Career Possibilities for Anthropology Majors

Wondering where your major in anthropology might take you?
Our majors wind up in a lot of places, doing a lot of different jobs. Here are brief vignettes from some of our graduates about what they're doing now.
If you're a Mary Washington anthropology graduate and you're not represented here, send us your story--mhuber@umw.edu. We'll be glad to post it. If you want people to write to you, include an email address.

Catherine Littlehale Oki '00--

Upon graduation in ’00, I left my secure nest and arrived in rural Japan with an anthropology degree in hand. Determined to succeed as a teacher and citizen, I tried to shed my western values, and adopted a coping mantra: ‘‘Ethnocentricity will get you nowhere.’’ It reminded me to close my mouth, open my eyes and listen; then adopt the language and customs. I attempted to
go native...and fit into the cultural milieu. I was a participant/observer trying to assimilate myself in hopes of finding new opportunities and making a significant mark in my life.
Now, while I still teach, I also do part-time work as a consultant, an objective observer of educational programs. At the same time, I am pursuing an MA in Teaching English to Young Learners where the importance of the objective observers’’ role in educational research is stressed. With a background in Anthropology, I have been able to stay one step ahead.
Anthropology and Education are two complementary passions stitched together on my life’’s quilt. I am proud of my first degree, and wish you all the best as you find your own paths. I feel your degree will provide you with valuable life skills to negotiate barriers presented by global cultures, and to anticipate international opportunities. You will be qualified World Watchers! Cheers!

Bryce Davenport '06--

When I graduated in 2006, I felt a little lost. I spent about 6 months teaching English in Taiwan and sounding out possibilities in Chinese archaeology, mostly because I wasn't ready to commit myself to further schooling without becoming a bit more worldly.
Because of health-related concerns, I returned to the United States in March of 2007; I am now living in Fairfax, Virginia, teaching standardized test prep courses and getting myself ready for graduate school in Mesoamerican Archaeology. My biggest stumbling block out of the gate was uncertainty, and now that I'm preparing to go back to school I am very glad I took time off to travel and make sure my academic interest was sincere.
UPDATE February 2008: Bryce has just been accepted in the PhD program at Brandeis University. Congratulations, Bryce!

Samantha Krause ‘07--

Hello, I ́m Samantha Krause, an 07 graduate. I was a double anthropology/geology major, and my area of focus was Mesoamerican art and archaeology.
Right now I ́m enrolled in a Spanish intensive program in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. I'm living with a host family, going to school in the city, and taking weekend trips to visit other Mexican cities, museums, and I hope a few archaeological digs as well. I ́m hoping to speak to other
Mesoamericanists while I'm here in order to make connections for future grad schools and job prospects in archaeology and anthropology.
It ́s pretty awesome how many doors I ́ve found have been opened to me with a degree in anthroplogy. I shadowed a National Park Service employee last summer and found that the goverment likes to have anthropologists of various specialites on staff. Anthro is also a really versitle major when it comes to continuing on into grad school. You can use it as both a "hard" science or a social science, depending on if you want to get a job in physical or cultural
anthro.
Not only that, but my anthro skills have really helped me adjust to living in San Miguel. The tourism industry is facinating here, as is the class structure and all of the holidays.
So congrats, anthro majors, you ́re graduating with a great degree!

Susannah Jackson ‘07--

As of September 13th, I will be living in Africa for 2 years and 3 months, as a Peace Corps
volunteer, doing agroforestry extension. This all sounds quite fancy, until someone explains that
it means living in a rural village without running water or electricity, hauling all water (which
can’’t be used until after treatment) from a village well, and planting fruit trees with farmers.
Then it sounds a whole lot less fancy, and a whole lot more interesting. The trick (apparently) is
integrating as fully into the community as possible –– once you are part of your village, rather
than an outsider, you are protected and supported, rather than just an oddity. I certainly am glad I
chose Anthropology as a major –– it will not be an easy transition in Africa, but my educational
background will go a long way toward making my transition easier than it might be otherwise.

Christy Leckburg '07--

I'm now living in Arlington and working in Falls Church at an organization called Boat People SOS. I'm a Case Manager there and I basically help survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence apply for and recieve all the public benefits they are eligible for until they are completely
independent. Sounds like a lot but really I'm a social worker without the degree. I'm happy here, but honestly I can't wait to go back to school!

Lindy McWhirt '07--

Many different things have happened to me since I walked off the stage at graduation just a few months ago. In fact, I am surprised at times to think over the past few months and realize just how short a time it has been. When I graduated, I had no clue what the next phase of my life was going to hold for me; most of all, it dangled on whether or not I would be attending GMU in the fall for grad school. Thankfully, just a few weeks after cap and gown season, the letter arrived; I was in, and that meant that I would be one of the first to go through GMU’s full Anthropology MA (until now it had been a MAIS). Grad school is a bit overwhelming--for example, I am the youngest one in the department; however, I am already amazed to see how similar our classes are, in both size and structure, to my undergrad time at UMW. I am constantly thankful for the guidance, interest, and friendship of the Mary Washington professors, because I know that it is a large part of where my strength and determination comes from now.
Unfortunately, the job search did not go as easily. It feels as though I have applied for hundreds and thousands of jobs, but I have finally come to rest on a few part time bits that I am thrilled about. I am still employed by the Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop, a job I held throughout college. I am also now a city employee and work at the Visitors' Center as a travel counselor and on the street in 18th-century costume as a front-line greeter. Along the same lines of tourism, I am currently in contact with the owners of “Ghost Tours of Fredericksburg,” and we are discussing the possibility of me becoming a story teller and guide for them. All of this has come quite naturally for me. I’ve been working in tourism in the city of Fredericksburg since I was thirteen years old. Tourism is also a passion of mine, and I will most likely continue to work within this field and/or study it.
So, that’s what I’m up to. Part time jobs and part time graduate classes add up to a full time busy schedule, but I love every moment of it and I can’t wait for the next jumping off point. For all of you about to leap past undergrad: GOOD LUCK!!