It used to be traditional that Masters Programs required two years of working experience, prior acceptance. Even if that concept isn't communicated today, it's often a major consideration in reviewing applicants.

If you are sure Sociology is what you want to do for a living...suggest thinking outside of the box. Depending upon your primary area of interest, consider volunteer work...that might be relevent and allow for independant study. You might even write an article for some form of publication freelance, or some type of blog.

Communicating to young people over the 1990's the "New Economy" "Education as return on investment." Is unfortunate, and hasn't benefitted society at all. A degree has never been a guarantee of work, much less work in the field that was studied for. i.e. A lot of Psychology students end up doing Human Resources, or waiting tables.

The purpose of higher education had and should always be considered one of self-development. If you're truly interested in a topic, that should NOT stop your interest and drive in exploring. Irregardless of whatever else you choose to do for a living. You'll find that some of the most famous inventors and scientist, where hobbiest and natural observers vs. actually being employed in the specific field.

I miss the fantasy land that was the 1990's. The next thirty years present major challenges for humanity, we're hitting peak energy, food, metals, devastating oceanic fisheries to non-recoverable levels. With a couple of billion more people on the way. Global capitalism simply isn't a sustainable model, it's not designed to hit those "ceilings" so a long unwinding...process. And an eventual return to a world population of 1 billion, technical innovation will help. But fossil fuels are simply irreplacable.

Just in those concepts, I'll bet there's a lot of potental for sociological study...observing the shift from global to local for agriculture, commerce, trade and many other things.