Erika Bernić, MA in Sociology, exemplifies how a sociological education can be successfully applied to work in public administration and to addressing the everyday needs of citizens. She graduated from the research-oriented Sociology programme at the Faculty of Croatian Studies, University of Zagreb, earning a university master’s degree in Sociology. She is currently completing her traineeship at the Administrative Department for Social Affairs and General Administration of the City of Sisak, where she applies the knowledge and skills acquired during her studies in her daily work.

Erika emphasises that her sociological education is invaluable in her professional work and that a sociological approach enables a better understanding of social needs and the development of inclusive policies at the local level.

“Studying sociology provided me with a broad range of knowledge about social structures, processes, and theories, while also developing the communication and presentation skills I use every day. What I particularly value is the ability to think critically and approach problems from multiple perspectives,” Erika explains.

She believes that sociology brings together the economic, cultural, and political dimensions of society, thereby enabling a comprehensive approach to planning and implementing programmes within local communities. “It is precisely this breadth of knowledge and the ability to analyse different social phenomena that make it possible to identify citizens’ needs and develop policies that are inclusive, effective, and aimed at improving quality of life,” she adds.

Erika is also a recipient of the University of Zagreb Rector’s Award for Outstanding Student Research for the 2023/2024 academic year. Her award-winning paper, entitled “The Relationship Between Personal Sense of Masculinity and Perceptions of the Feminist Movement Among Male Students,” was written under the supervision of Assistant Professor Erik Brezovec, a faculty member at the Department of Sociology.

Erika’s professional journey demonstrates how sociological knowledge can be successfully put into practice—in the service of citizens, community development, and the creation of a society based on equal opportunities.