What can you do with a Anthropology degree from University of California, Berkeley?

First, some facts. Of the Anthropology graduates from University of California, Berkeley we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:


These are estimates based on AI analysis of 12 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 58%, Anthropology graduates from University of California, Berkeley have a lower likelihood (-9%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 58%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, 58% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Anthropology graduate.

See the details:

View a random Anthropology graduate from University of California, Berkeley and our analysis:


Relevance score: 0%

We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2020 from University of California, Berkeley with a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Sales and Customer Experience Manager
Macy's
Nov 2021 - Jun 2022
The role of Sales and Customer Experience Manager at Macy's does not specifically require the knowledge or skills from a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology, as it primarily focuses on sales and customer service rather than anthropological concepts.

Merchandise Execution Manager
Macy's
Jun 2022 - Jul 2023
The position of Merchandise Execution Manager at Macy's does not utilize anthropological knowledge or skills, as it is more concerned with merchandising and inventory management rather than cultural or social studies.

Business Administration Manager
Macy's
Jul 2023 - Present
The role of Business Administration Manager at Macy's is focused on business management principles and practices that do not relate to the core qualifications of a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology.

ABOUT

Quality-oriented college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Anthropology (3.68 GPA) from UC Berkeley, with 9 years of work experience in customer service, Administrative duties and management (Sales, Customer experience, Merchandise Execution and Business Administration ). Frequently praised as hard-working and trustworthy by my peers and management, I can be relied upon to succeed and achieve desired results.

What jobs can you get with a Anthropology degree from University of California, Berkeley?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


Looking at the job paths of people who graduated with an Anthropology degree from UC Berkeley, it's pretty clear that a variety of careers have opened up for them, but not all of those jobs are super relevant to what they studied. Many folks have landed in roles related to writing grants, managing educational programs, or even diving into archaeology, which really taps into their anthropological background. For instance, roles like Grant Writer and Consultant often require understanding cultural contexts and research skills, so you can see a clear connection there. On the other hand, you’ll also find graduates working in roles that don't really connect to anthropology, like sales associates or customer service reps, which focus more on practical skills than cultural understanding.

In summary, while some graduates have stayed true to the heart of anthropology—like becoming field archaeologists or working as cultural resource specialists—many have ventured into jobs where the link to their degree isn’t as strong. It's kind of a mixed bag. There are cool connections to cultural studies in many roles, especially in education and social services, but others seem to stray pretty far from the core principles of anthropology. So, if you're thinking about studying anthropology, it's important to know that your career path could go in many directions, not all of which scream 'anthropologist.'

Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Anthropology graduates (this is across all Anthropology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to University of California, Berkeley):

What kind of career trajectories do Anthropology graduates from University of California, Berkeley have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career paths of UC Berkeley Anthropology graduates, it seems like their trajectories are quite varied. For many, the first jobs after graduation don't always align perfectly with their degree. You see a mix of positions in education, grant writing, and even roles in retail or customer service right out of school. For instance, some graduates started off as sales associates or even went into mental health counseling and teaching, which might not seem directly related to Anthropology but can still draw on the soft skills and cultural understanding gained during their studies. Many of these roles seem to be stepping stones or temporary positions while they explore what they really want to do.

Fast forward a few years (around five to ten) and you'll notice a trend: many graduates have found more specialized roles in areas like education, grant writing, or even archaeology. Some have transitioned into academic positions or become consultants, which are more aligned with their Anthropology background. However, others still seem to be in more generic roles or support positions, perhaps indicating a need for additional skills or experience to move into what might be seen as "more prestigious" jobs. Overall, it looks like while some graduates have found fulfilling careers that leverage their degree, others have had to navigate a broader job market and make the best of what they can find, leading to mixed results in terms of job alignment with their Anthropology studies. It's a reminder that a degree can take you on diverse paths—some directly related and others more of a creative detour!

How hard is a Anthropology degree from University of California, Berkeley?

Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology at UC Berkeley can be challenging, but it really depends on your interests and how well you adapt to the coursework. Anthropology involves a lot of reading, writing, and critical thinking—you're diving deep into human cultures, societies, and histories, which can be super fascinating but also a bit overwhelming at times. Some classes might require you to do fieldwork or intensive research, which could definitely ramp up the workload. That said, if you love learning about people and different cultures, you might find the material really engaging, which can make it feel easier overall. So, while it’s no walk in the park, it can be a rewarding experience if you're passionate about the subject!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Anthropology.

Do Anthropology graduates from University of California, Berkeley tend to make good money?

Looking at the job histories of these UC Berkeley anthropology grads, it seems like they’ve had a pretty mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some of them, especially those who have moved into consulting, managerial roles, or have even landed academic positions, likely earn a decent salary, especially with experience and seniority—like the kid who became an Assistant Professor or the ones working as Program Managers. Others, though, are still in entry-level gigs or roles in education and nonprofits that typically don’t pay super well, like teaching or being an intern. Overall, it seems like some are doing quite well, but others might still be trying to make ends meet or find their footing in a tough job market.

What buzzwords do Anthropology graduates use to describe themselves?

Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Anthropology (this is across all Anthropology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to University of California, Berkeley). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Anthropology?

Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Anthropology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Anthropology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:

College Score Count
University of Arizona 58 10
University of California, Berkeley 58 12
College of Charleston 47 11
University of California, Davis 45 11
University of Central Florida 43 14
University of California, Los Angeles 39 42
University of California, Santa Cruz 36 18
University of North Texas 35 11
University of California, Riverside 33 16
University of Florida 32 29
Arizona State University 27 15
The University of Texas at Austin 26 12
University of South Florida 24 11
San Francisco State University 18 15