If you are an Anthropology major at Wheaton, there are a number of things that you can do to make the most of your degree and to give you a set of skills and experiences that you can use on the job market after Wheaton.
Tip #1: Join the Anthro club
The anthro club is a great opportunity to trade ideas and experiences with fellow Anthro majors, as well as participate in enriching extra-curricular events. In previous years, the Anthro Club has sponsored speakers, dance events and organized student travel to the American Anthropological Association Meetings.
One of the most important reasons to join the Anthro club is that it sets up a network of students interested in engaging with the world. This network will serve you beyond Wheaton!
Tip #2: Think strategically about your summers and January breaks
Summers and breaks are great times to gain experience that will enable you enrich your understanding of Anthropology and gain skills for the workplace. Many of our students have found full-time employment based on the internship, travel and study abroad experiences they’ve had on break.
Always think strategically about how best to use your breaks to do:
- an internship
Through an internship, you can get a job opportunity and experience that would be extremely hard to get through the “regular” job market. It’s a great way to build up your resume.
More on internships - a field school
Outside of your time at school, how often will you get the chance to get training in the field? Field schools are a wonderful opportunity to learn about Anthropology outside of the confines of the classroom - a short-term study abroad
Why go home or stay at Wheaton in the summer or January break? Instead, you can travel the world and take classes that will add to your major and your understanding of the world.
More on study abroad
Tip #3: Think about your junior year
Many Anthropology majors work towards completing a junior year abroad. Given our capstone requirement, most majors draw on their experiences abroad in their Junior year to write their theses. Prior to starting your Junior year talk to faculty about what you want to learn abroad and how that might fit into your senior thesis.
If you are interested in pursuing Honors in Anthropology, you need to begin the process at the end of your Junior year.
Tip #4: Prepare to enter the workplace
Talk to your Professors and the staff at the Filene center about honing your job-search skills.
No matter what path you take, you will need a good resume and skills at giving a good interview! Contact the Filene Center in Kollett Hall or talk to your advisor to get prepared.
Tip #5: Think about and prepare for your future
If you start your planning early, you can look for opportunities in college that will build your resume for the workplace or for engaged travel. You’ll be surprised at what you’ll find!
Examples include:
- Awards and prizes
There are many opportunities for students to get funding to travel the world doing their own research! Wheaton’s Anthropology Department has a good track record for supporting their students to pursue their interests and dreams through Fulbright and Watson Fellowships - Graduate school
Interested in taking Anthropology to the next level? Start thinking about Graduate schools. The more prepared you are, the more likely you are to get admitted and funded. If you are interested in Graduate school, talk to your professors! (and here’s a list of Wheaton anthro alums who have gone on to Grad School) - Test preparation
Start preparing for standardized tests for graduate school; preparation translated directly in better schools and bigger scholarships. Wheaton has resources to help you get ready - ESL certification
Many of our students want to teach abroad after College. If this is your interest you might want to look into obtaining your ESL certification prior to graduation