How Do I Become a Sociology Tutor?

You can become a sociology tutor by utilizing your skills and knowledge in sociology to help others learn. If you are a sociology major or have a degree in sociology, you might have what is needed to become a good tutor, because tutors generally work one-on-one with students who are struggling in a subject. Personal qualities that make a good tutor include being patient, having good communication skills and desiring to help others succeed in a subject at which you excel.

It is not always necessary to have a college degree in sociology to become a sociology tutor, but it is helpful when getting hired for positions. Many people would rather learn from someone whom they deem an expert in the field rather than someone who has only a basic grasp on the subject. This usually means having a bachelor's degree in sociology, although a master's or doctoral degree would be better. If you are an undergraduate sociology major, especially in upper-level courses, you still might be capable of helping high school or beginning undergraduate students understand sociology better.

Tutors need to be able to show that they have a mastery over a subject to get hired for jobs. This entails having records of past sociology classes that you have taken and the grades that you received in them. Past papers that you have written also can be a good way to show someone that you have enough knowledge to become a sociology tutor.

You can become a sociology tutor formally through a service that matches tutors with students or informally by placing ads or flyers in areas where they will be noticed. Formal tutoring services are going to require more from your application process and will pay you an hourly rate to tutor others in sociology. When you work for yourself, it will be up to you to sell your services to potential customers and negotiate a price.

Tutors need to be extremely patient to do a good job, because becoming frustrated when a student does not understand something is not helpful in the process of learning. This requires good communication skills as well as the ability to teach something in a new or different way. Showing up on time for tutoring appointments shows dedication and responsibility. When you become a sociology tutor, you can share your passion for sociology with others.