Well, we finally made it! The last day of class for my Professional Development Anthropology class. After a very long spring semester in which we talked about so many practical and real-life issues related to all the students future career aspirations whether in anthropology or another related discipline, it was time for each student to share with the class what THEY WANT TO DO WITH THEIR FUTURE CAREER AFTER GRADUATING with a degree in anthropology or related discipline.
As a reminder, this Professional Development Anthropology class major course objectives for students are: (1) To recognize what type of practical skills that you have acquired through your coursework; (2) To recognize how these practical skills whether specializing in archaeology, cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, medical anthropology or other anthropology subspecialties can assist you in obtaining jobs that are based in the field of anthropology or not necessarily anthropologically-related; (3) To research and learn about specific job opportunities and internships related to your area of interest; (4) To provide an opportunity for various organizations at East Carolina University to present information on practical skill building strategies to you; and (5) To provide a forum for you to learn from other students about the practical skills that you have acquired through your anthropological training.
Thirteen students presented their final projects before the entire class. One after another, each student shared their perspective on not only how they felt anthropology (or a related major) helped to find their place in the world but most importantly what they STRONGLY DESIRED AND DREAMED to do in the near future and long-term career plans.
I was THOROUGHLY IMPRESSED and DELIGHTED to hear and see each student’s final project talk. Of course, I believe that this final day showed how important this Professional Developoment Anthropology class is to each student because it gave them a framework, a road-map, a direction and practical skills to use anthropology in fulfilling their utmost career aspirations – whatever that may be!
Check out a few photos from my students and please check out my Facebook page which highlights all of the students’ Professional Development Anthropology final project talk.