Anthropology : Career areas

A 2010 HESA survey of 2009 graduates indicates that six months after graduation, just over 50% of anthropology graduates were in UK or overseas employment. Of these, around 20% found jobs in retail, catering, waiting and bar staff, more than 14% work in clerical and secretarial occupations. Around 8% of those surveyed had entered into both the marketing, sales and advertising sector and the social and welfare sector, with a further 12% in other unspecified occupations.

Anthropology graduates work in a wide range of occupations, many unrelated to their course of study, as employers value the range of skills they possess.

Only a tiny proportion of graduates become anthropologists, as academics or researchers. The remainder enter a diverse range of careers due to their broad mix of skills and experience.

Some graduates choose careers which build directly on anthropology, including research, social policy and teaching, work for non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and development/overseas agencies. Anthropology graduates also pursue roles in advertising, sales and marketing, positions in museums, conservation, and heritage management and careers in areas related to health and social work.

The analytical and critical skills, intellectual versatility, multicultural sensitivity and international outlook you develop are also sought-after by employers and anthropology graduates enter sectors that are open to any subject. These include roles in commerce, media, diplomacy and public relations, and for the commercially minded, roles in finance, business, accountancy and consulting.

Where are the jobs?

A high proportion of graduates work in the public and not-for-profit sectors, all branches of the civil service, local government, charities, central government bodies, universities, international organisatons, museums and voluntary organisations.

Career possibilities exist for those with specialist anthropological knowledge in numerous government departments such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), Department for International Development (DFID), in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Action Aid, the British Red Cross and Oxfam, and in international organisations such as the The World Bank or the United Nations (UN) .

Other opportunities exist within local government, typically in departments such as housing, environment and education.

Roles in advertising, sales and marketing are also popular.

For an insight into employment areas see:

• government and public administration
• charity and development work
• advertising, marketing and PR

See industry insights for further information on possibilities in other employment areas.

Statistics are collected every year by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) to show what HE students do immediately after graduation. These can be a useful guide but, in reality, with the data being collected within just six months of graduation, many graduates are travelling, waiting to start a course, paying off debts, getting work experience or still deciding what they want to do. For further information about some of the areas of employment commonly entered by graduates of any degree discipline, check out What Do Graduates Do?  and your degree...what next?