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I'm currently interested in Anthropology, but the adults in my life are telling me it's not a viable choice to study. How has the job market or the process of getting your degree been? Is it worth it?
I'm currently a high school junior also interested in the social sciences in general, but I'm not very committed to anything yet.
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6 answers
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Martha D.’s Answer
Yours is an excellent question, Gabriella. My short answer is that there are many types of jobs for anthropology majors; the Indeed.com lists 19 of them but there are more types, especially in government and policy organizations. My child majored in anthropology, graduated a few years ago, and is doing fine.
I would encourage you and others to think separately about the skills and content you gain in that major. You may not use the specific information from ethnographies you read, but I bet you will use the skills. For example, you will strengthen such marketable and versatile skills as research, analytical, and communications. You should feel comfortable talking about these with potential employers.
Also, be careful about choosing majors or jobs because they are "safe". For years, software development was one of the safest jobs around, and IT was a hugely popular major. Now IT-related firms (e.g., Facebook, Meta, Apple, IBM, Verizon, and Oracle in the last year) are conducting huge lay-offs, including software developers, because of AI.
I encourage you to continue researching this question and thinking about the lifestyle you want to have, which could influence your major and career choices. Also know that in most colleges, you will not have to declare a major until sophomore year. So you have time to make your decision. Wishing you good luck!
Indeed.com - https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/what-can-you-do-with-anthropology-degree?gclsrc=aw.ds&aceid=&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15513873562&gbraid=0AAAAADfh6_toQKOEpG8aBgLO4rhAz5vFQ&gclid=Cj0KCQjwp7jOBhDGARIsABe7C4c4Yct-IgyiAAIdIAYFk7Au9m4bzFHsdPINCRklKPWpRKuk2Bkca18aAupiEALw_wcB
I would encourage you and others to think separately about the skills and content you gain in that major. You may not use the specific information from ethnographies you read, but I bet you will use the skills. For example, you will strengthen such marketable and versatile skills as research, analytical, and communications. You should feel comfortable talking about these with potential employers.
Also, be careful about choosing majors or jobs because they are "safe". For years, software development was one of the safest jobs around, and IT was a hugely popular major. Now IT-related firms (e.g., Facebook, Meta, Apple, IBM, Verizon, and Oracle in the last year) are conducting huge lay-offs, including software developers, because of AI.
I encourage you to continue researching this question and thinking about the lifestyle you want to have, which could influence your major and career choices. Also know that in most colleges, you will not have to declare a major until sophomore year. So you have time to make your decision. Wishing you good luck!
Martha D. recommends the following next steps:
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Alejandra’s Answer
While it is important to listen to the Adults in your life, I'll dare say it's even more important to consider your personal circumstances and your interests. I'm not an Anthropologist, I'm actually someone who studied Marketing and then a Master in Finance, in my case it was personal practical choice as my family couldn't support my original interest and I wanted to ensure that I would be able to support my Mother and my younger Brothers as soon as I graduated.
Still, I don't regret my choice and I've been able to put to good use what I learned from my Marketing Degree as part of my Finance Profession. My point is, if you are able to chose what you like as career, that is great! If you can't see it just as a detour and try to think in parallel how to get to your end goal. Life always takes us to odd places and been flexible is more important!
Still, I don't regret my choice and I've been able to put to good use what I learned from my Marketing Degree as part of my Finance Profession. My point is, if you are able to chose what you like as career, that is great! If you can't see it just as a detour and try to think in parallel how to get to your end goal. Life always takes us to odd places and been flexible is more important!
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Liam’s Answer
Reading the answers here, and by the way I am not an anthropologist either, should be an indicator that we need more anthropologists.
The issue right now facing this field and a lot of science fields is the availability of information from the internet has people not wondering about the world. People lack the inspiration to look further into research when they can pick up their phone and ask google or chatgpt for an answer.
Fields like anthropology are essential to understanding how we as a species and as people have developed throughout time. This will not only tell us where we were but also where we are going. In my lifetime I have seen so many changes in our understanding of DNA, race, gender, and health I think it is foolish to say that this field is dead or not constantly changing.
People forget that science is a changing field. Google is great to find articles and research papers, but most of what you are reading are news articles giving an opinion of a research paper and not the papers themselves. Most media outlets view anthropology studies as either validating a minor science advancement as the new truth or pinning anthropological theories and findings against religion. We need educated people to test theories and advance our understanding rather than adhering to one idea because it has a good SEO on google.
For a career path, you will never work as an anthropologist for starbucks. You will never work as an anthropologist for an investment firm. You will likely work for a university and likely teach as you are doing research projects. As others here suggested, outside of working as an anthropologist you will possibly be working in a social and science setting. This may be working at a firm or lab that does DNA testing or something similar that digs deep into human origins.
https://youtu.be/h9DtpF6BuZk - I recently watched this. I like how she memes "that we know of" indicating that she is presenting the best information available, as we understand it, at this time.
The issue right now facing this field and a lot of science fields is the availability of information from the internet has people not wondering about the world. People lack the inspiration to look further into research when they can pick up their phone and ask google or chatgpt for an answer.
Fields like anthropology are essential to understanding how we as a species and as people have developed throughout time. This will not only tell us where we were but also where we are going. In my lifetime I have seen so many changes in our understanding of DNA, race, gender, and health I think it is foolish to say that this field is dead or not constantly changing.
People forget that science is a changing field. Google is great to find articles and research papers, but most of what you are reading are news articles giving an opinion of a research paper and not the papers themselves. Most media outlets view anthropology studies as either validating a minor science advancement as the new truth or pinning anthropological theories and findings against religion. We need educated people to test theories and advance our understanding rather than adhering to one idea because it has a good SEO on google.
For a career path, you will never work as an anthropologist for starbucks. You will never work as an anthropologist for an investment firm. You will likely work for a university and likely teach as you are doing research projects. As others here suggested, outside of working as an anthropologist you will possibly be working in a social and science setting. This may be working at a firm or lab that does DNA testing or something similar that digs deep into human origins.
Liam recommends the following next steps:
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Devin’s Answer
Hi Gabriella,
I did not study Anthropology, but I did study Sociology in college. I received a lot of the same warnings and concerns from those who care about me. First of all, know they are coming from a place of care for you while possibly not being very informed about what studying that field can mean. I know of anthropologists who work in the public health, product design, government, and more.
For example, while I studied Sociology, I have not done work directly in that field. I work in HR now and my education has given me a great perspective on social dynamics, organizational behavior, and statistics that others don't have very often.
I think a great next step would be to reach out to colleges you're interested to find out where their Anthropology graduates are working now. LinkedIn can also be a great resource for finding alumni and what they're doing now. That will give you ideas of what you can do with that field of study. You can even reach out to alumni to see if those types of work are things you would be interested in doing in the future.
Regarding it being "worth it," that would really depend on the school, the cost (and debt), and especially your level of fulfillment after. Also know that there's a good chance you change your major or do something not very related to what you'd be studying. Focus on learning principles and view points that will bring value to whatever you end up doing. Join clubs and organizations to meet new people and find new ways to use your ideas while learning others. These connections to different people and perspectives will open the most doors to your future.
I did not study Anthropology, but I did study Sociology in college. I received a lot of the same warnings and concerns from those who care about me. First of all, know they are coming from a place of care for you while possibly not being very informed about what studying that field can mean. I know of anthropologists who work in the public health, product design, government, and more.
For example, while I studied Sociology, I have not done work directly in that field. I work in HR now and my education has given me a great perspective on social dynamics, organizational behavior, and statistics that others don't have very often.
I think a great next step would be to reach out to colleges you're interested to find out where their Anthropology graduates are working now. LinkedIn can also be a great resource for finding alumni and what they're doing now. That will give you ideas of what you can do with that field of study. You can even reach out to alumni to see if those types of work are things you would be interested in doing in the future.
Regarding it being "worth it," that would really depend on the school, the cost (and debt), and especially your level of fulfillment after. Also know that there's a good chance you change your major or do something not very related to what you'd be studying. Focus on learning principles and view points that will bring value to whatever you end up doing. Join clubs and organizations to meet new people and find new ways to use your ideas while learning others. These connections to different people and perspectives will open the most doors to your future.
Updated
Eric’s Answer
It's normal to feel unsure when you're passionate about something, but face resistance from others. Anthropology is a field where curiosity is key, yet it's important to consider practical aspects.
The job market for anthropology is competitive and not very large, with growth expected at about 4-5%. Many traditional roles, like museum or academic jobs, often need a master's degree or higher.
However, an anthropology degree is more versatile than many realize. It teaches you about people, cultures, and behavior, which is useful in business, healthcare, tech, public policy, and research. Graduates often find roles in UX research, market research, or human-centered design, where there are better salaries and opportunities.
So, instead of asking if anthropology is worth it, consider how you plan to use it.
If you love anthropology, that’s important. It will motivate you, help you excel, and create opportunities. But pair your passion with a plan:
- Combine it with another skill, like data analysis, business, or healthcare.
- Be open to careers outside the traditional anthropology path.
- Understand that higher-paying or specialized roles may require further education.
Getting the degree isn’t harder than other majors, but pursuing a master's can lead to more opportunities.
In summary:
- Yes, anthropology can be worth it if you apply it wisely.
- No, it’s not the easiest or most guaranteed career path.
If you choose it, do so with both your passion and a plan.
The job market for anthropology is competitive and not very large, with growth expected at about 4-5%. Many traditional roles, like museum or academic jobs, often need a master's degree or higher.
However, an anthropology degree is more versatile than many realize. It teaches you about people, cultures, and behavior, which is useful in business, healthcare, tech, public policy, and research. Graduates often find roles in UX research, market research, or human-centered design, where there are better salaries and opportunities.
So, instead of asking if anthropology is worth it, consider how you plan to use it.
If you love anthropology, that’s important. It will motivate you, help you excel, and create opportunities. But pair your passion with a plan:
- Combine it with another skill, like data analysis, business, or healthcare.
- Be open to careers outside the traditional anthropology path.
- Understand that higher-paying or specialized roles may require further education.
Getting the degree isn’t harder than other majors, but pursuing a master's can lead to more opportunities.
In summary:
- Yes, anthropology can be worth it if you apply it wisely.
- No, it’s not the easiest or most guaranteed career path.
If you choose it, do so with both your passion and a plan.
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Caio’s Answer
Hello! I do not have any background on the topic! But i can tell you that a important point is that this a choice for a long period of your life (if you want to do it as a career), so I always think about, there is nothing better than work with something that you really love, for sure its important to look for "money" and "positions", but also to do something that you really like or loves for sure will bring the other point! And also, change career is a normal think! I started to study Public relationships, changed to Engineering and finished with Tecnology! So, the important point is to discover what you really like and enjoy.