<p>So this week some relatives stopped by...and while talking to my younger cousin she was asking me about her interests and what she wanted to "be when she grew up". She's 17 btw and a senior right now, and a very confused one I might add. I think confusion is a genetic trait. Well anyways, I didn't know much about her suggested majors.. mostly all I knew was a general notion and said I'd look into it. Pretty much all I know about anthropology I learned on BONES.. more proof I have NO idea at all :S</p>
<p>I know most people say these are quite useless..but I do believe one must study what they are passionate about. I did tell her to take them as BA and not BS (more to her interests of learning languages and so on). And also, that she's probably going to need an advanced degree later on. </p>
<p>Do you know what people actually do with these degrees? What field of work/job opportunities are there? What kind of minor could be paired to these majors to make them more current? Oh... and most of all which should I suggest anthropology or sociology? I know she's not into the arqueology or biological stuff..so I'm leaning towards sociology, but I might be wrong.</p>
<p>OK, don’t worry! As you said, she’s 17! With a major/interest such as anthropology, she really doesn’t need to plan out her life right now. This is usually a more flexible major, and it has SO many subfields, you will not believe it. I’m minoring in Anthropology at Stanford, and in our Anthro department we have 4 options for concentrations, all VERY different:<br>
Culture and Society
Archaeology and Heritage
Ecology, Environment, and Evolution
Medical Anthropology</p>
<p>Courses range from “Environmental Change and Emerging Infectious Diseases” to “Maya Hieroglyphic Writing.” Also, with Anthropology, there are SO many opportunities to do research projects/trips to areas both within and outside of the U.S. using Grant money. Excellent stuff. </p>
<p>But really, what I want to stress to you, is that she hasn’t even entered college yet! It’s GREAT that she has a rough idea of a major she might be interested in (and narrowing it down to two subjects is perfect) but she should DEFINITELY explore different departments, like Psychology, International Relations, perhaps Human Biology or something related to that if it’s offered at the school she chooses, Comparative Literature/English Literature, Education, Linguistics, Art History!</p>
<p>Also, since she is interested in languages, it would be a good idea for her to plan on going abroad. As I mentioned, she can even do this in conjunction with her Anthro major, which isn’t a luxury offered with a pre-med or pre-law major, so woopee! hahaha. I am so excited for her that she gets to explore so much with her interests!
Basically, what I am saying is, she has so many opportunities ahead of her, and she is on a great track! No worries needed, IMHO! :D</p>
<p>Wow, Homer was your comment really that relevant? I am guessing you are anti-liberal arts, and that makes me cry a little. College is about more than just job skills, it gives us the skills to become intellegent, self-thinking, global and analytical adults.</p>
<p>But as for jobs: anthropology is unbelievably broad, basically one could go into endless fields with the degree. Yes, many anthropology students are in for the long haul, they want to get PhDs and teach. This route is often very, very long. However, I know people with degrees in anthropology who work in: marketing, advertising, medical school, teaching english in other countries, arts administration, museums (like the AMNH). Not to mention that corporations hire OUTSIDE of business school and market researchers LOVE anthropology students because they are trained in participant observation. Also the government/military, for better or for worse, hires many young people with BAs in anthropology to research other cultures.</p>
<p>@upsilon: hahaha loving the enthusiasm I have no idea about these majors, but they do seem interesting. I’m guessing it might depend on the school she wants to go to. Personally my academic/career path is quite far from this one, so please understand my confusion. I’m trying to picture my baby cousin as an Indiana Jones wannabe hahahaha.</p>
<p>@baked: I have come across several comments and websites saying exactly the same as you. Broad range of fields. Probably the less appealing to me is academia, comes across as a little boring… but I’ve decided not to discourage any career decision…as every path is different from person to person.</p>
<p>@homer: . . . i’m guessing you’re into IT, engineering or stuff like that. I get it.</p>
I have no idea about these majors, but they do seem interesting. I’m guessing it might depend on the school she wants to go to. Personally my academic/career path is quite far from this one, so please understand my confusion. I’m trying to picture my baby cousin as an Indiana Jones wannabe hahahaha.</p>