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Haley
Student
Huron Charter Township, Michigan
2
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What is the reality of going to Veterinary School? Is it worth it, or should I look more into my passion of being an anthropologist? How would you make this decision?
I am a college freshman, going into my sophomore year. I am a double major for Biology and Anthropology. I have been planning on going to veterinary school, but recently I have been going back and forth on if I want to focus on anthropology instead. I have always wanted to become an anthropologist, but stayed away because it doesn't pay well. Can anyone give me advice? Thank you!
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Haley,
First off, it’s awesome that you’re thinking deeply about your future and weighing your options. Both veterinary medicine and anthropology are amazing fields, but they do come with different challenges and rewards, so taking the time to consider them seriously is exactly the right step.
Iris gave some fantastic advice on this, especially highlighting the importance of reconnecting with your passion. If anthropology truly excites you, that’s a strong signal to follow it. Passion fuels perseverance, and a career that you’re genuinely interested in will keep you going when things get tough.
Here are a few additional thoughts I can give to you which I truly hope helps.
Firstly lemme say, Anthropology is broader than many realize — Iris touched on some great fields that anthropology can open doors to, like UX research, policy analysis, and international development. These fields need cultural understanding, critical thinking, and strong research skills — and you already have that from your double major. The key is getting creative about how you apply those skills.
About the financial concerns. Haley, It's true that some career paths in anthropology may not be as lucrative upfront as veterinary medicine, but they do have earning potential if you look at areas like consulting, market research, or cultural education platforms. Entrepreneurship could also be a route for you , think about combining your passion with business. You could create educational content, lead cultural tours, or even offer DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) consulting. It’s about thinking creatively about your skills. Ofcourse this was an example, a student was passionate about business along his career so he just combines em together.
Another thing You could possible think about is Taking a gap year or internship: If you're still unsure, consider taking a gap year or an internship in both fields. You could work in a veterinary clinic or shadow a vet, while also diving into some anthropology projects or research. This hands-on experience can provide clarity that academic study alone can’t always offer. I myself have followed and shadowed plenty of fields to figure out my best career path and I didnt only learn skills but gathered experiences along the way as well. Or, you could just dive into one and treat your shadowing like a side hustle. That way, you’re not wasting a year — you’re turning it into a "gap year of genius." It’s like getting paid to be a sponge, but without all the soggy bits. You’ll be soaking up skills, and by the end of the year, you’ll know so much along the way, so you’ll probably need a bigger hat to fit all that knowledge. 😎
Also there is the Hybrid approach: Why not consider blending both? You ever thought that Some careers involve cross-discipline expertise. You could specialize in areas like zooarchaeology or forensic anthropology — both of which combine biology and anthropology, offering you a unique niche. That way, you wouldn’t have to choose just one path but could blend your passions. I mean if you do have passion for both and you are dedicated to carry them on so why not blend.
Whatever you decide, remember Haley you’re not locked into a single career path forever. Many people, my colleague as one, evolve their careers over time, and there’s flexibility to move between fields, especially as your interests and goals change over time, so dont take it really hard on yourself.
Stay curious, keep exploring, and remember there’s no wrong choice here. Just a journey full of learning and growth.
So Good luck, and take your time with this decision Haley, I believe you are gonna do just amazing.
First off, it’s awesome that you’re thinking deeply about your future and weighing your options. Both veterinary medicine and anthropology are amazing fields, but they do come with different challenges and rewards, so taking the time to consider them seriously is exactly the right step.
Iris gave some fantastic advice on this, especially highlighting the importance of reconnecting with your passion. If anthropology truly excites you, that’s a strong signal to follow it. Passion fuels perseverance, and a career that you’re genuinely interested in will keep you going when things get tough.
Here are a few additional thoughts I can give to you which I truly hope helps.
Firstly lemme say, Anthropology is broader than many realize — Iris touched on some great fields that anthropology can open doors to, like UX research, policy analysis, and international development. These fields need cultural understanding, critical thinking, and strong research skills — and you already have that from your double major. The key is getting creative about how you apply those skills.
About the financial concerns. Haley, It's true that some career paths in anthropology may not be as lucrative upfront as veterinary medicine, but they do have earning potential if you look at areas like consulting, market research, or cultural education platforms. Entrepreneurship could also be a route for you , think about combining your passion with business. You could create educational content, lead cultural tours, or even offer DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) consulting. It’s about thinking creatively about your skills. Ofcourse this was an example, a student was passionate about business along his career so he just combines em together.
Another thing You could possible think about is Taking a gap year or internship: If you're still unsure, consider taking a gap year or an internship in both fields. You could work in a veterinary clinic or shadow a vet, while also diving into some anthropology projects or research. This hands-on experience can provide clarity that academic study alone can’t always offer. I myself have followed and shadowed plenty of fields to figure out my best career path and I didnt only learn skills but gathered experiences along the way as well. Or, you could just dive into one and treat your shadowing like a side hustle. That way, you’re not wasting a year — you’re turning it into a "gap year of genius." It’s like getting paid to be a sponge, but without all the soggy bits. You’ll be soaking up skills, and by the end of the year, you’ll know so much along the way, so you’ll probably need a bigger hat to fit all that knowledge. 😎
Also there is the Hybrid approach: Why not consider blending both? You ever thought that Some careers involve cross-discipline expertise. You could specialize in areas like zooarchaeology or forensic anthropology — both of which combine biology and anthropology, offering you a unique niche. That way, you wouldn’t have to choose just one path but could blend your passions. I mean if you do have passion for both and you are dedicated to carry them on so why not blend.
Whatever you decide, remember Haley you’re not locked into a single career path forever. Many people, my colleague as one, evolve their careers over time, and there’s flexibility to move between fields, especially as your interests and goals change over time, so dont take it really hard on yourself.
Stay curious, keep exploring, and remember there’s no wrong choice here. Just a journey full of learning and growth.
So Good luck, and take your time with this decision Haley, I believe you are gonna do just amazing.
Iris Ginzburg
Entrepreneur
3
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Iris’s Answer
Hi there!
First of all — it’s wonderful that you’re reflecting seriously about your next steps. That’s exactly how strong careers begin: with curiosity and thoughtfulness.
1. Reconnect with your passion:
If anthropology really lights you up, don't ignore that. Passion doesn’t mean blindly following dreams — it means fueling your journey with energy that will last. Almost every field, including anthropology, has paths where people earn well and grow personally. It's about how creatively and proactively you build your future, not just what degree you hold.
2. Explore career options strategically:
A bachelor's in anthropology opens more doors than many people realize. Some examples:
User Experience (UX) Research in tech
International development work
Policy analysis, museum curation, market research, and more
Each of these paths values strong research skills, cultural insight, and critical thinking — which anthropology trains exceptionally well. You might need short additional programs or certifications to specialize later, but that's completely doable.
3. Think like an entrepreneur of your own life:
If you're entrepreneurial, anthropology is a goldmine. You could:
Start a consultancy in DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)
Build educational platforms around culture and history
Launch tourism or community projects that connect people across cultures Success today often belongs to those who combine deep knowledge with creativity and action.
You're not choosing one narrow future — you’re building skills, experiences, and passions that can evolve over time.
Stay curious, stay brave, and take smart steps. That’s the best investment you can make in yourself.
Wishing you lots of success wherever your path takes
First of all — it’s wonderful that you’re reflecting seriously about your next steps. That’s exactly how strong careers begin: with curiosity and thoughtfulness.
1. Reconnect with your passion:
If anthropology really lights you up, don't ignore that. Passion doesn’t mean blindly following dreams — it means fueling your journey with energy that will last. Almost every field, including anthropology, has paths where people earn well and grow personally. It's about how creatively and proactively you build your future, not just what degree you hold.
2. Explore career options strategically:
A bachelor's in anthropology opens more doors than many people realize. Some examples:
User Experience (UX) Research in tech
International development work
Policy analysis, museum curation, market research, and more
Each of these paths values strong research skills, cultural insight, and critical thinking — which anthropology trains exceptionally well. You might need short additional programs or certifications to specialize later, but that's completely doable.
3. Think like an entrepreneur of your own life:
If you're entrepreneurial, anthropology is a goldmine. You could:
Start a consultancy in DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion)
Build educational platforms around culture and history
Launch tourism or community projects that connect people across cultures Success today often belongs to those who combine deep knowledge with creativity and action.
You're not choosing one narrow future — you’re building skills, experiences, and passions that can evolve over time.
Stay curious, stay brave, and take smart steps. That’s the best investment you can make in yourself.
Wishing you lots of success wherever your path takes
Wow! Thank you so much, I really appreciate this! You have definitely given me a lot to think about! :)
Haley