Anthropology : Job options

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Social researcher - designs and manages research projects, carries out field work, writes and presents reports, bids for new projects. Employed in higher education, government and research institutes.
• International aid/development worker - focuses on meeting the needs of people in communities in the developing world. Development projects may be in fields such as water, sanitation, urban/rural/small business development, health or agriculture,
• Charity officer - varied role which can include applying for grants, administration, budget setting, dealing with volunteers, fundraising, PR and providing advice or information.
• Local government officer - responds to the administrative needs of individual departments, assists in the formulation of policies and procedures, and advises on and coordinates their implementation. Relevant departments include housing, transport, leisure, education, environment and others.
• Community arts worker - works alongside a community disadvantaged by gender, age, ethnicity etc. to foster improvement by training, advocacy and liaising with other agencies.
• Market researcher - collects and analyses information on behalf of organisations such as businesses, governments and charities. Analyses consumer opinions and collects data from a variety of sources to enable organisations to make informed decisions.

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Social worker - varied and wide-ranging career assisting those who are disadvantaged or are experiencing difficulties. Clients might be children, older people, offenders or those with special needs. A non-judgemental approach is essential.
• Advertising account planner - combines the attitudes and interests of consumers, clients and creatives to help produce effective advertising. Acting as the voice of the consumer within an agency, planners use research data to identify ideal audiences and optimum methods of communication.
• Higher education lecturer - teaches undergraduates and postgraduates through lectures, tutorials and seminars. Usually employed as a specialist and expected to do research and publish.
• Civil Service fast streamer - works in policy-making or general administration. Opportunities exist across a variety of government departments including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
• Human resources officer - organises and implements policies for employee planning, recruitment, training and welfare.
• Equality and diversity officer - involved in equality issues in education, employment and welfare. Addresses discrimination by devising and monitoring policies.
• Public relations officer - uses all forms of media and communication to build, maintain and manage the reputation of organisations ranging from public bodies or services to businesses and voluntary organisations. The aim is to manage reputation in order to gain understanding and support, and influence opinion and behaviour
• Museum/gallery conservator - acquires, cares for, develops, displays and interprets a collection of artefacts or works of art in order to inform, educate and entertain the public. Broad-ranging career, which includes aspects such as public relations, marketing, fundraising, and education and access activities.

Other options

There are many things you can do during your degree to enhance your prospects upon graduation. Involvement in a student society can help you develop relevant skills and experience in, for example, publicity, campaigning and public speaking. Try contacting local council offices or museums and galleries for information about project activities they are running throughout the year and ask if they need volunteers to help out with the organisation or running of events.

Gaining work experience, either paid or voluntary, is vital when starting out in most careers and shows commitment to a future employer. Try to take a proactive approach and find opportunities in which you can build up a desirable range of skills such as communication, planning and project management.

Although some of the jobs listed here might not be first jobs for many graduates, they are among the many realistic possibilities with your degree, provided you can demonstrate you have the attributes employers are looking for. Bear in mind that it’s not just your degree discipline that determines your options. Remember that many graduate vacancies don't specify particular degree disciplines, so don't restrict your thinking to the jobs listed here. Look at your degree... what next? for informed advice on career planning and graduate employment, or login/register with My Prospects to find out what jobs would suit you, a helpful starting point for self-analysis.

Explore types of jobs to find out more about the above options and related jobs.