Career Planning (Anthropology)

Career Planning

Our undergraduate program in anthropology is designed to meet the needs of students seeking a well-rounded liberal arts education, as well as those preparing to carry on with anthropology as a profession. Whatever your career goals, we urge you to take advantage of opportunities both within our program and elsewhere in the University that allow you to develop your analytical abilities and research skills. Work closely with your faculty advisor and the Undergraduate Director to pick elective courses in anthropology and other departments that will meet your interests and objectives. Be sure to get sufficient training in verbal and written communication skills, computer analysis, and foreign languages, as these will be useful. Finally, consider community internships and other extra-curricular activities that will help you obtain practical training. Listed below are some departmental and university resources for career planning:

The Undergraduate Director and Faculty Advisors

A good starting point is to discuss career options with your faculty advisor and with Professor Guido Pezzarossi, the department's Undergraduate Director. Several department faculty members have first-hand experience in applying anthropology in non-academic settings. Your advisors can also provide useful contacts and references.

Counseling Staff

Not all problems can be solved by faculty advisors. The Office of Undergraduate Academic and Career Advising (323 Hall of Languages) maintains a staff of professional and peer advisors to help students who need assistance with their studies, their academic records, or with career planning.

Career Exploration Services (323 Hall of Languages)

This service is staffed by trained professionals who can assist you in choosing a major appropriate to your interests. They also have information on career options and directions.

The Career and Placement Center (Shine Student Center)

The center has directories listing career options and information on current positions available. When looking for a job, don't expect to find many listings for "Anthropologists"; rather, look for listings in your field of interest where you can apply your anthropological knowledge and skills. This center maintains current listings of companies that are recruiting Syracuse University graduates.

Bird Library: Graduate and Career Catalogs

The University library can be an invaluable resource in mapping out your career. The reference section of the library has an area dedicated to graduate school catalogues and career opportunities. If you think you are interested in graduate school, examine each prospective department and university carefully. Do they have faculty and/or resources in the area or topic that interests you? How many graduate students do they have, and how many of them complete their degrees? Do they offer both master's and doctorate degrees? Talk with our Undergraduate and Graduate Directors to find out what other key information you should gather. Then contact schools that interest you and ask for application materials. If these materials suggest a solid program that meets your needs and interests, consider making direct contact with one or more professors with whom you might like to work. Explain your interest in their program and find out more about their research, the classes they teach, and opportunities for funding. If it sounds good, apply. (Check deadlines carefully; many programs have one deadline for regular applications and an earlier one for students seeking financial aid.)