What can you do with a anthropology & philosophy degree?

Question

Recent grad with high gpa- some work experiance (college work-study programs) and fluent in finnish and spanish... how can i get out into the "real world"??? not interested in working for non-profits ex. museums... any ideas?? need help- been applying for 3 months- and not getting anywhere!!!!

I have revised and edited my resume many times... have had many interviews... and nothing... do you think it may have something to do with the time of year??? summer vacation etc...

Thanks for the help and support... greatly appreciate it! :)

Answer 1

Retool the resume since it's not working. Focus on your language skills and add info about any computer skills you have. If you know MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, mention them. If you took any computer classes in college mention these. If your work study involved computer work, mention this. If your work study involved specific business processes, mention these.
I'm guessing you've tried Monster and other online job sites. If you haven't, do so. Finally, most of these sites have two aspects: one where you troll for jobs, and another where jobs troll for you. Make sure you've used both sides of the process, since many jobs aren't posted on Monster and instead are represented by headhunters who troll for resumes.

Answer 2

Write a book! Get a grant and do something on the philosophy of Spanish speaking Americans or something. You could get a job as a translator maybe in the UN, they will like your Anthro. background. You can always get a job doing digs in South America, or just normal cultural stuff.
I feel your pain, I too am a Anthro. major, but I want to work in a museum.

Answer 3

One of the great writers of the 20th Century had his PhD in Anthropology. He was a Pulitzer Price winner. He was know, very appropriately, as Studs Terkel. His books included, "Hard Times An Oral Description of the Depression" "Division Street" and "Working" for which he won the Pulitzer. So, need any more inspiration?

Answer 4

You follow what you feel is your calling. If you end up not liking it, you will know and will be able to switch courses more easily. I do understand your parents as they think that a more math inclined course will open more opportunities for you. I think you will need to know math and statistics and some of it may be quite complex so I would prepare mentally for that too. Your options are always greater following the thing you love the most to do, and what is right for you is having great enthusiasm for what you love to do. When you are enthusiastic and have the know-how, the money will follow. I recommend you seeking assistance at your campus. There is literature regarding majors and corresponding careers at your disposal.

Answer 5

Well the first thing you need to do is disregard all the negative posts. People seem to think that if you don't major in business or engineering that you are screwed. Don't believe them. Many liberal arts graduates obtain good jobs. Consider the fact that many of the top universities don't even have any technical or vocational majors, but companies flock to their campuses. Why? Because they want smart people not just business majors or other vocational fields. (Engineering companies obviously want engineers, but that doesn't apply to businesses in general because most of them are not engineering or technical companies). The fact is you are qualified for many careers.

You have to realize that employers do not think in terms of majors, but skills. You have many skills. You have communicative skills, analyitcal skills, critical thinking skills, etc. You be able to translate your studies into skills employers want.

I would reccomend getting some books that help you focus on marketing your liberal arts degree. There are also very helpful websites. I would also reccommend having your resume professionally done. They can help you highlight specifics skill sets you have.

http://www.quintcareers.com/marketing_liberal-arts_degrees.html

I would also reccomend gaining particular skills such as word proccessor, excel, and other essentials to make yourself more employable. You can even consider further education to look more attractive.

But most importantly, you need to cast your net wider. You will not get a stellar job right off the bat, everyone has to start somewhere. You should start at entry level jobs at major companies. Most companies do not advertise openings, and many do not use monster, so you have to actively seek out employment. There are many management training programs (like walgreens), general entry level jobs, etc. You just have to look at companies rather than ads. (oh, and don't worry about the "experience preferred" crap, apply anyway)

If all else fails, work for the government. Just take a civil service exam, and bam, you got a job. It will pay the bills until you find something you like, and it will give you the experience neccessary to move on to other jobs. There are many government jobs, they pay well, and have the best benefits of all but the most lucrative jobs.

Try to leverage your multi-lingual abilities.

Basically, my advice boils down to a few points:

1. Get a professionally done resume and some books on marketing your degree.

2. In addition to the want ads, canvas companies you would like to work for even if they don't advertise( cuz most don't). Try some major companies, and local companies. Just give out your resume at will, cold call, whatever.

3. If all else fails, get a government job. It tide you over until you get a job you like.

Edit: Get certified in all the Microsoft applications, go to www.microsoft.com for more information. That's a huge plus. Visit the career centers of liberal arts colleges to gather what companies are hiring liberal arts majors. Go back to your college's career center. Remember, decide what you want to do, and send out as many resumes as possible, tailored to the specific jos they are looking for. If all else fails, you can get certification in a specific skill( like a pharmacy tech, etc)

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=major+careers+anthropology

Answer 6

My friend just went through the same thing. Philosophy and Art History. He worked at a restaurant for a year while looking for a job. I don't know if it's up your alley, but now he's in law school and feeling much more secure about his future.

Answer 7

No offense, but is this seriously the FIRST time it has occured to you how hard it would be to find employment in this field??? Why don't you also get a degree in pottery or become a musician while you're at it?
Seriously, the only thing I think you'd likely get is possibly part time teaching in the field.

Answer 8

Speak eloquently about subjects such as:
"How a Primate Views Itself"
Write books called:
"The Vines We are Reliant to Swing Upon", etc...

Answer 9

Yo estoy exactamente en la misma situación. Estudié 6 años antropología y no encuentro trabajo. Ahora estoy considerando emigrar a otro país, entre ellos Australia, para enseñar español. Yo pienso obtener un post-grado en algo mucho más ajustado al mercado laboral. Además como una persona ya te mencionó, debes de diversificarte: podrías dar clases de ingles en un país latinoamericano, además reforzarás tu español. Así podrás regresar a tu país para dar clases de español!!.

TE RECOMIENDO UN POST-GRADO de dos años en otra cosa. Entiendo muy bien por lo que estás pasando, yo estoy en las mismas.

Answer 10

You can love the wisdom of studying the origins of Mankind...