Anthropology

Anthropology is a broad-based discipline that develops a wide range of skills, knowledge and understanding in its graduates. It has been described as the most scientific of the humanities and the most humanistic of the sciences.

Over the course of your degree you develop a wide mix of subject-specific and technical skills, you should consider these skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile.

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Prospects

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?

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 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.

Jobs directly related to your degree

• Social researcher
• International aid/development worker
• Charity officer
• Local government administrator
• Community development worker
• Market researcher

Jobs where your degree would be useful

• Social worker
• Advertising account planner
• Higher education lecturer
• Civil Service fast streamer
• Human resources officer
• Race relations officer
• Public relations officer
• Museum/gallery curator

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.

You can find more about the skills you develop during your course, the jobs listed above, plus case studies and where to find these jobs at Prospects.

Included with the permission of AGCAS. For the latest version of this publication, see www.prospects.ac.uk. For permission to reproduce, contact copyright@agcas.org.uk.