digital pamphlet for the school of social science-monash university
TRANSCRIPT
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Year-2015
MONASH UNIVERSITYSCHOOL OF SOCIAL SCIENCE
Why study Social Science?
The corporate world is rapidly changing, thus, students ought to have a global outlook and be able to adapt in order to have a competitive advantage in the workplace. The Bachelor of Social Science inculcate in graduates qualities that are widely sought by employers, it help graduates to be flexible, critical thinkers and enhance their communication skills.!
Upon completion, graduates are equipped with skills and knowledge that enable them to apply for jobs in a diverse range of fields. Students looking to pursue a career in Social Science should look no further, Monash University offers a variety of courses that they will find intriguing. These includes; Journalism; International Studies; Philosophy; Sociology; Media and Communications studies; Public Relations; Child and Youth Development; Criminology and Criminal Justice; Geography and Environmental Science; and Psychology
Journalism
Journalism is about helping people by giving them factual information that affects their lives. In the study of journalism, students are given the tools to find this information and deliver it to people in an understandable format. This field requires skills and effort as it is a challenging career. Thus, if looking to pursue a career in journalism you must have determination and be committed.!
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Journalism includes reporting in various media such as newspapers, internet, magazines, radio and television. It also covers production (editing and sub-editing) and photography. In spite of working under pressure and for long hours and the fact that journalists do not earn a lot of money as other careers, journalism offers a thrilling sensation and great work satisfaction. Hence, Tinus Jager, Head of Journalism at Monash University believes confidently that “journalism is a calling not a career, journalists find immense satisfaction in their job ”.!
Career opportunities
•Reporting!
•Public relations !
•Communication!
•Book editor (for publishing houses)!
!!!!!For more information on career opportunities visit media 24, IOL- Independent online, big online media outlet.!!!!!!!!
Personal check-list
✤Self-confidence!
✤Good communication skills (oral communication and interpersonal skills)!
✤Hard worker !
✤Patience!
✤Perseverance!
✤Dedication!
✤Inquisitive and analytical mind!
✤An above average command in English!
✤Ability to observe and interpret!
✤Well developed intellect
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International Studies
International Studies focuses on international relationship between and among states globally. It is about having a global perspective on everything. This field involves studying about the economy; how international conflict can be resolved; refugee rights; gender studies ; understanding the role of women in peace building; hard and soft power; human trafficking; terrorism; poverty. !
If you have a desire to change the the world through positive communication and effective change then you might be interested in pursuing a career in international studies.!
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Career opportunities
✤ International trade and commerce!
✤ Diplomatic relations!
✤ Continent general!
✤ Political/ Risk analyst!
✤ Foreign affairs journalist!
✤ Flight attendant!
✤ Academia- (lecturing)!
To search for jobs in International Studies visit Government and organisation websites; South African Human rights website`; Chapter 9 institutions website; SAIIA website, ISS for internships; University websites.!
Involvement in organisations and institutions will present you with the opportunity to network and possibly pave ways to get a job.
Prospects
The careers in this field are divided into two part, namely; research and development. Careers on research involves working in any Government office that needs a global understanding (locally, provincially or internationally); involvement in politics. Graduates can also work for a law firm (but not as a lawyer). They can also work at the bank as they have a global understanding of the economy. A degree in international studies can also enable a graduate to pursue a career in agriculture.!
Careers on development includes working for NPOs (Non Profit Organisation); developing policies for private and public companies; working as a correspondent for other newspapers globally (eg:BBC); graduates can also work for the United Nation as a mediator to break peace in a war zone.
Personal checklist
International Studies presents graduates with various careers, so much so that any kind of personality will fit most of the careers offered by this field. In order to be a diplomate one should be consciences and understand the value of rules, open to understanding other points of views, have intellectual capability to understand facts in history. However, students should keep in mind that different levels of intellectual capabilities fits a variety of jobs in this field. Moreover, a career in developing public policy requires one to be strong willed and commanding. While, a career as mediator requires the brave and creative.!!All the careers in International Studies needs one to :!✤ Care about change in the world and how one can affect change.!✤ Determined to understand.!✤ Passionate about the subject .!✤ Proactive.!✤ Have problem solving skills.!!
“Find your passion and follow what you love”.
–Victoria Graham, Head of international Studies at Monash University
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Philosophy
Philosophy is one of the original disciplines that can be dated back to ancient times. It has been labeled the “mother of sciences and humanity”. Hence, there is philosophy of science, philosophy of religion, political philosophy, philosophy of arts and so forth. This field is about analysis and criticism of many forms of knowledge in other disciplines,!
Philosophy is derived from the Greek word “Philos + Sophia” which refers to the ‘love of wisdom’. Thus, enrolling for this course will simultaneously help students gain knowledge and wisdom, while answering many questions that they may have about how the world works and the purpose of human life. !
This discipline allows students to cultivate critical thinking and not accepting things at face value. It is about asking questions and discovering the truth about things in the world, meaning, finding the truth behind matters or the way things work. Philosophy also enables one to make ethical decisions.!
Jobs in Philosophy
✤ Academia -lecturing & research!
✤ Business ethics consulting!
✤ Financial consulting!
✤ Advertising!
✤ Marketing!
✤ Journalism- in different areas
✤ Television Production!
✤ Market research!
✤ Translations services!
✤ Political Consulting (NGO’s, think tanks)!
✤ Scriptwriting!
✤ Publication - copywriting
Personal checklist
✤ Are you curious about the world and how things work?!
✤ Are you interested in knowing ‘who we are’ and how people ought to live?!
If you are critical; patient; open to arguments; open-minded to other people’s ideas and not afraid for your views to be shaken, then you should enrol for Philosophy. Monash University will assist you find answers to your questions.
“..its a fulfilling journey that requires patience and hard work.”
– Charles Villet, Head of Philosophy at Monash University
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Sociology
Sociology is the study of the society in general. It is interested in understanding social interaction of individuals that makes the society and the behavioural aspects of humanity. It is about understanding how behaviour is influenced wether positive of negative. Sociologists aim to have an in-depth understanding of social problems, these include unemployment (of a group of unemployed graduates not just an individual); school drop-outs; unwanted teenage pregnancy; drug issues; crime rates; child delinquency and so forth.!
Career opportunities
✤ Upon completion graduates can work :!
✤ in the bank, !
✤ for the government, United Nation!
✤ for a Non-Profit Organisation (NPOs)!
✤ and in corporate institutions
Personal checklist
!Careers in Sociology accommodates both introverts and extroverts, those who tend to be aloof are most likely to be good observers which enables them to explain social problems whereas extroverts can easily engage with people to gain more insight about social issues. This field requires one to be passionate about the society and its issues. !
Before enrolling for sociology ask yourself :!
✤ Are you interested in the societal issues?!
✤ Are you a person who look for ways to create jobs instead of looking for one?!
✤ Are you curious and ask questions like : why people become criminals or why people are intolerant of one another?!
If you answered yes to the above questions then consider pursuing a career in Sociology at Monash University. Upon completion, students are able to be critical and ask questions about the society, while finding ways of addressing some of the problems that society is faced with. Those who are indifferent and not bothered or worried about things that happen in the world and people who are self-aware are not advised to pursue a career in Sociology. Even though Sociology focuses mainly on the society than an individual. Alex Asakitikpi ( Head of Sociology at Monash University) advises students that Sociology “is a journey to discover yourself, as self-awareness result into liberation”.
“If you want to be the next Bill gate, Sociology is not for you because richness is not from wealth but from the satisfaction
that you get from being involved with the society.” !
“……….. give to society to benefit from society”
– Alex Asakitikpi , Head of Sociology at Monash University
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Media and Communication
Media and communication is a broad field, it is the study of the mass media, such as television, magazines, the internet and social media in order to gain an understanding of how they have an impact on the way we think, live and work. Monash University equips students with communication skills, these include effective face-to- face communication in small groups; effective communication with your company’s employees and clients; students are also taught how to be better at various kinds of written business communication.
Prospects
Most graduates go into corporate communication, public relations, communication management or corporate affairs. These terms mean much the same thing. Depending on the size of the organisation (and thus the size of the Communication or PR department), you may work in internal or external communication, or both.!
Internal communication deals with communication within the organisation – for example, management to employees, employees to management, and department to department. As a communication officer, you will help all these parties to communicate better with one another through, for instance, meetings, e-newsletters, company magazines, leaflets, presentations, videos and posters.!
External communication deals with communication between the organisation and its stakeholders, such as clients, customers, suppliers, community members and journalists. Here one communicates through media such as advertisements, news releases to the media, annual reports, sponsorships, corporate events and community projects.!
You can also go into your own business in any of these areas – then organisations will be your clients, and you will help them with their communication.!
Visit http://www.careerjet.co.za/ for jobs in this field.
Personal checklist
The following traits will serve you well:!
• Having an interest in people and what makes their relationships work (you don’t have to be a bubbly, talkative extrovert)!
• Being a self-starter (being able to motivate yourself without constant supervision)!
• Creative thinking!
• Writing well.
“From as early as possible, develop your curriculum vitae (CV) by becoming involved in relevant campus activities
(such as the radio station), internships and volunteer work”!
–Marianne Louw, Head of Media and Communication at Monash University.
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Public Relations
This field is diverse and can be described as systematic, dynamic and planned. Public Relations ‘is the management, through communication of perceptions and strategic relationships between an organisation and its internal and external stakeholders ’- the Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa. Public Relations is a management function and is concerned with creating and encouraging mutual understanding between its target public (immediate community, opinion leaders, shareholders and other organisation) and the organisation.!
In order to attain two-way flow communication between target public and the organisation, Public Relations practitioners use various means of modern communication (eg: social networks, the media and so forth). They develop strategies to resolve problems in instances where negative perception should be overcome. Thus, this field needs one to be creative, an original thinker so as to be able to identify and fulfil such strategies. It is different from the nine-five job and requires determination and hard work.
Career opportunities
✤ In-house PR officer!
✤ Reputation management!
✤ Marketing - (advertising, dealing with customer complaints)!
✤ Crisis communication management!
✤ Consultant - (account management for different clients,director, event management)!
✤ One can start own business!
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✤ Opportunities also exist in government, mining house, NGOs and charity organisation
Personal checklist
✤ Patience!
✤ Detail orientated!
✤ Have an aptitude for business- ( students are advised to do a management course in order to gain a competitive advantage in the workplace, as this field requires one to know about business)!
✤ Flexibility!
✤ Creativity!
✤ Problem solving skills!
✤ Leadership ability
✤ A quick and enquiring mind!
✤ People oriented!
✤ Integrity!
✤ Initiative!
✤ Excellent oral and writing skills!
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✤ If you lack control and not interested in people, PR is not for you as it requires discipline, working with people and knowing people’s interests.
“Be prepared to work on the background,….. PR is 90 % behind the scene and 10 % glamour ”
-Rose-Marie Bezuidenhout, Head of Public Relations at Monash University
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Child and Youth Development
Child and Youth Development is children centred ,it is a programme that involves working with young children between the ages 0-18 who are at risk, for example - neglected by the community or families, abused, from disadvantaged communities due to unemployment and so forth. Often confused with Psychology or Social work that is more focused on the clinical being of the child, Child and Youth Development is different ,it is strength based. It focuses on the child’s positive behaviour and see a child labeled a bully as someone who is capable of playing a leadership role. It is multidisciplinary, even though CYD differs from other disciplines, however, it takes from theories of Psychology and Sociology in order to understand and help children at risk. !
CYD involves life space engagement, students are taught to work with the individual, family and community. We believe that the healing process happens when a child is within their loved ones. CYD practitioners may be required to stay with the family of the child at risk ( only through a court ruling) in order to observe so as to understand the behaviour of the child.
Career opportunities
✤ Child and Youth Development is still in the process of being professionalised. Upon completion individuals can work in various settings such as: !
✤ Schools!
✤ Residential homes!
✤ Non Profit Organisations (NPOs) and Non Profit Organisations (NPOs)!
✤ Street shelter
✤ Hospitals!
✤ Juvenile justice programmes!
✤ Paediatric health care!
✤ community mental health!
✤ Group homes!
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✤ One can also be an Au pair .
Personal checklist
✤ Passion for children!
✤ Unconditional love and acceptance!
✤ Patience!
✤ Caring!
✤ Organised!
✤ Professional!
✤ High work ethics
✤ Self conduct!
✤ Trustworthy!
✤ Determined!
✤ Hard worker!
✤ Believe in people- see the good in people!
✤ Believe in self.
“…the purpose is to empower children and give them direction- requires passion for working with children ”
–Precious Vezi, Head of Child and Youth Development at Monash University
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Criminology and Criminal Justice
Criminology is the study of crime, its causes, responses by law enforcement and methods of prevention. It explores the major institutions in criminal justice system by analysing and evaluating current debates around the workings and results of the system and its components. Criminology and Criminal Justice deals with concepts of crime reduction; victim/survivor empowerment; and social justice.!
On completion students understand criminal events and are able to critically evaluate and analyse different facets of conflict, deviance, crime and victimisation.
Career opportunities
✤ Court officer!
✤ Correctional sergeant!
✤ Community relations/Crime Prevention Officer!
✤ Prison Warden!
✤ Private Investigator!
✤ Security Officer!
✤ State Trooper!
✤ Victim Advocate!
✤ Sheriff!
!✤ Depending on individual skills and experience graduates may find employment in business, nonprofit,social
services and educational institutions.
Personal checklist
✤ Detail oriented!
✤ Follow directions carefully!
✤ Highly organised!
✤ Able to meet deadlines!
✤ Born leader!
✤ Able to take charge!
✤ A person who would rather give orders than take them!
✤ Inquisitive and analytical!
✤ Natural problem solver!
✤ Have interest in medicine/science
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Geography and Environmental Science
✤ Geography and Environmental Science focuses on societies, natural environment, economies, communities, environmental management and human environment . The centre of human geography being cultural studies, cities and communities, development and economic processes. On the other hand, Physical geography draw attention to the systematic study of environmental processes, land use and landscapes, climates and soils.
Career opportunities
The field of Geography is divided into Physical Geography, Human Geography and Geography and Environmental Science.!
1.Physical geography offers careers in :!
✤ soils and land management!
✤ environment assessments !
✤ restoration and management!
✤ climatology!
✤ meteorology and atmospheric science!
✤ hydrology and water resource management
2. Human geography offers careers in:!
✤ ! regional economic development!
✤ urban and regional planning!
✤ third world development!
✤ social and community planning!
✤ market research and analysis!
✤ property and real estates
✤ 3. Geography and Environmental Science offers careers:!
✤ private and public sector agencies!
✤ market research!
✤ environment and planning consultants !
✤ government departments and NGOs!
✤ commercial retail and manufacturing firms
Personal checklist
✤ above-average intelligence!
✤ dedication to hard work!
✤ scientific aptitude!
✤ adaptability!
✤ talent for observation!
✤ physical fitness
✤ good eyesight!
✤ numeracy!
✤ good communication skills!
✤ computer literacy!
✤ self-reliance !
✤ a strong interest in physical environment!
✤ desire to work out doors, on surface or underground and remote areas
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Psychology
At Monash South Africa Psychology is offered by the School of Health Sciences, however, Psychology units and Psychology major are an admired choice for students enrolled for a Bachelor of Social Science. Psychology studies human behaviour, this involve how we understand, think, feel, all that we perceive and do as one interact with the greater world.!
Psychologists use their knowledge to assist people be healthier in the way they relate with their environment and contented with themselves. They do this by observing, interviewing, testing them and analysing their thoughts and behaviour.
Prospects
✤ Psychologists may be employed:!
✤ by hospitals!
✤ universities!
✤ community clinics!
✤ education departments!
✤ rehabilitation clinics!
✤ research institutes
✤ special schools!
✤ organisations offering marriage and family guidance!
✤ the Department of Labour!
✤ the Defence Force!
✤ prisons!
✤ churches
Career opportunities
✤ Clinical psychology!
✤ Counselling psychology!
✤ Educational psychology!
✤ Industrial/ organisational psychology!
✤ Lecturers!
✤ Professional (registered) psychology!
✤ Research psychology!
✤ Psycho technicians and psychometrics- administer tests!
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✤ One can also start own business - opening a private practice after being registered with the Health Professional Council and several years of experience.
Personal checklist
✤ compassion!
✤ non-judgemental heart!
✤ ability to actively listen!
✤ ability to observe and analyse behaviour!
✤ problem solving skills!
✤ critical thinking skills!
✤ spiritual sensitivity
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