What can you do with an Anthropology major? As the national American Anthropological Association points out, "careful record-keeping, attention to details, analytical reading, and clear thinking are taught by anthropological courses. Social ease in strange situations, critical thinking, and strong skills in oral and written expression are cultivated by anthropological training." Here is a list of the top 10 job skills employers say they seek in new hires, and the ways you can gain these skills through your Anthropology major.

Professor Katina Lillios has answered some questions about trends and opportunities facing undergraduate Anthropology majors in the job market after they graduate, found at https://www.zippia.com/research-associate-jobs/trends/#section-professor-642410044282.

But what, exactly, do anthropologists do?  The American Anthropological Association includes an overview and examples at What do Anthropologists do? and Careers in Anthropology. Graduate students at the University of South Florida also recently created an informative overview of their projects that demonstrates the wide range of possible topics and applications for anthropological study: "This is Anthropology".

The most robust analysis of national information on career trajectories for various college majors, which focuses on earnings potential, can be found in a 2015 comprehensive study from Georgetown University, "The Economic Value of College Majors," (click on Full Report > Social Sciences [129] > Anthropology & Archaeology)

Still wondering how to make the most of an Anthropology major, and translate skills from an undergraduate degree into a rewarding career? To find out, the Department of Anthropology encourages all majors and prospective majors to attend the career workshops that we offer two or three times a year.

Career Workshops in the Department of Anthropology

These workshops have several objectives. First, they introduce students to higher-level opportunities of study and independent work - including field schools, study abroad, honors work, and internships - that both deepen skills and build resumes. Second, the workshops introduce students to career professionals with specific and interest and training for helping anthropology majors. Third, the workshops offer practical advice on how to apply for graduate schools and initiate job searches.

To find out more about the workshops including when the next one will be, please contact the Director of Undergraduate Studies, Andrew Kitchen.

Career Resources for UI Undergraduate Students

The Pomerantz Career Center provides high-quality resources and services to students, alumni, and employers. The site has information designed to help you move through the various stages of the job search process, including the Handshake@UIowa website as well as information on upcoming employer visits, internships, and careers after college.

Schedule an Appointment with a Career Advisor: https://careers.uiowa.edu/coaching
Attend a Job, Internship, or Career Fair: https://careers.uiowa.edu/career-fairs
Finding and Creating Internships: https://careers.uiowa.edu/internships/finding-your-internship
Interview Practice: https://careers.uiowa.edu/mocks
Job Search and Resume Basics: https://careers.uiowa.edu/resumes
Post-Graduation Placement Information and Statistics: https://careers.uiowa.edu/post-grad-data