u/Additional-Event9703

I got my BA in Sociology from UCLA in 2018 but ended up doing a masters in rehab counseling and really wish I had taken a gap year to consider my career path. I have been rethinking my career path and do not see myself being fulfilled by the constant admin work and constant pressure from leadership to provide as many students as possible with academic accommodations. My current role is in disability services but there is no growth or opportunity unless you get an EdD and that's just not for me.

I follow people like Dr. Randall Blazak, and have an interest in doing the type of work he does. I would like to go back and either audit classes or do a masters in sociology with an emphasis in researching the formation of certain movements such as MAGA and how grievance politics have shaped folks values where we now see universal truths questioned, science dismissed, citizens attacked by ICE, the "neutering of institutions" and the rise of Christian nationalism.

I live in the Bay Area and have reached out to UC Berkeley Sociology department. I work at Cal so I'm hoping to get some feedback soon. I think I would like to apply to their PhD program, or Stanford's, and/or UCSC. I just haven't had contact with some of my old professors, so my goal would be to do new research and get at least two professors recommendations. I have one for sure I can get, who is a big time name at UCLA but that's where it ends for me in terms of letters of recommendation if I was to apply today. Other professors I studied under have left and haven't responded to multiple emails trying to secure letters or rec.

What would folks recommend in filling this gap of 8 years. My problem is getting letters of recommendation. I have reached out to former professors but only one is willing. It's been a long time and worry it's too late. I guess, audit classes? Take courses through open enrollment and build new relationships? Or, try and do a terminal masters first, then apply??

Thoughts???