Can I survive with an anthropology degree?

Question

I've been studying anthropology for two years now and I really like it. However, most of my friends that are studying other subjects (sociology, engineering, psychology, journalism, etc...) are getting fellowships, internships, grants, and jobs related to their major. I'm not even that picky about which branch of anthropology I do (though I'm leaning towards cultural, applied, linguistics, or archaeology), but when I look for jobs or interships online, I can't find anything.

So, my question really is: How do I put my anthropology degree to use and what oportunities will I have after and during school?

Answer 1

Opportunities will develop when you add to your general background in anthropology some additional skills, like language competency or extensive knowledge of a specific region or experience with either quantitative or qualitative research methods.  At the undergraduate level there are more avenues to pursue for jobs/internships in archaeology (e.g., work on digs, internships at museums) and biological anthropology (if you have lab skills) than in cultural anthropology because the latter is so often a solitary undertaking.  However, if you forge a solid relationship with a professor who is actively engaged in research you might find opportunities for interview transciptions, library research, or data analysis.

Answer 2

Yes, you will survive quite nicely.

You won't see "Anthopologist" next to "Window Washer" in the Help Wanted section of your local newspaper, however will a little digging ( pun intended ), you'll see peripheral jobs with museums and science research that will take you where you'll be most happy in your career.

Answer 3

Did the cultures you studied survive without one?  I think you will do just fine, history dictates.  You obviously studied anthropology for a reason.

Answer 4

Anthropology is a wonderful subject.  That said (I have a BA in Anthropology and one in Religion as well as a Certificate in Native American Studies) there are not tons of jobs in the field with out higher degrees (MA, PhD).  If you like Archeology check out ShovelBums.org  A BA in Anthro is useful if you are interested in jobs such as social work, human resources, etc.  I currently work as an English teacher in Taiwan so don't think you have to work in the field, an understanding of people, languages and culture is an advantage in anything you pursue.

Answer 5

Well, you got some great answers already. And I will agree with everybody else here, yes you can survive with an anthropology degree. A post-graduate degree in the field will of course open more doors for you if you decide to major in it. Also, as far as getting an internship, you may have to organize it yourself. I found mine by traveling in Central America and talking to the people I met there. To give you another example of what you can do with anthropology, here is my story: I got a B.A. in visual arts (minor in anthropology) and a Master in cultural anthropology. I love film and always dreamed of making my own documentaries. More and more health or other development projects are using film and video as a way to implement/communicate/promote. Mixing both disciplines has worked for me just fine. I ended up working for a small NGO, which then got me to work with doctors without frontiers.

Answer 6

Speaking from experience.....take an Ed. degree, or change your major to Sociology or some other like Human Services....etc.

Anthro. and Arch. are considered 'orphans' when it comes to actually getting a paying job!

With Human Services or Sociology you can usually find a job within your interest....anthro. [Don't ask me to explain, for it is still a mystery to me]..... Teach in the winter and do an Anthro. project in the summer.

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