Was My Anthropology Degree Worth It? 1 Year Post-Grad Update | How To Take Advantage of Your Major

[@AliviaBrown]

Did you know I wrote a course on human evolution? 🧬🦍🦧🐒🌱🌳 Check it out HERE: www.socratica.com/courses/human-evolution

[@serenityrodriguez66]

I recently graduated and post grad depression is definitely getting the best of me. I feel like my anthro degree is useless since I haven’t had much luck getting a job. Everything so far requires a master but I’m unable to go that route due to financing. I enjoyed my time during undergrad but now it’s hard trying to find anything. Can we see more videos that are really in depth on how to find a job with an anthro degree? This new job market has such high expectations that aren’t realistic. That would be helpful for me and many others I’m sure.

[@Matt-Diachronic_Anthropologist]

I know it can frustrating to look for a suitable job, specifically because potential employers don't really understand what we study or how we conduct those studies, both qualitatively and quantitatively. Many will mistakenly believe that we are focused exclusively on traditional societies that are not part of the contemporary world of commerce and industry. There won't ever be many jobs available that actually have the word anthropologist in the title; in cover letters and interviews, you really want to echo the skills listed as required in the job announcement, and explain to the potential employer how anthropology provides both those skills, and a unique perspective on how to get the most impact/benefit out of those skills.

[@sorijilleo9297]

I have the same concern about this. I'm still studying undergrad, currently in my final year, I'm starting to worry about the job prospects of this major. After I did an internship at a feeling, I realized that very few people understand what anthropology is and it is very rarely used at least in companies in my country. I like anthropology, learning is very fun.

[@Matt-Diachronic_Anthropologist]

@@sorijilleo9297 One way of approaching this is to make an inventory of all the skills that you've acquired as part of studying anthropology. Here's a list of items I came up with some years back; I put it in a text file, so I could copy and paste it readily into cover letters, etc. archival research, historic secondary sources archival research, primary sources author progress/final reports on research activities author research funding grant proposals client engagement and development collate location- and/or context-specific historical and research background information develop appropriate research designs develop location-specific predictive/probabilistic archaeological models develop partnerships with identified stakeholders ensure presence and supervision of adequate personnel equipment acquisition and maintenance fieldwork, area/block excavation fieldwork, artifact screening fieldwork, backfill excavation units fieldwork, collect global positioning system data fieldwork, data recordation fieldwork, equipment logistics fieldwork, establish precise grid system fieldwork, identify archaeological features, artifacts, and ecofacts fieldwork, identify climatological, geomorphological, faunal, and floral features of environment fieldwork, identify cultural features of environment fieldwork, produce accurate and meaningful field notes fieldwork, produce graphical representations of natural/cultural features fieldwork, shovel test sampling fieldwork, site stabilization/restoration fieldwork, soil/sediment coring geospatial analysis and cartographic representation interpret past human behaviors, activities, organizational structures, interaction densities, and communication/cognitive capacities, based on inferences drawn from the analysis of diachronic variation in the tangible remains of those processes, within historically particular contexts, for the purpose of generating analyses that are cross-culturally comparable at the systemic level laboratory, artifact identification and typological classification laboratory, artifact processing, cataloging, and analysis maintain clean, orderly, organized worksite/workstation maintain legal compliance with federal/state/local cultural resource management laws, standards, and guidelines maintain professional development/current best management practices maintain project/artifact databases pattern recognition, analysis, and interpretation prepare educational materials present public education programs pursue appropriate research funding grant opportunities qualitative data analysis and interpretation quantitative data analysis and interpretation recommend alternatives to archaeological mitigation recommend appropriate archaeological mitigation procedures respond to requests for proposals submit completed forms to relevant agencies

[@coryluskat]

What is it you want to do with the degree? What kind of work do you want?

[@coryluskat]

@@sorijilleo9297 your degree shouldn't be the biggest seller, your experience and interests should be. You can apply anthro to so many careers, but you have to make those connections, people won't make them for you.

[@coryluskat]

Unsolicited feedback: I'm 2 years postgrad (36 years old though so at a different stage in life) and am so happy with my degree. Because I could afford it (SNHU), because I already had the background of other contexts - doing AmeriCorps*NCCC, spending years apprenticing as a community herbalist, training as a Florida master naturalist, helping manage a vegan cafe and getting training in nonviolent communication, customer service, etc. If I *only* had anthro, I'm not sure if it would have been a great stepping stone if I didn't get involved the way Alivia mentions. You kind of have to dive off the deep end to see what it is you actually want out of the degree. I also highly recommend degrees later in life, if possible. I got so much more out of this degree than I did in my several college attempts at 18, 19, and 20.

[@chrishorton8485]

Am 34 looking at an anthropology masters and your comment is so well timed for me! 😊

[@afunk-zu4sb]

thank you for this!

[@jphoenix1536]

I'm new here & felt I should give a bit of insight to my fellow anthropology grads. Learn to transfer those skills! Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Researchers' etc. Don't shrink yourself into one profession simply bc of what you went to or are currently in school for. Learn new skills that you can add to the skills you already have. Learn new technology & different programs. Also, don't sell yourself short. You got this 🎉

[@corm1000]

Based on my experience as someone with an anthropology degree, I have found that there are a lot of jobs in the CRM archeology industry.

[@joelharris4399]

I admire your honesty on this most sensitive issue. So what you're really saying is that you have to nuture strategic relationships in related fields or concentrations outside of the confines of the classroom, preferably with experts, professionals active in the job market. Hmmmm, sure thing Alivia❤🎉

[@Ariapeithes_]

Well I've decided to finish my major in anthropology: I'm wanting to focusing on linguistics and eventually become a language teacher of Irish and Welsh, two languages that are near extinction, but have seen some revival over the last several decades. I think linguistics and just studying a language in general is a good way to always stay employed. Planning on minoring in art or business but I'm still making a decision on that.

[@AliviaBrown]

This sounds like a wonderful idea! I'm so glad you are continuing to pursue it :)

[@Ariapeithes_]

@@AliviaBrown Thanks Alivia. You've inspired me.

[@AliviaBrown]

@@Ariapeithes_ Aw, thats so sweet!

[@coryluskat]

There's a huge push for more education as Gaeilge here in Ireland. Going the education route could be so helpful if that's what you want to do.

[@jaleman6595]

I graduate next spring and im looking for jobs just to see what there is to offer and everything needs a masters, which I cant do financially for a while, or the salary is low or the experience thats required is extensive 😭😭 also, I really love this subject because to me it is a way that can give me answers to questions ive had for so long and its the path to discovering more aspects of humanity but even many of the professors at my uni would constantly tell us they had 2 Jobs which is a pretty good indicator to the pay of the major itself - nd being a teacher Love ur videos tho- ur the realest when it comes to these things :)

[@Matt-Diachronic_Anthropologist]

It is nice to see a follow-up video on this topic. I know that it is often difficult for recent anthropology graduates to make potential new employers understand the skills they have acquired as students of anthropology. It's definitely not a discipline in which one expects to make a fortune; in fact, archaeologists are notoriously amongst the lowest paid professionals. Also, in the U.S., you must get a graduate degree to become a professional archaeologist; it is written into the laws that actually drive archaeological work (see Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 61, Secretary of the Interior's Standards). There is no amount of on-the-job experience that can substitute for the graduate degree; this is, in large part, because we only impart the idealized structure of the discipline to undergraduate students. However, there is plenty of work available for archaeological field technicians. Commercial archaeology, in the U.S., brought in 1.4 billion USD in fiscal year (FY) 2020, and it is forecast to rise to about 1.85 billion USD annually by FY2031. It is difficult to make money as a field technician, if you are also trying to pay rent, utlites, etc.; this is primarily because employers will be paying for lodging and providing a per diem where the work is, which means they're counting that as money out of their pockets, even though most of that money won't find its way into the technician's pockets. The average field technician will only last about three years in the industry before they start looking for more stable employment; so, you should either start with the assumption that you will always need a side-hustle, or be planning to get a master's degree (an online degree program would be a good way to spend your evenings in your hotel room). For more on the future job market in archaeology, read "Forecast in the US CRM Industry and Job Market, 2022-2031 by Jeffrey H. Altschul and Terry H. Klein, in the SAA's supplemental journal, Advances in Archaeological Practice.

[@anduemelson]

Not necessarily true. You only need a Bachelor's to excavate in a professional environment. However, there is a ceiling you'll hit really quickly once you're hired full-time. You'll never do anything but be a field technician, crew chief, or field director without your masters. The latter of those positions have light writing, but if you want an office job with your archaeology focus you will need a Masters and to seek your RPA certification.

[@Matt-Diachronic_Anthropologist]

@@anduemelson I thought my post went over the criteria set forth in 36 CFR Part 61 pretty thoroughly. To be clear, I am Registered Professional Archaeologist 44090910; I am also a Secretary of the Interior qualified Principal Investigator (determination made John Ketchum, who was the Federal Preservation officer for FEMA at time when I worked for that agency). I think we might be differing on what constitutes being a "professional archaeologist." I do understand that many field technicians refer to themselves as professionals because they get paid to do archaeological fieldwork; however, "professional," here, refers to someone who holds a professional level of education and/or certification.

[@cheesejkliop]

I'm on the first point and already love it! Applies so much to so many fields!

[@k1ngR4t]

100% correct Fact is, when it comes to the general job market, anthropology is pretty niche. Sure, you will have a better understanding of "humans" and respect different cultures etc etc and employers might understand that, but...so will a psych grad, or an English grad, or a marketing/communications grad. And when employers are comparing those different resumes... You can't just "want" an anthro degree. You should already have a long term goal when you first go for it. Have that goal and MAKE your degree worth it. Don't expect it to do just "be" worth it...and this applies to most degrees, not just anthro...but especially anthro. Do that, and it WILL be worth it. My other potentially hot take: if you dont know what you want to do but LIKE anthro...minor in it. You can pretty easily minor in anthro, applying those courses towards a variety of more "hire-able" majors. That way, you get the anthro classes, the title on your degree, AND the fallback if you choose to go another direction. You also set yourself up for a higher education path should you choose to go that route. Even if your major isn't in anthro....with a bit of relevant job experience (museum, part time in a research lab etc), most anthro programs will accept you with the minor. ...which, let's be honest, for 98% of the best paying jobs pertinent to anthropology, yes, you're going to need at least a Masters. And that's ok. It's worth it if you make it worth it...which is pretty much also what Alivia said.

[@luisfilipe2023]

Glad you’re happy! Keep up the good work 😊

[@ezatullahahmadzai5188]

Thank you, Alivia, If you have time, please do one video regarding the anthropological theories(all theories are briefly described in simple terms). By anthropological theories I mean evolutionism, diffusionism, structuralism, relativism,, agency, and much more. I have searched a lot and there is a lot of explanation but there is not one that can tell regarding all and in the end tell where contemporary anthropology stand.

[@k1ngR4t]

This would be a great video @aliviabrown

[@toddmuddywaters]

I graduated in '05 w/BA in Anthro, sub conc in archaeology. I just want to throw this out there... Each of us has to define for ourselves what we consider "worth it". A good paying job working in anthropology is only ONE measure of "worth it". Obviously we'd ALL want that outcome, but that is just not the practical reality for most anthro majors, especially right after graduation. Of my classmates that I'm in touch with, there is a teacher, a banker, a real estate agent, and a firefighter... All very happy people. I never worked in anthropology, in fact I became a heating and cooling guy. I loved studying anthro, I loved the people I met, and I loved the experiences I had. I also love the perspective that my studies gave me, and the way anthropology shaped my world view. Do I use my anthropology degree? Yes, EVERY SINGLE DAY! It was definitely "worth it" to me.

[@carlosvasquez591-j5h]

Is it only me or did I just unblocked a new set of switches that I wasn't aware of?

[@joitaylor3765]

Me in my senior year of my anthropology degree 👀👀

[@svdluis]

I have taken admission in MA anthropology at Madras University.

[@someshpanda9]

@AliviaBrown please make video on neuro-anthropology and it's scope.. please...

[@JeetSinghaRoy-e8i]

HI MA'AM I' FINDING UR VIDEOS THE MOST EASIEST WAY UNDERSTAND ANTHRO.... BUT U HAVE STOPPED UPLOADING VIDEOS..HOPE I WILL SEE U AGAIN

[@BinhNguyen-uw1tc]

What do you think about Darwin Theory ?

[@masabamahjabin6418]

Will you plz make a video on how International student can join masters in businesses anthropology? Plzz

[@AliviaBrown]

Good idea! Thank you!

[@masabamahjabin6418]

Hello dear any video on business anthropology ​@@AliviaBrown

[@sundardgvjay1188]

Hi Alivia. I am Sundar from India. Last month I took admission for masters in anthropology. I did bachelor in zoology. So I don't know much about anthropology. Can you help me? My mid semester is going to start next month.

[@theindianwebgamer6684]

I m in 2nd year of my under graduation as an Anthropology major from an Indian college so what can I do for my future

[@aymenhashmat9864]

Hello! I was wondering if you knew people who went into corporate after doing sociology and anthropology. Im doing a minor in public policy/administration and was looking for jobs in coporate/development secot after graduation. Would love to hear your opinion on this!

[@lacey2922]

Would you recommend double majoring in anthropology with something else like economics? Im an incoming freshman in college and I'm for certain i want anthro as my major, but im thinking of double majoring in econ as well to better my job options

[@adriangee4272]

@AliviaBrown, Would you have done a different major if given the opportunity?

[@AliviaBrown]

NOPE! I love anthropology!!!

[@DhruvBansal-rr7mn]

How we make a carrier in anthropology after 12th in india

[@ellar4656]

Hi, I’m in junior high-school and I’m curious to know how to start an anthropology career, like what classes and stuff should I take?

[@kila1101]

i’m a freshman in college right now, no matter what major you plan on going into, you should look up your future college’s general education requirements and start taking those classes through dual enrollment. you can get college credits in highschool for way cheaper. like i went into my first semester of college with 39 credits through AP tests and dual enrollment, now i’m technically a college sophomore and after my first semester i’ll be done with all of my general education requirements. it’s great. but you have to be careful because if you fail a class then you’re messing up your college gpa before you even get into college. take the subjects that you find easy to set yourself up for success. and always use rate my professor before you sign up for a class, the reviews will often tell you what the course work is like or if the prof is a super hard grader or not.

[@ellar4656]

@@kila1101 thankyou!

[@KINGLENII26]

Hi @Alivia. I have a question. I am a first year student who is doing a double major in Sociology and anthropology. I would say I like sociology coz it goes hand in hand with anthropology and the fact that it made me view my society from a different perspective but then I LOOOOOVVVVVVEEEEE anthropology because it basically answers questions I always asked for 😭❤️ and I really love doing field work and putting every knowledge I get from my lectures into practice. My question is, since I want to work in a big organization company, should I do a MA in sociology or Anthropology.....i know it is too soon for me to be thinking of such😅

[@Coastpsych_fi99]

I would recommend studying business or economics as a minor OR MBA(but don’t think about post-graduate till you have more work experience as you might not need more degrees). Also minimise your student debt as much as possible and make yourself as marketable as possible. Try get jobs asap.

[@34sreelakshmim23]

Hi Alivia, I have a doubt. Is textual and data analysis are same or not ? Currently iam doing MA in anthropology. So we have to study statistical analysis. Whats your opinion about getting a data analysis certificate course as a anthropology student ?

[@audieachoo]

I want to transfer to a school from community college but a lot of community colleges don't have much relating to community college, do you have recommendations on what to study before transferring?

[@joitaylor3765]

Are you going back for your masters? Should I possibly go for my masters?

[@y_manota]

Are u study BA in anthropology or BSC anthropology

[@MusicMike939]

Congrats on the degree. I failed to gradulate. But the doubt I received from everyone by studtying antrho has never stopped. Maybe If I had a dregree. But for most people. Just study business and watch time team.

[@rickyfrancis9711]

In my opinion ur way to optimistic about this major due to your experience and I feel this is the folly of all anthropologists in education. I understand everything ur saying but I feel anthropology is alot like church, some ppl need it some don't, but very rarely do ppl get rich off church

[@jackgregory7997]

⭐ Promo*SM

[@gamalnassertv]

LOL! I thought this was that weird PearlyThings channel, you kind of look like her.

[@sippycr7381]

Alivia, I have a suggestion for you. I am from India and there is an exam here which the recruiting agency Govt of India conducts every year for recruiting bureaucrats. For the exam we have to which we have to specialise in an optional subject. One of the optionals is Anthropology which is a very scoring as well as popular subject among students. You can go through the syllabus of it and start making videos on the topics mentioned in the syllabus. Your video playlist will gather huge views. To substantiate every year 1million students take them exam and a substantive chunk chooses Anthropology as their optional. So you can utilise your knowledge to make free videos on the subject (like really interactive and lucid videos). This can serve as a one time investment for you since new candidates every year will watch them and this can help you with a sustained source of income from KZbin. I am myself a student of Anthropology and trust me there not many good channels on youtube to study it via self study. Often students have to enroll in coaching classes which create a big hole in the pocket. Considering the viewership from India if your content is good your channel will skyrocket. you may further google about "civil services examination of India" to know about it more. I am attaching a link of the commission's website for you to go through the syllabus and previous year questions asked in the exam. The link is from 2017 but the syllabus has remained unchanged since 2013 www.upsc.gov.in/sites/default/files/Engl_CSP_2017.pdf go to page 135

[@Mortal_To_Immortal]

I have seen all of ur videos n u are becoming cute n cute 😊 but why dont u say anthropology degree is worthless. evolution theory is still a theory with no proper evidence. everything feels like a lie with no path to see through hope one day i can meet you

[@drew9719]

Weird creep