Will Anthro get me anywhere?

Brett Philp u (phil9110@mach1.wlu.ca)
Mon, 24 Apr 1995 03:08:03 GMT

Please try to post this note to an archaeological or anthropological
(primatology based) newsgroup.

I'm entering my second year of Honours Anthropology at a Wilfrid
Laurier University. I love my program. I put a lot of work into my
courses and, for the most part, I find myself with suitable grades. My
grade point average is ten.

My problem lies in my plans for the future. I find myself
particularly interested in primatology, and physical anthropology. My
best grades tend to be in courses that lean towards socio-cultural
studies. I'm not sure if I should pursue the study of material I find
incredibly intrigueing, or if I should follow the courses I am most
capable of doing well. I shouldn't give anyone the wrong impression; I
like socio-cultural anthropology, but not as much as physical or primate
anthropology.

I also have the problem of deciding just how far should I go in
these studies...or should I even bother to pursue them. I'm very aware
that there isn't a great demand for primatologists, or physical
anthropologists. I'm not even sure of what I can do with any degree in
socio-cultural anthropology. To be honest, despite the research I have
done on the matter, I'm not sure at what schools I can pursue post
graduate anthropological studies. My Dean of Arts and Science simply told
me that if I keep my grade point average above a ten, I have nothing to
worry about. My course advisor suggested I study law. Everyone else I
have spoken to has told me "a B.A. is a B.A.. Do not expect the world of
employment to differentiate university majors. Do not expect to ever be
employed in your field."

What I need is help. I need information on post-graduate studies, and
employment opportunities. I especially need advise from someone who has
faced this problem too.

Thanks
Jessica F.Brinkworth
brin5440@mach1.wlu.ca
Honours Anthropology