question about anthro BA

topic posted Sat, August 25, 2007 - 11:55 AM by  offlineYosefa
hey everyone

thanks for reading this post
i am currently a junior in college studying cultural anthropology, however, i really want to drop out of college ( i never liked school) but my parents are really pressuring me to stay in school and finish my BA. I love anthropology, but i have no idea what i am going to do with a BA in it. What types of jobs can i get? My parents said that I would have to work shitty jobs for the rest of my life if i didn't finish college, which I don't agree with, but i have no idea what type of good paying job i could get with a BA in anthro. First of all, i HATE writing and once i have finished my BA, i DO NOT want to continue on with any sort of formal education. Any ideas? suggestions? thank you so much. i feel lost and school starts in 2 days and i have no motivation. whatsoever.
posted by:
Yosefa
North Carolina
  • Re: question about anthro BA

    Sat, August 25, 2007 - 2:05 PM
    for most jobs just getting a ba is what matters. it doesn't matter what it's in! if you hate college just do the major that you find least painful and plow your way through it. college isn't for everyone but it really will let you make a lot more money. just deal with it for a little bit longer and you won't have to worry about it again. anthro is a great major for that because it's inherently interesting because it's about you and the people you care about, it's about everyone! so stick with anthro and finish college!
    • Re: question about anthro BA

      Sun, August 26, 2007 - 11:59 AM
      I went through a really similar thing. I went to college, and absolutely hated it. Hated high school too. And college was SO expensive...so I dropped out, was taking part time classes just for the fuck of it...and eventually stopped doing that and worked.
      I just needed time to really figure out what I wanted to do. Just out of high school and into college I think is rushing things too much. I needed to go and work for a while and figure out who I was, and what my role is in this world.
      And I really, really hated working full time for shit money too. A couple years of that whipped me into shape and got me serious pretty fast.
      So with all of this in mind, I finally found a school that really fits my learning style (Evergreen) It's largely independent and self-study work....and I am so into what I am doing (Ethnobotany and Ecological Anthro), and so full of passion about it. But I couldn't have figured that out where I was in my previous school or in high school. It takes support from your parents and your educational institution to make those decisions. And if your school isn't giving you what you need, look elsewhere.

      My overall point is it could just be the school too. And if you need time to reflect on yourself and what you want to do, then do it. But don't burn your bridges though. And I've also known people that get a BA in x and go to grad school or get a job in y. What you major in does not dictate your life path. And Anthropology is one of those fields like psych that is very flexible and applicable to many different areas of life. It definitely opens doors....and doesn't close any.
  • from a Rouge anthropologist

    Sun, August 26, 2007 - 12:00 PM
    Chances are, if you don't like the cruft of college, you won't enjoy the culture of jobs that require college degrees, either.

    ESPECIALLY as an anthropology major. Unless you become a heartless marketeer, your interests (and your degree) will have no relevance to your paycheck. You will be certified for advanced desk work, as beef is certified for consumption, with the altnerative option being to pursue even more degrees at high cost.

    I know two bright, well-graded Ivy League women whose BAs have gotten them secretar....pardon me, "coordinator" positions in large institutions. Their investments are not paying out.


    OTOH, if you do drop out, you'd best learn to think like a businessperson and live profitably. Then with the resources and expertise you generate from your boringly capitalist endevours, you continue to pursue the field that interests you.
  • Re: question about anthro BA

    Tue, August 28, 2007 - 9:33 PM
    I know some Organizational Consultants who have degrees in anthropology. They claim to play in organiztional culture.

    My advise is to finish college. Your life will benefit from having a degree, regardless of the content.
    • Re: question about anthro BA

      Wed, August 29, 2007 - 12:09 AM
      I work as a physician recruiter and love my job. I have a degree in Anthro from Berkeley which really doesn't have much to do with my line of work. But having my degree is what made me stand out to them in the first place. It's worth having just for that. You'll always have an edge in the marketplace, so to speak. Do it and be done. Then you can move on. It really doesn't take all that long considering the benefits it will bring you in life. And be sure to have fun with it! Anthropology really is a fascinating and varied subject. :)
  • Re: question about anthro BA

    Wed, August 29, 2007 - 9:06 AM
    It is hard to add anything to all that everyone else has already written. I agree that it is best to finish your degree and to have fun while doing it. In terms of what you can do with the degree, I am constantly amazed at how many people I meet have an Anthropology degree. From bank tellers to lawyers to actors, etc. Getting a BA in Anthro does not pigeon-hole you, so stick with it and explore what you want to do with your life in the future.
  • Re: question about anthro BA

    Sat, September 15, 2007 - 7:30 PM
    I know school can be a real grind, but the alternatives are pretty grim.
    I am a graphic artist. Not bad if I do say so myself ( someone has to ).
    I went back to get my degree when I was trying for a entry level position in my field. I have more than a few years of experience as a
    freelance and studio artist, so I wasn't too worried. And for the most part I was right.
    The director was excited and loving my stuff, he all but threw the contract at me, until I mentioned that I did not
    have that funny little bit of paper.
    He sadly closed his eyes and said that company policy required a couple of letters after your name.
    It's a sad fact, and it wouldn't have mattered if it was a BA, BS or DDS, any letters will do.
    Hang on and save yourself a lot of grief.
    • Re: question about anthro BA

      Tue, October 2, 2007 - 8:34 PM
      for most jobs just getting a ba is what matters. it doesn't matter what it's in! if you hate college just do the major that you find least painful and plow your way through it. college isn't for everyone but it really will let you make a lot more money.

      ^^I don't believe this at all.^^

      Job experience will get you a better job than college. I had a BA in spanish and anthropology, they got me nowhere professionally, but socially they were great.


      • Re: question about anthro BA

        Tue, October 2, 2007 - 9:07 PM
        you don't? according to the census the average pay of a college graduate is $51,000 a year and the average pay of a high school graduate is $28,000 a year.

        obviously experience matters. that doesn't have anything to do with whether or not a degree will help you get a better job.



        "^^I don't believe this at all.^^

        Job experience will get you a better job than college. I had a BA in spanish and anthropology, they got me nowhere professionally, but socially they were great. "
        • Re: question about anthro BA

          Tue, October 2, 2007 - 11:26 PM
          Getting a degree won't matter if you don't mind hitting the glass ceiling a bit earlier than those who have one.
          • Re: question about anthro BA

            Wed, October 10, 2007 - 12:45 PM
            That is an average for all degrees, right?

            I'd be interested to see those #'s for just Anthro BA degrees versus all BA degrees.

            I just don't think they do much for you if you don't get your masters.
            • c.
              c.
              online 19

              Re: question about anthro BA

              Wed, October 10, 2007 - 2:14 PM
              Getting a degree will make a big diference in your future earning potential, in alot of corperate structure just having a degree will open many more avenues.....And if you are junior your almost there.
            • Re: question about anthro BA

              Wed, October 10, 2007 - 9:40 PM
              well, there's a difference between being able to work in anthropology and being able to apply for a job that requires a ba. to work in anthropology you actually need a phd, there aren't really any terminal masters programs in anthropology.


              "
              I'd be interested to see those #'s for just Anthro BA degrees versus all BA degrees.

              I just don't think they do much for you if you don't get your masters."

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