Editorial Note:
This profile of Dr. Ayesha Adaranijo is brought to you through a collaboration between Applied Worldwide and Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS). Thank you to SWS and all those who made valuable contributions to the Profiles in Applied & Clinical Sociology series.
This profile is presented as part of a larger project with the intentions of: 1) providing students with examples of applied sociology, 2) providing market value to sociological skills and services, and 3) promoting the work of individual sociological practitioners and organizations. Learn more about Sociologists for Women in Society at SocWomen.Org.
Ayesha Adaranijo, Ph.D.
Dr. Ayesha Adaranijo has “accumulated over 8 years of progressive experience in designing and conduct of programmes and operational research, logistics management, capacity building and in working with vulnerable groups specifically children, adolescents, women, PLHIV and the LGBT community.” Her work in this area involves offering services such as:
- Formulation of policy documents for Organizations
- Planning and implementation of operational research
- Planning and implementation of projects
- Logistics and procurement
- Managerial and administrative services for public service sector.
- Organization workshops/trainings and conferences.
- Trainer/ Facilitator for workshops and trainings.
Dr. Adaranijo is also trained and experienced in dealing with vulnerable groups especially PHIV, MSMs, IDUs, CSW and adolescents. When we asked how she established herself as an applied sociologist she told us:
I went for further training in my area of interest public health [and] attended seminars where I was able to see the needs for sociologists in public health and medical ethics.
For those interested in similar work, Dr. Adaranijo shared the following skills as important for organizations looking to hire sociologists:
- Good interpersonal skills and ability to work under stringent conditions with people from different cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to communicate and show empathy with others especially vulnerable groups
- Trained/ qualified and experience in proposal writing, reports and research findings of cases and qualitative research
- Excellent computer skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and knowledge of statistical and data based programs like SPSS.
Read the full interview below for more advice and insight from Dr. Adaranijo!
Using Sociology in Practice
In general, how do you use sociology in practice?
For research and analysis primarily, [including]…programme formulation…intervention outcome analysis, [and] to formulate policy and programmes.
How do you use sociological research methods in practice?
For analysis of any social problem under study, particularly qualitative research which tends to give more insight into unique social context. Sometimes, an intervention is carried out and expected outcome is negative, qualitative research is used to further explore what, who and why the intervention did not work.
How do you use sociological theory in practice?
To explain and analysis findings from the problem studied. Somethings grounded theory is used to explain previously studied phenomena and to develop a theory locale that will further refine the need or not of an intervention.
Lessons for Future Practitioners
What types of courses should undergraduate students take in preparation for a career similar to yours?
- General introduction to sociology
- Social problems
- Theory
- Research methodologies
- Statistics
- Areas of interest/ specialization
What types of courses should graduate students take in preparation for a career similar to yours?
- Theory
- Research Methodology
- Policy and Programmes
- Clinical / psychology and sociology
- Statistical analysis
- Qualitative research
What types of experiences should undergraduate students seek in preparation for a career similar to yours?
Volunteering in Social and developmental projects
What types of experiences should graduate students seek in preparation for a career similar to yours?
Addition qualification in areas of interest
How would you describe the daily life of an applied or clinical sociologist?
Very hectic and engaging
What advice do you have for aspiring applied and clinical sociologists?
It can be quite taxing and time and energy consuming. It is also interesting and fulfilling because of the changes you’re able to make in the society.
