<p>I really want to do non-profit work. I'd love to work for the American Red Cross, or some sort of organization that helps others. If I could have it my way, I would double major in Psychology and Anthropology. Are these majors helpful for someone who wants to work in nonprofit? I am kind of leaning towards non-profit management, so would I go back to school to get my MBA or MPA? Also, would it be better to learn Spanish or French for this kind of work? I'd probably rather work in South or Central America than Africa, but I know that Africa and Haiti need a lot of help right now, too. Also, is there other work that a double major in Psych and Anthro could lead me to in non-profit organizations than management, like HR or something else? I'd rather stay away from heavy mathematical training. Any input is appreciated! Thanks.</p>
<p>Some thoughts:
There are all sorts of nonprofit organizations. Whether anthropology or psychology is useful, depends on what area of endeavor a particular nonprofit focuses on. Of course, as liberal arts majors, both anthropology and psychology would provide the analytical, writing, research, and other skills that would be useful in both the nonprofit and for-profit sectors.
You state that if you could have it your way, you would double major in psychology and anthropology. Ok, then follow these fields if they are what most interests you.
You also state that you are interested in organizations that help people. Again, there are many different ways to help people and many different organizations that could give you that opportunity. It depends on what areas interest you.
One thing I always say to people that want to help other people is that you need to know how. In other words, get some skills.
Nonprofit management: First, get some experience in a particular organization or nonprofit area that interests you, then worry about whether you should go into management. There are several pathways to nonprofit management. An MBA or MPA is one path. There are also certificate programs in nonprofit management. Other pathways to this area are found in some graduate social work programs. Psychology and/or anthropology could be appropriate backgrounds for this.
You mention interests in both Africa and Latin America. Again, what areas interest you within these regions: public health, nutrition, economic development, etc. Learn about the region, including languages, that most interests you. Get some relevant skills. If your interest is in a particular world region, then anthropology might be a better background than psychology. Also, consider a major in language and area studies, e.g., African or Latin American Studies. You can do this combination with anthropology. Also, consider the Peace Corps or other organizations that work in these regions.
There are many roles in a nonprofit besides management—just as many as in the for-profit sector. Again, whether or nor psychology and anthropology is relevant partly depends on what your area of interest is.
What are some relevant skill areas? Again, it depends on your arras of interest. For example, if you are interested in a region like Africa or Latin America, areas such entrepreneurship/micro-finance, public health, social work, international nursing, etc. would be relevant to those regions and would make a nice complement to anthropology, either the undergrad or graduate levels. Different areas probably would be more complementary to psychology.</p>
<p>zapfino,</p>
<p>Thanks so much! That was very helpful!</p>