How the Anthropology Major Prepares You for the Job Market
Anthropology is the study of human history, development, and culture in all time periods and in every corner of the globe. Anthropology majors often have a passion for learning about different peoples around the world, as well as a healthy curiosity about the various roles humans have played throughout history. Anthropology majors take courses in folklore, cultural change and development, culture and evolution, and other topics related to human history. These intensive studies in human cultures develops the anthropology majorís sense of understanding the differences and similarities between cultures. This understanding is a valuable trait in todayís increasingly diverse workplace.
Best Career Paths for Anthropology Majors
Anthropology students have an array of interesting and exciting employment opportunities open to them. In fact, 58 percent of Berkeleyís anthropology graduates work in for-profit businesses, 26 percent work in non-profit organizations, and 16 percent work in education, according to the University of California, Berkeley. The best career paths for anthropology majors are:
- Anthropologist. Professional anthropology is one of the most rewarding career paths anthropology majors can pursue. Anthropologists either work independently or as part of a scientific expedition to uncover facts about the origins and behavior of humans. Many anthropologists work in current human developments, such as studying the effects of poverty and overpopulation in poor countries. They interview individuals and observe their daily activities as well as special rituals. Observing these aspects of the culture helps anthropologists build evidence that will support theories about the people that are part of that society. The work of anthropologists will not only better human understanding of one another, but may also push social agenda to solve human issues such as famine, disease, and warfare. Anthropologists make an average salary of $53,910 annually, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Social Service Work. Social service workers are responsible for helping those who are in need. They work with disadvantaged people, whether these individuals are homeless, struggling single parents, recovering drug addicts, or neglected children. Social workers often take part in research, assist in social policy development, and meet with those who need help to decide which individuals qualify for social aid, and if so, how much social aid should be given. Social service workers make an average salary of $42,402 annually, according to the Bureau. However, average salaries for social workers depend largely on the type of social work they do.
How to Market Your Anthropology Degree
An anthropology degree is not only useful in showcasing your skills as an anthropologist. Anthropology majors have a host of skills that can be valuable to a variety of professional work settings. However, you must emphasize these skills that your education helped develop to potential employers so that they may recognize the value of your degree as well. Bring up the research projects you conducted while earning your degree, and how those projects helped you build leadership skills, time management skills, and more understanding of different cultures and peoples. If you are entering into an anthropology field, mention your field experience, dissertation work, and general passion for learning more about human histories and cultures.


