will find that the practice of law is a life-long educational process, so never lose your eagerness to learn. The key to satisfaction is tailoring a type of practice to your personal preferences with regard to location, areas of "specialization," size of firm, stress level, balancing personal commitments, and setting priorities. While I thoroughly enjoy what I do, there are many jobs within the legal profession that would provide equivalent satisfaction to me at a personal level. Similarly, I am sure my situation would be unsatisfactory to other attorneys with different personalities, priorities, and skills. Keep an open mind to determine where your niche lies. Resist the advice of those who insist that you "must" obtain a clerkship, or that you "must" work in a particular size firm (whether small or large) to advance your career. The legal profession gives a broader range of options than many others. Finally keep your undergraduate GPA as high as possible for law school selection.