What Can I Do With A Major In Geography/Antropology?

Study the origin and the physical, social, and cultural development and behavior of humans. They may study the way of life, remains, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. Some compare the customs, values and social patterns of different cultures. Generally concentrate in sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, or biological-physical anthropology.

Educational Requirements

Bachelor's degree holders have limited opportunities and in most social science occupations do not qualify for "professional" positions. It does however provide a suitable background for many different kinds of entry level jobs.

Avg. Maine Salary: $35.66 per/hour

Avg. # Maine Employment 231

Annual Openings: 8

Projected Growth: 13%

CARTOGRAPHER

Prepares maps using information provided by geodetic surveys, aerial photographs, and satellite data. Mapping scientists work mainly in offices and seldom visit the sites they are mapping. Surveyors measure, map and chart the earth's surface but generally cover much larger areas.

Educational Requirements

Educational requirements may include a bachelor's degree in engineering or a physical science. It also is possible to enter these positions through previous experience as a photogrammetric or cartographic technician. Most cartographic technicians have had some specialized post secondary school training.

Avg. Maine Salary: $13.79 per/hour

Avg. # Maine Employment 192

Annual Openings: 12

Projected Growth: 42%

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RELATED OCCUPATIONS

Archaeologist	Archivist
Art Conservator	Bibliographer
Cultural Anthropologist	Curator
Civil Engineers	Economist
Educator	Ethnologist r
Genealogist	Historian
Insurance Agent	Internal Auditor
Museum Worker	Paleontologist
Investment Banker	Management Accountant
Research Associate	Technical Writer
Geodetic Surveying	Geologists
Geophysicists	Geographers
Urban Planners	Linguistic Anthropologist

SKILLS

Accuracy
Focus
Perseverance
Training in statistics and mathematics
Intellectual curiosity and creativity
Ability to think logically and methodically
Emotional stability and sensitivity
Written and oral communication skills
Aptitude for foreign languages
Intellectual capacity to perform well in most undergraduate or graduate curriculums
Proficiency in reading comprehension, writing, and speaking
Ability to conduct and explain scientific research clearly
Good vision, spatial and manual dexterity
Ability to operate and use information derived from computers
Ability to accurately interpret and evaluate events, information and ideas representing the past

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SAMPLE JOBS

(taken from past issues of our Career Services Husky Job Board)

Geographer
Review and edit for completeness, accuracy and validity , a variety of geographic material; maps, tables, computer printouts, edit listing and similar items; applies knowledge of maps and interrelationships of geographic entities to defining and uncovering problems and to determining adherence to specifications; takes appropriate steps to resolve errors and inconsistencies; prepares drafts of specialized maps, tables and lists of geographic data as needed for periodic censuses and special projects.
Qualifications: BS degree in Geography or related physical or social science, urban planning that inculuded at least 24 semester hours in geography or related fields OR combination of education and experience/courses equivalent to a major in geography.

Cartographer
Design a wide range of cartographic products to be created from a spatial database; products include hard copy and digital national reference map series, thematic maps, digital boundary files, and web-based or CD-ROM dynamic mapping tools; efficiently manage cartographic projects; acquire requirements from product sponsors; prepares map design specifications; identifies new mapping system requirements; documents map creation procedures; develop quality control measures; develops or assists in the development of mapping systems, either by using commercial GIS software or writing non-commercial application software.
Qualifications: BS in Cartography or a major that included or was supplemented by at least 30 hours in cartography and/or directly related science and related mathematics.

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RELATED ACTIVITIES

Participation in historical preservation efforts; visiting libraries and museums; doing historical research; camping; backpacking and exploring; participating in archeological field experiences; reading publications related to anthropology; joining an organization; collecting relics, antiquities, and artifacts; working part-time or as a volunteer in an antique shop or in an anthropology department; serving as a graduate research assistant .

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

(These resources are located in our Career Resource Centers)

Maine Dept. of Labour and Occupational Outlook Handbook

Choices

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PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

(For more information see the National Trade and Professional Association
of the United States located in our Career Resource Centers)

American Anthropological Association
4350 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 640
Arlington, VA 22203-1620
703-528-1902

American Geographical Society
156 5th Ave.
New York, NY 10010-7002
212-242-0214

ANTHROPOLOGY ASSOCIATIONS

African Studies Association

American Anthropological Association

American Association of Physical Anthropologists

American Folklore Society

American Institute for Maghrib Studies

American Quaternary Association

American Society for Ethnohistory

Archaeological Institute of America

Association for Social Anthropology in Oceanic

Association for the Study of Play

Council for Museum Anthropology

Independent Scholars of ASIA

International Society for the Comparative Studies of Civilizations

Social Science Research Council

Society for Applied Anthropology

Society for Cross-Cultural Research

Society for Human Ecology

Society of Ethnobiology

GEOGRAPHY ASSOCIATIONS

AM/FM International

American Geographical Society

American Institute of Bangladesh Studies

American Institute of Indian Studies

American Society of Geolinguistics

Association for Arid Land Studies

Association of American Geographers

Association of Third World Studies

National Council for Geographic Education

Norwegian Fjord Association of North America

Organization for Tropical Studies

Society for the History of Discoveries

Society of Woman Geographers

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The information on this page was taken from the following sources: CareerWare 98; Maine Dept.of Labor, 94; Occupational Outlook Handbook, 98; National Trade and Professional Associations Of the United States, 97; College Majors and Careers

Website Last Updated August 8, 1999

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