I have a strong love of history and anthropology, should I become an anthropologist ?

Question

I am not sure the career field is too profitable.

Answer 1

What would  you do with this degree?  What level of degree are you talking about -- bachelor, master, doctorate?  

You're right, this is not a degree that's likely to prove lucrative.  If this is just your bachelor's degree, however, nobody pays all that much attention to your major, so it's better to major in something you really enjoy -- if nothing else, you'll finish with a better GPA, and that does count.

Answer 2

I have the same issue. I truly love linguistic and archaeological anthropology, but I'm not sure if I should major in that with a minor in Music Performance, Major in Music Voice (or Musical Theater) with a minor in anthropology, or double major. I think that if you have a true love of something and you're passionate about it, the money shouldn't matter. If you pursued another degree, you could be both...say...a historian AND an anthropologist. A Historian could get you many jobs while you still have your main passion of anthropology.

Answer 3

It's always worthwhile to do something you love. (Just try working at a job you hate, and you'll see what I mean.)

Most anthropologists end up as academics. Now, you'll never end up as Bill Gates, but most professors make a really good salary and have an interesting life. They get to be surrounded by young students who challenge them and keep their ideas fresh, they get to research and write and they get to be surrounded by intelligent colleagues.

Anthropologists also enter other fields. There's museum work - that REALLY doesn't pay well - but they also enter into government, especially working in foreign affairs, or in advertising (helping adapt ad campaigns to local cultures) or business (helping companies or workers make cultural transition in international work).

You should ask one of your anthropology professors more about what kind of choices would be open to you.

Answer 4

2 good friends of mine studied in both fields. One is now a teacher.and the history major is a maker of period guns, cannons and costumes for movies, museums and reenacts. I also know a lot of history majors who are delivery boys. Don't worry about that; I know a guy who was an engineer and now lives on the street. Go the a career counsellor. They may have ideas. Maybe there is more to both of those careers than teaching. Good Luck.

Answer 5

Not if you have a love of money

Answer 6

hmm... actually you might want to consider archaeology more than anthropology which has more 'links' with History than anthropology.... and well if you like to get dirty from time to time archaeology might be the thing you are looking for... I am currently studying in Archaeology in Quebec (canada) I LOVE IT!!!

Answer 7

sure.......go for it...........$ is your concern ....no but if you work your way up (some fantastic finds, along the way) could be the key how ever if you only want $$$$  It ends right here!!!!!!

Answer 8

There are actually a lot of places you can go with an anthro degree.  You can become an archaeologist at the business level or the academic level.  You can work for state historical societies.  You can work for the federal government in a variety of capacities.  You can work with multinational corporations.  Plus, studying people and cultural differences is one of those things that can help you in surprising ways in other fields.  Understanding how people work is always useful.

Anthropology in general is not one of those things that you do for the money, but because you love it.  I can understand worrying about money, because who doesn't?  I work as a contract archaeologist right now (take field school in college and archaeology is open to you as well), and us grunts here at the bottom usually get $11-$14/ hr plus per diem.  However, if you have good business sense, well, I know a CRM firm owner or two who've grown their businesses into million-dollar enterprises.  It all depends on where you go, what you can do, and what opportunities you take advantage of.

Answer 9

It's not profitable at all. Being an anthropologist basically means being a college professor and doing field work under grants that you have to apply for. This doesn't mean you'll be poor, but if you only want to make money then almost anything ending in "-ology" probably won't be a good idea.