Anthropologists are trained to understand and interpret different worldviews and lifeways. As such, anthropology teaches a critical reflexivity about the world that is valuable to many different employers.

Anthropologists work in a range of different areas. These include the non-governmental sector, community and international development, and even human rights work and conservation. Anthropologists also work as researchers in the development of new technologies, the design of culturally appropriate marketing campaigns, and even as business consultants. Still other career options include work in archaeology and forensic anthropology, in arts administration and creative industries, social media organizations, community work, museums and heritage centres, journalism, librarianship, human resources, and the media.

A degree in Anthropology is attractive to employers in any area that requires an ability to think in a critical manner, supported by good communication skills, literacy and digital competence.

Anthropology students at UCC have many career training options at postgraduate level. UCC offers a one-year taught masters in Sociocultural Anthropology, as well as specialized MA courses in areas such as Sociology, Criminology, Ethnomusicology, Human Osteoarcheology, and Museum Studies, among others. This additional year of study, which leads to a second degree, provides job-specific training for different career paths.

Anthropology students have the option of a professional work experience module (PX3001) to support their career development.