Marion Maier '71
Tugs-of-war across the library pond
Anthropology Career Guide
Explore Options: A Menu of Major-Specific Experiences and Sampling of Related Career Paths
Academic Resources
Explore Anthropology academic resources designed to support your academic goals!
Feeling like you don't know what to do with all of this great information? We highly encourage to make an appointment with your academic advisor and career advisor. Another great starting point is the Self-Guided Career Exploration Tool.
Career Resources
Unlock career potential in Anthropology! Discover resources to maximize your professional trajectory.
Menu of Experiences
Sample Anthropology Internship Sites
Internships provide a way for you to get hands-on, supervised experience in the world of work. You are able to apply the concepts you are learning in the classroom to a work environment.
- Bethany Christian Services
- Grand Rapids Public Museum
- Lakeshore Museum Center
- West Michigan Environmental Council
- Degage Ministries
- Allendale Historical Society and Museum
- Fulton Street Farmer’s Market
- Grand River Band of Ottawa Indians, INC
- West Michigan Refugee Education and Cultural Center
- Center for Inquiry
Join A Student Organization
Get involved with a student organization related to your major. Student orgs are a great way to get connected and explore career options!
Relevant Courses and Certificates for Building Skills
Developing the relevant skills that employers seek is an essential component of a student's education. GVSU students should consider strategic elective courses and certificates to pair with their major in order to gain additional skills.
- Applied Anthropology Undergraduate Certificate
- Public History Undergraduate Badge
- Intercultural Competence Undergraduate Badge
Community Service Opportunities
Seek volunteer opportunities related to the field you're exploring as a way of testing out future careers.
The Civic Engagement Center keeps a list of current volunteer opportunities updated on their website. There are ongoing opportunities on a continuous basis, as well as on-campus and off-campus opportunities posted as they become available.
Anthropology Study Abroad Options
Through study abroad you’ll also set yourself apart from other job-seekers and graduate-school applicants in an increasingly competitive market.
Studying anthropology abroad offers you an invaluable insight on what makes us human. You can choose among a variety of programs including immersive experiences and fascinating global topics all around the world.
Undergraduate Scholar Engagement
Pursuing academic, creative, and research experiences and projects outside the classroom is an excellent way to learn new skills and build a body of work in your field.
The Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement (CUSE) provides opportunities for undergraduate research and scholarship.
Anthropology Career Spotlights
Mary Pritchard '10
My best GVSU memories are working at TOP (telephone outreach program) in the basement of the alumni house! I made the greatest group of friends while calling alumni to share updates and news on the university, and I still keep in touch with many of them.
Kellyn Sanders '17
There are so many great memories from GVSU but one I'm extremely grateful for is having the ability to take so many biomedical science courses, especially the cadaver labs.
Where Alumni Have Landed
- Archeological Technician – Ecoplan Associates
- Learning and Audience Engagement Assistant – Grand Rapids Art Museum
- Account Manager – NH Learning Solutions Corporation
- Title Examiner – Western Land Services, INC
- Hospitality Coordinator – Frederik Meijer Gardens
- Business Development + Outreach – Come Alive Creation
- Candidate Coordinator – Manpower Group
- ARCH Activity Program Leader – City of Kentwood
- Development and Administrative Assistant – Heal Africa
- Welcoming Michigan Communities Coordinator – Michigan Immigrant Rights Center
- Education Assistant – Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
- Program Developer – West Michigan Refugee Education and Culture Center
Attend Events
Career Community- Human & Public Service
Employer Showcase: Kentwood Police Department
January 15, 2025 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by the Au Sable Hall First Floor Lobby anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from Kentwood Police Department! Want to learn about exciting career opportunities and...
Employer Showcase: City Year
January 22, 2025 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by the Au Sable Hall First Floor Lobby anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from City Year! Students can stop by for a casual conversation with professionals...
Employer Showcase: Michigan State Police
January 29, 2025 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by Au Sable Hall, 1st Floor anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from the Michigan State Police! Want to learn about exciting career opportunities and meet potential...
Michigan Social Work Bridges to Employment Conference
February 4, 2025 12:00 PM - 4:30 PM
Join our FREE annual conference, open to all social work programs throughout Michigan! Attendees can complete the state human trafficking requirement, learn about licensing requirements, and connect...
Employer Showcase: Oak Park Public Safety Department
February 5, 2025 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by Au Sable Hall, 1st Floor anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from the Oak Park Public Safety Department! Want to learn about exciting career opportunities and...
Consider joining the Human and Public Career Community or any other Career Community you are interested in!
Beyond Undergraduate: Graduate or Professional Programs
Students with an anthropology degree may continue on to a graduate program. Here are some examples of programs students have pursued:
- Public Anthropology
- Public Health
- Geography, Urban Planning and Community Development
- Agriculture, Food, and Resource Economics
- Museum and Gallery Studies
- Linguistic Anthropology
Discover More
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Looking for other career resources? The Career Center Resources page contains resources related to careers, resumes, internships, job search, interviewing, networking, and more.