Aaron ArrendondoAaron Arredondo

MA in Sociology | 2015 | Doctoral Student, University of Missouri

 

Why did you choose to purse an MA in Sociology at the UA?

I decided to pursue an MA in sociology at UA to study with Dr. Bustamante, who like myself had lived in the south Texas borderlands. With his guidance, and that of other faculty in the department, I developed my current line of work on Latinx experiences of racial space in the immigrant South. This was informed through an account of my own when finding myself out of place after relocating to northwest Arkansas from Mexican south Texas. I found a welcoming and supportive home in the sociology department at UA—one that fostered and nurtured my potential at pursuing an intellectual profession and at promoting change through teaching, service, and scholarship.

 

What did you do upon graduating from the MA in Sociology program?

Upon graduating with my master’s in sociology from UA, I went directly into the sociology PhD program at the University of Missouri. At MU, I have been able to further develop the line of research I established at UA. This has enabled me to present my work at the ASA, publish book reviews on topics within my expertise, serve as reviewer for a journal, and transform my MA thesis into a peer-reviewed journal article. Because at UA Sociology I acquired the necessary skills and momentum to become a successful scholar, I have remained active as a student, teacher, and researcher as I move toward a sociology faculty position at a university.

 

What is your greatest professional accomplishment?

My greatest professional accomplishment has been getting my master’s thesis accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed journal Sociological Inquiry. This is the culmination of an ongoing four-year effort guided by the support of Dr. Bustamante, who is co-author, and of Dr. Zajicek who has offered extensive feedback on various iterations of this project.

 

How did your education in the MA Sociology Program prepare you for what you are doing today? 

Through my education in the MA sociology program at UA, I attained the methodological and analytical skills that continue to guide my research practice and theoretical development today. Taking various methodological, theoretical, and substantive classes with many of the faculty in the department has awarded me the confidence to propose new directions in the field and to understand how to effectively approach various research settings.

 

What advice would you give current students or recent graduates interested in pursuing a career in your field?

As someone who has remained in academia, my advice is to establish a good work ethic, map out your career-related goals at least 2-3 years in advance, attend conferences regularly, and to be friendly with everyone. The academic job market is a restricted one and I have seen many peers across universities lose motivation following through such an intensive scholarly development, especially when they experience intellectual alienation and a lack of structure. Identify those scholars that believe in you and in your work and allow them to guide you, while not undermining your own initiative.