4 answers
Tania
Student
Hialeah, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
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How soon do i have to select my major when entering college? What are people's opinions towards Anthropology majors and what career path can i go into??
I'm extremely fascinated by human culture, social sciences, and history. Anthropology seems like a happy medium in between them, can i get advice on this? Thanks :) #psychology #history #anthropology #humanities #social-sciences #peace-corps
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4 answers
Kathryn Bowen
Director, Employee Programs
2
Answers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Kathryn’s Answer
The advice that my mom gave me when trying to choose a major, is to choose what interested me the most because I would be living and breathing it for 4 years. That was great advice because unless you're going into a field like engineering or medicine, a lot of what you learn in university are skills like critical thinking that can be used in any industry so you might as well hone those skills on a subject you enjoy. I'm a History major and I have a friend who studied Anthropology, both of us now work in the tech industry.
As for when to choose a major. I choose mine in first year and then adjusted it in 3rd year. The main thing is making sure you have the correct number of credits to graduate.
As for when to choose a major. I choose mine in first year and then adjusted it in 3rd year. The main thing is making sure you have the correct number of credits to graduate.
Andrew Datu
5
Answers
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
Anthropology is a very interesting subject! I think university is an amazing place to explore and learn what your interested in. It's also important to keep in mind what this would translate to after graduation. Do you plan on pursuing research in anthropology? Be prepared to research, write, and publish your findings. Graduate school may be the next step in your trajectory, and the Peace Corps has Master's programs where you complete your service ahead of your graduate studies, which makes for an excellent way to get tangible experience immersed in a different culture and practically apply what you've learned in college.
Double majoring in marketing may also be an opportunity to incorporate your love of society and culture into a career. Marketing provides you a practical way to apply consumer behavior and cultural factors into translating value and meeting people's individual needs. I found that marketing also provides an impactful way to direct culture and values towards issues like environmental sustainability and address equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Don't be afraid to remain undeclared until your Junior year.
Don't be afraid to change your major at any point throughout your educational career.
Don't worry about not knowing anything, people are always willing to help you and share their knowledge and experiences.
Do get involved in clubs and local organizations that align with your interests.
Do talk to professors, professionals, and alumni that have pursued career paths your interested in.
Do go the career center and speak with a counselor to identify the opportunities and resources that are available to you.
Think about the lifestyle you'd imagine for yourself. Do you want to live internationally? Do you want to help people? Do you want to make a lot of money? Prioritize what's most important, and this will help you determine what career path best aligns with your values.
Double majoring in marketing may also be an opportunity to incorporate your love of society and culture into a career. Marketing provides you a practical way to apply consumer behavior and cultural factors into translating value and meeting people's individual needs. I found that marketing also provides an impactful way to direct culture and values towards issues like environmental sustainability and address equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Don't be afraid to remain undeclared until your Junior year.
Don't be afraid to change your major at any point throughout your educational career.
Don't worry about not knowing anything, people are always willing to help you and share their knowledge and experiences.
Do get involved in clubs and local organizations that align with your interests.
Do talk to professors, professionals, and alumni that have pursued career paths your interested in.
Do go the career center and speak with a counselor to identify the opportunities and resources that are available to you.
Think about the lifestyle you'd imagine for yourself. Do you want to live internationally? Do you want to help people? Do you want to make a lot of money? Prioritize what's most important, and this will help you determine what career path best aligns with your values.
Rhonda Bingel
Office Manager-Legal
1
Answer
Ashburn, Virginia
Updated
Rhonda’s Answer
You need to ask yourself some questions - what is out there in the anthropology field? advancement? education? teaching maybe? where do you want to end up?
These are some questions you have to ask yourself and be honest. I can't answer them for you. Getting an education in teaching at a college might be the better option for you because it offers a wide range of options that covers each of the topics you have listed.
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
93
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
First: Andrew's answer is very comprehensive and I would definitely look in over more than twice.
Luckily, most colleges/universities have students take a "core" set of courses. This normally includes Social Studies, sciences, English literature, and, in my case, music and art appreciation (two courses that have added tremendously to my life if not my income).
In my case, J found myself constantly changing my idea for a major. First it was biology. Then history, having a fantastic professor that brought it all alive. And a wonderful course in Cultural Anthropology. Then came American Government and Politics. And there it was. I found my first two years extremely productive,
But with politics, I was on way and ended up spending thirty=eight years as a professor of American Government and Politics.
With the above as a background, I would recommend that you use the first two years simply academically "looking around". You never know. Something else might strike you that you haven't even thought about. You just had to take the course.
On the other hand, your "fascination" is also your academic strength. As in working hard and succeeding because of your love for the subject matter.
And of the courses surrounding your interest, in my opinion, Anthropology is the correct blend.
A simple reading of the news (in print, not TV or social networking, the Social Sciences are on a downward trend. Colleges/universities are cutting back. Majors are drying up, let alone getting an advanced degree. This is because employment is drying up. It's now tech and finance. And at this point this does not appear to be you. And that's certainly not a problem.
But now you must explore which field within the science of anthropology you are going to major in. If that is your ultimate decision heading into your third undergraduate year. My guess it would be cultural anthropology. A simple reading of the news and the clash of cultures in the world point to the current value of Cultural Anthropology. (The UN needs such professionals as an example.) But that would take some thought on your part. And at this point do some research and talk to an educational counselor.
And, of course, research the colleges/uniuversities you are considering attending. What are their Anthro offerings? And graduate opportunities.
And you have to think about what you want to do with it.
Most students, upon getting their degrees still have to make a living.
Going with your passion, however, is a great advantage. And yours just may be marketable.
Luckily, most colleges/universities have students take a "core" set of courses. This normally includes Social Studies, sciences, English literature, and, in my case, music and art appreciation (two courses that have added tremendously to my life if not my income).
In my case, J found myself constantly changing my idea for a major. First it was biology. Then history, having a fantastic professor that brought it all alive. And a wonderful course in Cultural Anthropology. Then came American Government and Politics. And there it was. I found my first two years extremely productive,
But with politics, I was on way and ended up spending thirty=eight years as a professor of American Government and Politics.
With the above as a background, I would recommend that you use the first two years simply academically "looking around". You never know. Something else might strike you that you haven't even thought about. You just had to take the course.
On the other hand, your "fascination" is also your academic strength. As in working hard and succeeding because of your love for the subject matter.
And of the courses surrounding your interest, in my opinion, Anthropology is the correct blend.
A simple reading of the news (in print, not TV or social networking, the Social Sciences are on a downward trend. Colleges/universities are cutting back. Majors are drying up, let alone getting an advanced degree. This is because employment is drying up. It's now tech and finance. And at this point this does not appear to be you. And that's certainly not a problem.
But now you must explore which field within the science of anthropology you are going to major in. If that is your ultimate decision heading into your third undergraduate year. My guess it would be cultural anthropology. A simple reading of the news and the clash of cultures in the world point to the current value of Cultural Anthropology. (The UN needs such professionals as an example.) But that would take some thought on your part. And at this point do some research and talk to an educational counselor.
And, of course, research the colleges/uniuversities you are considering attending. What are their Anthro offerings? And graduate opportunities.
And you have to think about what you want to do with it.
Most students, upon getting their degrees still have to make a living.
Going with your passion, however, is a great advantage. And yours just may be marketable.